My First Build - finished pictures a few pages in

[dNA]

If adding a string tree changed the tension on the string, it would have also changed the pitch, which is NFG.

Well it was my understanding that string trees are there to create a steeper break angle at the nut, because otherwise there's not enough downward force to properly transfer the vibrations from the string. That's what I meant by the right amount of tension. And they do change the tension, but that's what tuners are for.

 

[Cagey]

Well it was my understanding that string trees are there to create a steeper break angle at the nut, because otherwise there's not enough downward force to properly transfer the vibrations from the string. That's what I meant by the right amount of tension. And they do change the tension, but that's what tuners are for.

They are there to create a steeper angle at the nut; that's what I said:

What the string trees are for is to put a steeper angle on the string at the nut so it has less tendency to jump out of its slot from bending or heavy strumming. Usually, they're only needed if the nut wasn't cut properly.

But, it's not to increase energy transfer, it's to hold them in place. I haven't used them in years because I always put good nuts on my necks.

What would change the tension on a string is if you lengthened it or changed the gauge and tuned it to the same pitch as the previous string, or tuned the same length/diameter string to a higher pitch.

 

[tfarny]

String trees re-create the nut break angle that ALL other stringed instruments except for Fender has - the concept is EXACTLY the same as what goes on at the bridge - a good solid break angle "STOPS" the vibes from passing through to the anchor point, giving you more volume and sustain from the string. It's a principle that is implemented on every single stringed instrument around. Fender was building one-piece necks because it was cheaper to do so, and the string tree got around the problem. A proper nut is one that does not grab the string, and therefore needs a tree behind it to keep the string in place.

 

[Cagey]

Occam's Razor says I'm right. That, and logic. Besides, I read it on the interwebs, where they wouldn't print it if it wasn't true <grin>

 

[dNA]

Both points well taken. more like the one.. but i won't specify which one. I would like to now save my thread from total derailment - kinda like the GAS thread that became a 3 page discussion on stainless steel frets.


I want more lows out of this guitar without sacrificing sustain or clarity - I'm thinking I'll probably change the neck out for something warmer. But what? Options:
Maple/rosewood (not enough of a difference?)
Canary/rosewood (looked beautiful on a walnut strat I saw)
Walnut/ebony
1-Piece Goncalo Alves (very tempting)
Goncalo/Pau Ferro
1 piece rosewood (probably not affordable)
something else?

 

[Cagey]

The rosewood over canary combo is your best bet.

 

[dNA]

Pictures

 

[joelmit]

Looks great love it! :kewlpics:

 

[Patrick]

i love the gold hardware on that  :icon_thumright:

 

[Paul-less]

Beautiful guitar.

Beautiful Mesa. What model is it? I can't quite see... Sorry to hijack your topic, but do you recommend that amp? My H&K is on the frits, so I NEED a reliable amp.

 

[Cagey]

When using vacuum tubes, "Reliable amp" becomes an oxymoron. Among many other reasons, that's why so few things are built that use tubes these days. If you must use tube-based amplifiers, you're actually better off finding a less expensive unit that sounds the way you want it to and buy multiples of it. That way, you'll be able to rotate them through service as maintenance becomes necessary. You can generally buy 3 or 4 of the mainstream models for what a boutique model costs.

 

[dNA]

no problem hijacking the thread. I totally have to put this in "complete" section anyway.

You can generally buy 3 or 4 of the mainstream models for what a boutique model costs.

Is Mesa considered a boutique amp company? This is a Nomad 45. 45 watts, 2x12, 3 channel amplifier w/ reverb, solo boost, and parallel effects loop.
First channel is clean, 2nd is vintage gain, and 3rd is modern high-gain. Each channel has 2 switchable modes, too. and there's a power amp switch called "normal" and "extreme" which I think is actually just 15 watts or 45 watts. I'd have to look it up. either way, it's a very tweakable, versatile amp.

My experience owning amplifiers is minimal. It's only the 3rd amp i've owned (not counting the piece of junk that came in my Squier Strat-Pack) and the 2nd tube amp (the first of which was a DeVille 2x12 which was very boomy and muddy in my experience). Personally, I think this thing is pretty great considering I definitely didn't pay boutique prices for it. Good cleans, good distortion, pretty good reverb (though I'd probably replace it w/ a Type 4 which is the classic Fender verb sound). Loud enough to gig with. The reverb is a little noisy, which I'll have to have checked out sooner or later (when I move to a town that has more options than the ONE guy who does amp work for a 100 mile radius here).


I'm considering selling it to get something more minimal, because I've recently been playing just on channel 2 and just turning the volume down to get my clean tones. My whole life i never understood people using one-channel amplifiers, but now I finally do. I never use the 3rd channel anymore, because I used to like playing a lot of heavy metal and nowadays it's like 1% of the time. I think for someone interested in a versatile amp, this is a great amp that flies below the radar

 

[Alfang]

Can you believe the last lap crash at pocono speedway sunday? OMG took out like 12 cars

 

[joelmit]

Beautiful guitar.

Beautiful Mesa. What model is it? I can't quite see... Sorry to hijack your topic, but do you recommend that amp? My H&K is on the frits, so I NEED a reliable amp.

You should check out the Engl Special Edition. Wouldn't consider it a boutique but it's definitely a cover-all amp. I played one about a year ago. I'll be buying one my next tax check.

 

[Cagey]

Is Mesa considered a boutique amp company? This is a Nomad 45. 45 watts, 2x12, 3 channel amplifier w/ reverb, solo boost, and parallel effects loop.

Well, I'm showing my age a bit. Back 100 years ago when Mesa came out with their first amp(s), the "boutique" adjective had never been applied to an amp, and wouldn't be for a number of years to come. But, back then, that's what they were. Unusual (at the time) design in many ways with a variety of features only known previously to the select few in the modder world, milspec components and construction, somewhat limited availability with restricted distribution, and a price that instilled shock and awe. I mean, at the time, you could buy a full-blown Marshall stack for what a Mesa combo amp cost.

Times have changed, of course. Mesas still aren't cheap, but they're actually reasonable compared to some of the little artworks out there, and Marshall got religion about pricing. But, in between then and now, China was opened up for trade and it became possible to build things for dramatically less than was previously possible. Naturally, few of those savings were passed on to the players, but that's no surprise. At least, that is, until recent years. Now there are some really wicked amps and special effects available at prices we haven't seen in decades, if ever. It's a good time to be a guitar player.

 

[dNA]

yeah man. I was really surprised at how much amp i got for my money when i got this thing.