New KNS Build (aka, Smell the Glove or Fingerprint Magnet)

[superjudge]

I have had this Klōs carbon fiber neck for a little while now, just waiting to find a home. I tried it on a couple different Strat bodies (1 Warmoth, 1 Fender MIM), and while it was fine in each case it felt like the neck wanted a different body. (Incidentally, both of those Strat bodies have since found their forever necks). I have been interested in the KNS body since it’s been available, so decided I'd give it shot to see if this is what the Klōs wants.

I went with a Basswood Hardtail body figuring that coupled with the carbon fiber neck it would be on the lighter side of things. I decided to have Warmoth finish it for me this time, and I thought “Gloss Black, man wouldn't that look good with the carbon fiber.” Made the mistake of thinking I could do a “none more black guitar” with no consequences. Taking the body out of the box immediately reminded me that this thing will never be free of fingerprints. Oh well. I think the aesthetic still works.

Anyway. I am going with Wilde L90s for the pickups (4.0H in the neck and 6.0H for the bridge) with PTB wiring. I have a Hipshot hardtail and other black hardware to finish it out.

First impressions of the KNS body is that I really like it. Looks much better in person than what the website showed me. For some reason I thought it would be bigger and maybe a little awkward. I will have more to report once I get everything assembled and get some playing time on it.

As for now here are some preliminary pics.

 

[Spud]

I have had this Klōs carbon fiber neck for a little while now, just waiting to find a home. I tried it on a couple different Strat bodies (1 Warmoth, 1 Fender MIM), and while it was fine in each case it felt like the neck wanted a different body. (Incidentally, both of those Strat bodies have since found their forever necks). I have been interested in the KNS body since it’s been available, so decided I'd give it shot to see if this is what the Klōs wants.

I went with a Basswood Hardtail body figuring that coupled with the carbon fiber neck it would be on the lighter side of things. I decided to have Warmoth finish it for me this time, and I thought “Gloss Black, man wouldn't that look good with the carbon fiber.” Made the mistake of thinking I could do a “none more black guitar” with no consequences. Taking the body out of the box immediately reminded me that this thing will never be free of fingerprints. Oh well. I think the aesthetic still works.

Anyway. I am going with Wilde L90s for the pickups (4.0H in the neck and 6.0H for the bridge) with PTB wiring. I have a Hipshot hardtail and other black hardware to finish it out.

First impressions of the KNS body is that I really like it. Looks much better in person than what the website showed me. For some reason I thought it would be bigger and maybe a little awkward. I will have more to report once I get everything assembled and get some playing time on it.

As for now here are some preliminary pics.

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Love those pickups!!

 

[superjudge]

So, I think this is about done. Still need to finish the setup and get it properly intonated, but it is all assembled any playing pretty well. Fought the wiring a bit for a couple of days. I thought I had it wired up correctly, but couldn't get any sound. Re-soldered a couple of things and contemplated ripping everything out and going with a different wiring idea. Then I realized the output jack (Pure Tone) was the issue. The connections with my guitar cable were too loose, sending no signal. Squeezed 'em a bit with some pliers, and voila, let there be sound.

I am really enjoying the KNS body. It plays really comfortably while standing. I think I like it more than my Strats. It could also be that with the carbon fiber neck it comes in at under 7.5 lbs.

 

[Spud]

So, I think this is about done. Still need to finish the setup and get it properly intonated, but it is all assembled any playing pretty well. Fought the wiring a bit for a couple of days. I thought I had it wired up correctly, but couldn't get any sound. Re-soldered a couple of things and contemplated ripping everything out and going with a different wiring idea. Then I realized the output jack (Pure Tone) was the issue. The connections with my guitar cable were too loose, sending no signal. Squeezed 'em a bit with some pliers, and voila, let there be sound.

I am really enjoying the KNS body. It plays really comfortably while standing. I think I like it more than my Strats. It could also be that with the carbon fiber neck it comes in at under 7.5 lbs.

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How are you liking the pickups?

 

[teleme01]

Dark on dark looks awesome

 

[superjudge]

How are you liking the pickups?

I am liking them quite a bit. These are my first Wilde/Bill Lawrence humbuckers, so still getting a feel for them. I went with the 4.0H in the neck and 6.0H for the bridge. I do wonder what the 8.0H would do in the bridge, though.

 

[superjudge]

Dark on dark looks awesome

Thanks. I like the way it turned out as well, but I swear just looking at it somehow leaves fingerprints.

 

[Spud]

I am liking them quite a bit. These are my first Wilde/Bill Lawrence humbuckers, so still getting a feel for them. I went with the 4.0H in the neck and 6.0H for the bridge. I do wonder what the 8.0H would do in the bridge, though.

Ya, I have two sets of 6.0 neck and 8.0 bridge and like them. Not tried any other configurations. The 8.0H doesn't get all dark or anything, just a tad more power.

 

[WarmothRules]

Looks like the right body with the right neck