Warmoth Pro vs. Vintage Modern

[Wildwind]

Yeah, I did do a search, but an hour later don't have an answer.

I have a couple of VM necks and like them. I'm now building a Tele and am about to order a neck. The only ones I can find that meet my specs are Pro construction. I understand it has a different truss rod (heavier and/or more complex system, which is my main concern) and a side adjuster (I'd be curious to know where that resides...).

Anyway, about 10 years ago, I built a Warmoth Strat and the necks they built then (at least the one I ordered) had a much heavier truss rod system and made for a very dead-sounding guitar. A luthier friend told me of his theory and suggested a Carvin neck, which instantly transformed it into a great sounding guitar and I played it that way for many years. It now has a recent vintage VM neck (I wanted a more "correct" look) and it still sounds great.

My concern - are the Pro construction necks going to be like the one I had a long time ago in terms of tone? It played and looked great, but it sounded bad on both guitars I tried it with.

Any help is appreciated - thanks!

 

[rockskate4x]

http://www.warmoth.com/Guitar/Necks/Tele_WarmothPro.aspx

So, you couldn't come up with anything?

 

[OzziePete]

Side adjuster is on the treble side of the heel near about the 18 -20th fret area.

 

[Wildwind]

I found plenty on the Warmoth site - it's here I was looking. I want user opinions/experiences, not Warmoth's. When I talk to them, it's all awesome. But they say that the Pro necks are very similar to what I had before. That's what makes me nervous. I realize it's only $200 and I could re-sell it, but I'd prefer to get it right the first time. And I'd have to order a VM neck right now - 4 to 6 weeks unfinished.

Greg

 

[-CB-]

I put my money on the Vintage Modern with 21 frets, fatback if you please.  Adjusts fine from the nut area

 

[Ace Flibble]

I've got one of each with near identical specs (Tele, standard thin, compound radius, maple back, rosewood fingerboard - only difference is the fret wire and construction type). I ordered the Pro one first because I just assumed it was a better design based on what Warmoth say. Frankly the side adjuster pissed me off so much, that was the main reason for going VM on my second neck. I can't actually notice a difference in weight, tone or stability, literally the only difference as far as I can tell is the VM doesn't bother with the stupid side adjuster. Now I'm only going to be touching Warmoth Pro when I either have to (24.75" conversion) or when I'm using an angled headstock. Otherwise, VM all the way.

 

[Wildwind]

I think I'm agreeing with you. I just hung up with Warmoth. The guy was forthcoming, said the Pro was very similar to my old neck that I didn't care for. He loves them for his style of music, but he's a shredder/metal guy. Not even close to what I do...and this time, maybe it does matter.

He suggested I stick with the VM. Right now they don't any built with the profile I want (either 59 round or Clapton), but I may just order a standard slim and be done with it. They have some nice ones already built. I've played a bunch of Teles with different necks in all price ranges. I can hang with any of the necks and can't find a definitive connection between larger neck and improved tone. One of the best I played was a Custom Shop with a very slender neck.

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Greg

 

[Superlizard]

The guy was forthcoming, said the Pro was very similar to my old neck that I didn't care for. He loves them for his style of music, but he's a shredder/metal guy.

Undoubtedly that heavier truss in the Pro works well for shred/metal - from my own comparative experience, it scoops the mids out.

I don't play that stuff anymore so I always stick to the warm, middy Vintage Modern for "Classique Rawk".