Anybody Completed a Warmouth Deluxe 5 Yet?

I'm *real* curious about how the Warmouth Deluxe 5 neck performs.

Doing the math, I came to $762 for a Deluxe 5 project, and this is without pickups or controls. This ain't cheap by a long shot, and risky considering the resale is about zilch if the bass doesn't perform.

Anybody?

 

Thanks! My question is specifically about the Warmouth neck with the two steel stiffening rods installed.

1) Is it "neck heavy"... does the neck dive when you let go of it?

2) How is the playability?

3) Any dead spots or other issues?

I have an RB5 with the thin "C" width neck, and I completely enjoy the size and spacing. The closest I can find commercially for what I want is the Mike Lull P5, but it is VERY pricey and 35" scale.

What I'm considering building is the Deluxe 5 with P/J passive electronics. I want to use Alder and a pick guard to make it look more like a conventional Fender. The plan is to pay Warmouth to do a solid color finish, and a clear satin finish on the neck. Neck would be hard maple + pau ferro.

Which bridge and tuners did you use?

 

[ bump ]

Nino?

 

Nino,

What is your take on the Gotoh GB7 vs the Schaller BMFL type tuners? I was wondering if the Gotoh are cheesy at all, or if there is any advantage to Schallers.

My only Gotoh experience is the massive bridge I have on my RB5. I can't seem to find that seem bridge, even on the Gotoh web site. A drag, as I really like this bridge. Solid, adjustable in all planes, include string spacing. Through-body, or through-bridge stringing, and LOTS of screws to hold it to the body.

Did you have Warmouth do the finish work?

My plan is to have them do all the paint, clear satin on the neck, etc.

Other than care, any other words of wisdom or potential gotchas...?

 

There was a Gotoh GC5 5-string bridge on the Warmoth thrift store, so I called about it. Guy didn't know anything about it, didn't have it, and said the GC5 is discontinued. Bummer, as this is the same bridge on my Fender RB5.

He then told me I can't get the Deluxe 5 body with conventional P/J routing and a control cavity. Yuck. I don't like knob-through wood designs... no pickguard make 'em look naked, IMO.

I can get the stainless frets installed on the Deluxe 5 "C" style neck for an extra $20. The sad part, the guy gave me no sense of understanding what I was asking him. I asked about the neck, and he kept telling me about bridges... not confidence inspiring at all.

I'm not ready to jump yet, so hopefully will get a different body with better answers next time.