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Custom neck prices...?

cdlynch

cdlynch

Nov 11, 2009
647
690
Boston's Glorious South Shore
www.choochoolarouge.com
#1
I haven't done an exhaustive search yet, but so far it's pretty tough to get a fully customized neck without building myself, which I aspire to, but realistically it may never happen.

I can get close with a Warmoth neck, but I want my truss adjustment at the headstock, which they don't seem to do. I can get a fairly basic neck from them with most of my wishlist for $265, which isn't bad at all, but I'm always looking for a little bit more than what's available because I like to drive myself crazy.

IF it's appropriate to discuss such things here, what would any of you pros charge for this wishlist? I know it'll be higher than Warmoth and other places I looked. I just want to know if I should start saving, or go cry in the corner. Or both. It can always be both.

* 4-string 30" scale neck, 20-21 frets
* 1.5" at nut
* roasted maple neck and fingerboard, unfinished
* Tele headstock, but with a slight tilt-back to avoid string trees
* double acting truss rod, adjusts at the headstock
* basic fretboard and side dots (whatever materials are highest contrast and synthetic)
* no holes in the heel
* flat heel joint, rounded corners

If it's against the rules to answer this in the forum, I'd be happy to hear from anyone in PMs.

Thanks!
 
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#5
My buddy Keith Horne (whose shop is right across the hall from me) can build you that neck for around the same price range as a Warmoth. He's very busy right now, so I'm not sure he will take the job. But you can ask.

Keith can be reached at: [email protected] and 213-400-6702

You can also ask Mike Lipe (www.lipeguitars.com). His shop is also here in the same building as mine, just down the hall. I make up the truss rods and do some of the machining on his necks. Although he's mostly a guitar guy, he will build occasional custom bass necks. We did a 32" inch one a few weeks ago, in roasted maple.

Even a roasted maple neck should have a finish applied, to protect it from moisture. Working with Mike, I've built many hundreds of roasted maple custom necks over the last decade. The roasting process does somewhat seal up the wood, but it still will soak in moisture without a finish on it. Some of ours get clear poly; others get a wipe-on oil varnish. Put something on it, even a couple of coats of Tru-Oil.
 
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#6
Bruce Johnson said:
My buddy Keith Horne (whose shop is right across the hall from me) can build you that neck for around the same price range as a Warmoth. He's very busy right now, so I'm not sure he will take the job. But you can ask.

Keith can be reached at: [email protected] and 213-400-6702

You can also ask Mike Lipe (www.lipeguitars.com). His shop is also here in the same building as mine, just down the hall. I make up the truss rods and do some of the machining on his necks. Although he's mostly a guitar guy, he will build occasional custom bass necks. We did a 32" inch one a few weeks ago, in roasted maple.

Even a roasted maple neck should have a finish applied, to protect it from moisture. Working with Mike, I've built many hundreds of roasted maple custom necks over the last decade. The roasting process does somewhat seal up the wood, but it still will soak in moisture without a finish on it. Some of ours get clear poly; others get a wipe-on oil varnish. Put something on it, even a couple of coats of Tru-Oil.
Click to expand...

Keith is great to work with and made me a nice neck two years ago.
 
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#7
Bruce Johnson said:
My buddy Keith Horne[...]
Click to expand...

Very cool, thank you for the contact info! I'm looking down the barrel of a potentially unpleasant move so I'm still gathering information and trying to maintain an aspirational outlook. Assuming all goes well, I will be able to move on this as a celebration!

I assumed the roasting was enough because Warmoth maintains the warranty without finish, but I'm sure I can handle the Tru-Oil situation. Every kind of finishing scares me, and I need to face that. :)
 

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