Warmoth Versus USA Custom Guitars?

[bassgod76]

I recently upgraded my MIM P-Bass, and enjoyed the challenge of routing and refinishing a once boring bass.

I kind of want to do this again, but I'd like to order a neck and body from a company.

I'm looking at Warmoth and USACG. Can anyone tell me the pros or cons of these companies, and any experiences had?

 

[bassrique]

Someone please correct me if I am wrong:

Warmoth uses metal rods in their necks while USACG uses graphite.

USACG doesn't do neck binding or block inlays.

I think USACG offers more of a choice regarding neck radius.

Warmoth chambers more like Sadowsky:

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while USACG chambers in more of a semi-hollowbody way [no partitioning].

I think Warmoth necks will fit standard Fender pockets there is a caveat, but I don't remember].

 

[bongomania]

Those points match my understanding/recollection as well. Not to knock Warmoth, but my Valenti bass made from USACG parts feels so nice and balances so well that if I was buying parts to put together on my own I would try USACG first.

 

[Eilif]

I have a warmoth P-bass neck on my franken jazz. Warmoth only offers one neck profile, and it is fairly chunky. I knew this before hand, and I like big necks, so it was perfect for me, but I dont think that folks looking for a slimmer or more modern profile would be well served by a warmoth fender pocket neck.

A few other things
1) Warmoth offers fender headstock shapes. USACG does not.
2) Warmoth necks are reportedly heavier. I have ultralights on my neck so it isn't an issue, but it could definatley be an issue if you had a very light body.
3) Warmoth products are a bit less expensive.

I'm really happy with my neck. I like the feel, and it is super stable, but the curious part of me might want to try USACG parts if I build any more basses from "new" parts.

 

[erikbojerik]

Tommy at USACG used to work at Warmoth (shop foreman I think) before he left and started his own gig. Super nice guy to work with, and you'll have more options for the back contour on your neck. Fretwork is also superior to Warmoth. You'll probably have to wait a little longer than Warmoth as USACG typically mills the bodies & necks to order rather than having a big inventory of stuff sitting around.

 

[Darkstrike]

Tommy at USACG used to work at Warmoth (shop foreman I think) before he left and started his own gig. Super nice guy to work with, and you'll have more options for the back contour on your neck. Fretwork is also superior to Warmoth. You'll probably have to wait a little longer than Warmoth as USACG typically mills the bodies & necks to order rather than having a big inventory of stuff sitting around.

Don't they both use standard Fender specs, making the parts interchangable, say, a Warmoth body and USACG neck, if you don't want Warmoths neck profile.

 

[Nino Valenti]

Yes but this only applies to 4 string necks and bodies.

 

[Darkstrike]

Yes but this only applies to 4 string necks and bodies.

Of course, I don't think Fender even have a standard five string profile.

 

[BassJunkie730]

While i have used Warmoth for about ten years and USACG since Tommy opened it.

When I have a project that will be special - my money goes to Tommy every time.

i use Warmoth when i'm trying to find a cheap deal on a prepainted body.


For necks - i ONLY reccommend USACG.

 

[onlyclave]

USACG treats their employees better.

 

[()smoke()]

my warmoth stuff has all been great

 

[dlmarquez]

I have had 2 USACG fretless 4 string necks and 1 Warmoth fretless 4 string neck. Both USACG necks (1 P with ebony board and 1 J with Pau Ferro ) are lighter, feel better, and are more pleasant to play than my Warmoth was. It was a fretless unlined J with a rosewood board
For my money it's USACG every time.. Tommy is great!

 

[bassike]

I was about to order parts from warmoth
And when I had my order ready I sent it by e mail cause I just wanted em to review
If my order made any sense.
So since I never got an answer from them; I decided to not order anything.
I’m not saying that it is a bad company and I want to believe that they never got my e mail.
But this made me realize that I do not really need another bass

 

[ehque]

Bodies.

Warmoth has more choice, really. Many different woods, and more options. Think it wins out here.

Necks.

USACG necks are lighter than warmoth, mainly due to the steel bars used in Warmoth. There's more wood choice if you go warmoth, but then again, many people will go maple, so USACG is fine. I think USACG wins out here.

 

[BurningSkies]

While i have used Warmoth for about ten years and USACG since Tommy opened it.

When I have a project that will be special - my money goes to Tommy every time.

i use Warmoth when i'm trying to find a cheap deal on a prepainted body.


For necks - i ONLY reccommend USACG.

Another vote for Tommy @ USACG. When I did my project, we did a custom neck profile thickness, and he really worked with me in detail to get it right. The work was impeccable on both neck and body (body for the guitar was swamp Ash and 4.6 pounds!).

He got me very nice brazillian rosewood for my fretboard and didn't blink when I asked for clay dots (something they didn't offer at the time). He just told me if I could find them, he could install them. I may have been the first clay dot neck he did (he asked for 2 sets in case they were a problem to install).

Above and beyond all this, he was a pleasure to deal with. Often replying to emails within minutes, late in the evening and even weekends. Very friendly and open to my ideas even if it was extra work.

 

[erikbojerik]

In the past, Tommy has also worked with customers who want him to work on body lumber they supply. One guy had a Jazzmaster guitar made from a single hunk of wenge. I'm not sure if that is still policy or not - but the man will answer if you ask him.

 

[joeyl]

seems like USACG is more flexible, Warmoth has the edge on prepackaged options. I usually browse the showcase on the Warmoth website, you can get unusual ready to go items on there.

 

[fivestringdan]

For necks - i ONLY reccommend USACG.

For real, I did fret leveling on EVERY neck that came into the shop when I was working for gibson. I think it was like 300+ guitars? Warmoth must not spend alot of time fret work.

 

[bassman74]

I used both,warmoth and USACG necks and i sold all the warmoth and replace them by USACG. The fretwork is perfect on all of my USACG necks, the profile and weight is exactly what i'm looking for. They automatically have graphite bars who makes their neck very stable.

For the bodies, i'm really happy with usacg bodies but i have to say that Warmoth are as good as the USACg and they have more body shape...

 

[ethanbowen666]

In the past, Tommy has also worked with customers who want him to work on body lumber they supply. One guy had a Jazzmaster guitar made from a single hunk of wenge. I'm not sure if that is still policy or not - but the man will answer if you ask him.

I'm sending him a plank of Wenge tomorrow to make a neck out of