TheFretShack

there is a note on the zip lock bag it's in that says "5th string pole lost volume" I assume it's repairable??

Sounds like the pole, which is a rod magnet, was somehow demagnetized. If that's the issue, I have a machine that supplies a good as new easy, fast fix, meaning it's a cheap fix too.

And thanks for the kind words, you're in good hands with Patrick on the installation and whatever else TLC.

Do a Google search for "silk and steel" strings. They are made to give steel strings a softer, more playable feel and sound. Great string for children, new players, players suffering from arthritis and/or weak joints, or for who don't have player calluses.

That $300-350 ... is that for a refret or for a level, recrown and polish? I ask because $350 would be considered very cheap for a refret in most reputable shops, or very expensive for a LCP (even via Plek) in most reputable shops. If the tech to whom you spoke at whatever shop didn't specify more than "fret job," get that question asked before you hand your guitar over. FWIW a $350 refret would have me personally as leery as a $1.99 steak dinner. Don't know if I wanna roll those dice.

It needs fretwork because you played the OEMs down to nothing. Guitars that suck don't get played to that extreme. So it is a no-brainer that you love playing the guitar and that alone makes it worth the investment in the fret bed. Especially if you throw in the sentimental/heirloom value, it's a Matsumoku build (superb), plus any and every other significant factor I could go on and on about.

If you want The Fret Shack to take a look at it, call 917-789-3371 and talk to Patrick Welborn to set up an appointment for inspection, diagnosis and cost estimates. All that is free of charge. He is our new full-time luthier and tech at Fret Shack and he is GOOD. I still own Fret Shack but my focus nowadays is Carondelet.

If you come to see Patrick, you can also talk to me about pickup upgrades.

And right after I posted, USPS delivers two more VERY modified versions of classic Nashville dirt circuits (ODR-1 and Mostortion) from one of my pedal builder buds. Christmas in September.



Andromeda demo

Quantum demo

Labor is more expensive in the USA vs Asia, no question. But be aware that Gibson is NOT union labor. That is one of the main reasons Gibson moved from Kalamazoo (unionized Michigan) to Nashville, TN ... to evade unions.

Other factors that contribute to the higher cost of USA labor vs Asian labor is the former's employee health, dental, eye and life insurance packages, retirement packages, paid vacation and sick leave, workman's comp and other liability insurances, periodic merit and cost of living raises and promotions. AKA, things we all need and want from our employers.

Most players absolutely can afford an expensive guitar, but the approach to gear over the last three decades has favored quantity as much if not more than quality. Look at the catalyst question on this thread for an example, the should I get one "great" or two "good" instruments. When I was younger, we all had one nice electric, one decent backup, one nice acoustic, and that was it. Today, however, that's the exception, not the rule. Most of my clients have no less than a half dozen guitars, with many imports in the mix. Because they can be obtained so easily and cheaply.

Meanwhile, to test affordability alongside price, I just pulled a major retailer's page for a brand new vintage sunburst Gibson SJ-200. Without even looking at my credit score, income or household expenses, the retailer's page says they can put that $5,700 guitar in my hands for $119 a month for 48 months with zero interest.

Google tells me that is equal to the average monthly cable TV bill in America; and about $30 less than the average monthly cell phone bill in America. So nope, if someone wants and fiscally prioritizes owning a really nice, expensive American guitar instead of a half dozen Asian also-rans, there are ABSOLUTELY ways to make it affordable.

With a $2K budget, I'd buy a Gibson Les Paul Classic or SG Standard, before I'd buy anything Epiphone(s). Similar scenario for acoustics, I'd get the nicest J series Gibson I can get within budget before I'd get two Epiphone anything.

Regardless of the path, shop for clean used pieces to maximize bang for buck.

Here's my 1215 Archtone from the late 40s/early 50s. I haven't found the inkstamp with the suffix of the production year to date, I think it was never stamped.



The Archtone 1215 is made out of birch, the entire guitar. Interesting wood choice in that you will recall birch is not a guitar tonewood, it is traditionally a drumshell wood.

Where it gets fun ... The Archtone's birch top has faux grain lines painted on to make the soundboard look like spruce; and the birch sides and back have faux quilt added to make it look like figured maple; and the birch fingerboard is reddish browned to look like rosewood.

I espied it in the back corner of a Plank Road pawn shop about 10 years ago and scored it for I think $200 cash out the door. It plays and sounds absolutely phenomenal which is insane considering it's never had a neck reset. Or if it did, it was among the most pro and cleanest I've ever seen - zero trace evidence.

You made a STELLAR score!

Take the target OD pedals with you to GC and set up an A/B with the TMDR and an all-tube Fender BF or SF reissue of some sort in your preferred size/weight and see if you get better results.

Also, there is a reason the Fender Twin Reverb - BF, SF, RIs - is the most common backline amp in the business. Big, rich, gorgeous cleans with seemingly infinite headroom ... and they love any and all pedals, modelers, fly-rigs, whatever you juice them with. The only drawback is they are big and heavy - which is why I mentioned start with preferred size/weight tube Fenders.

For what it's worth, the best pedal host amp I've ever used in my playing life was an early 70s SS rectifier non-master vol SFTR. MV comps from the mid-70s can probably be found in the current market for around what you paid for that TMDR. And if you're in BR, I have an amp tech that can make that amp SING.

YouTube canned my video for trademark reasons tied to the video's intro music, which is ironic considering the writer/composer of the music in question is the subject and star of the video LOL

The video can be viewed without hassles on Carondelet's Instagram page.

https://www.instagram.com/carondeletpickups/