Idea for next Warmoth: Modern Silverburst Reverse Firebird

[RockStarNick]

I think I have a problem. I'm completely addicted to making my own guitars.

The past Warmoths I've built (and properly setup) have just been amazing sounding and playing guitars. Running at about $1000 each total, I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. They're just perfectly suited to me and my playing style and tone.

I've always been a fan of Gibson Firebirds looks, but they're heavy, they have mini hums, the neck is big, the whole thing is neck heavy, and the banjo tuners are just plain silly.

I did a rough photoshop job of THIS today: I'm thinking chambered mahogany body, some MCP Torques, normal tuners, nice slim neck, ebony board, and I'm thinking a Silverburst finish.

What do you guys think? A modern, highly playable update on the Firebird.

 

[kasperjensen]

Yeah that should look really cool!

I have wanted to order Warmoth parts for ages now... I seems like a good product!

 

[Klark]

I agree Nick, my three Warmoth builds have been the best guitars I've ever built or bought. Getting ready to build three more actually!

Humbuckers & good tuners would be my choice as well. Mini's are cool, but not cool enough to dedicate an entire build to them.

I'm not a big fan of the silver burst, just doesn't look completed too me. I'd have to say some kind of blue candy or sparkle would be very cool, and it would be 100% out of phase with the typical (boring) maroon/wine-red Gibson Thunderbird color.

Also, any reason you're not doing a stop tailpiece and tuneomatic bridge?

 

[RockStarNick]

I agree Nick, my three Warmoth builds have been the best guitars I've ever built or bought. Getting ready to build three more actually!

Humbuckers & good tuners would be my choice as well. Mini's are cool, but not cool enough to dedicate an entire build to them.

I'm not a big fan of the silver burst, just doesn't look completed too me. I'd have to say some kind of blue candy or sparkle would be very cool, and it would be 100% out of phase with the typical (boring) maroon/wine-red Gibson Thunderbird color.

Also, any reason you're not doing a stop tailpiece and tuneomatic bridge?

It's all about the setup. People give Warmoth a bad name, and throw around the term "parts-o-caster" all too often. Mainly, that's because if you buy a great body, and a great neck, from warmoth, and slap it together in 2 hours, then yeah - it will play like absolute hell. As good as Warmoth stuff is, it's never, I repeat, NEVER, ready to go right out of the box.

You gotta have the fretting and nut tools. You gotta put in the time to LEARN how to use them properly. And you have to put in the time again to actually do the frets and nut with precision. Level, crown, check, repeat, polish, etc.

Finish: I'm SO bored of the wine red!!! Funny you mention something candy sparkle - I have a LP Studio I refinished in Silver Glitter flake. Perhaps it needs a brother... I'll have to think about that.

Bridge: I dunno, I guess I just figured if I was going to try to make it super sleek, go with something really low profile. I LOVE the Gotoh fixed hardtail strat bridge.

 

[CaseyCor]

Oh, how I love Firebirds and Silverburst

I'd suggest changing the bridge to a Gibson style Tune-O-Matic, and maybe going with a more traditional burst pattern instead of the more modern "Silver with a black border" look. It looks great that way, but it's just not Silverburst, IMO.

I wonder what a translucent Silverburst would look like over a flamed maple top. It that possible?

 

[Klark]

It's all about the setup. People give Warmoth a bad name, and throw around the term "parts-o-caster" all too often. Mainly, that's because if you buy a great body, and a great neck, from warmoth, and slap it together in 2 hours, then yeah - it will play like absolute hell. As good as Warmoth stuff is, it's never, I repeat, NEVER, ready to go right out of the box.

You gotta have the fretting and nut tools. You gotta put in the time to LEARN how to use them properly. And you have to put in the time again to actually do the frets and nut with precision. Level, crown, check, repeat, polish, etc.

Yep, without a doubt. I just ordered a new set of fret files because I know I'm building another three Warmoths, and why pay my local guy when I can just do it myself.

Bridge: I dunno, I guess I just figured if I was going to try to make it super sleek, go with something really low profile. I LOVE the Gotoh fixed hardtail strat bridge.

Yep, just like their Floyd, their hardtail is noticeably better than the others. I just installed my first Gotoh floyd on one of my Warmoths, and damn, I wish I would have found out years ago. SO much better!

 

[CaseyCor]

What about one of those Floyd Rose Speedloader hardtail bridges? I don't see much talk about them here. I like the idea a lot. Pair it up with some locking tuners and string changing would take like 3 minutes

 

[kriswatts]

I just put together a Firebird type guitar. Beautiful swamp ash Warmoth body with "Mary Kay" Trans White finish and a rosewood/birds eye Strat neck. Single TV Jones Powertron (+) and one vol one tone. Gibson style bridge etc. Simple and outstanding. I went with Sperzels for tuning machines and they are EXCELLENT. I opted against locking tuners and I couldn't be happier with these machines.

My biggest worry was that it would be a 'neck diver' once put together - and that was confirmed upon the initial set up. BALANCE...Not horrible, and I can live with it...for now - but just consider how your guitar will balance when you are ordering parts. My bird wants to dive a bit. Playing live I haven't noticed it (sounds stupid, but maybe my strap bonds to my shoulder with a bit of body heat!??? wtf?)

Overall - I love the guitar. The TV Jones Powertron (+) is outstanding, by the way. Clear and loud and BALLS. The guitar is huge, also. Looks and plays great. Keep in mind that it won't fit in a Firebird case because of he Fender style heel.

I'll follow with pics once I get some decent ones.

Good luck. I love having a unique guitar - my custom model if you will...

 

[CaseyCor]

I just put together a Firebird type guitar. Beautiful swamp ash Warmoth body with "Mary Kay" Trans White finish and a rosewood/birds eye Strat neck. Single TV Jones Powertron (+) and one vol one tone. Gibson style bridge etc. Simple and outstanding. I went with Sperzels for tuning machines and they are EXCELLENT. I opted against locking tuners and I couldn't be happier with these machines.

My biggest worry was that it would be a 'neck diver' once put together - and that was confirmed upon the initial set up. BALANCE...Not horrible, and I can live with it...for now - but just consider how your guitar will balance when you are ordering parts. My bird wants to dive a bit. Playing live I haven't noticed it (sounds stupid, but maybe my strap bonds to my shoulder with a bit of body heat!??? wtf?)

Overall - I love the guitar. The TV Jones Powertron (+) is outstanding, by the way. Clear and loud and BALLS. The guitar is huge, also. Looks and plays great. Keep in mind that it won't fit in a Firebird case because of he Fender style heel.

I'll follow with pics once I get some decent ones.

Good luck. I love having a unique guitar - my custom model if you will...

Sounds sweet! Maybe switch to a thicker leather strap to help with the balance issues.

Pictures!!