Andy Eagle ( Guitar repair tech for 30 years )

signalpath said:
Any thoughts on Richlite. I was looking at a Godin nylon string that plays nicely and was somewhat surprised that they make a similar model that is slightly less money and has a rosewood board. I’d probably attribute the difference in price to the electronics but still.
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Richlite is fine, sounds like ebony and holds frets really well. I think it should be more common. Nothing at all to worry about and I don’t think you need to consider it as a cheap option.
 
So 'Bursts are now like Van Goghs (and other iconic Art) and it literally "pays" to make counterfeit copies of the originals.

Man, that is blowing my mind.
 
la szum said:
So 'Bursts are now like Van Goghs (and other iconic Art) and it literally "pays" to make counterfeit copies of the originals.

Man, that is blowing my mind.
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Yes very much so. Pre CBS Strats and Teles are also in there too and far easier to copy.
 
Eagle said:
Yes very much so. Pre CBS Strats and Teles are also in there too and far easier to copy.
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Cough the Harrisons Cough :cop

Actually I don't know why I added the coughs. The Harrisons fakery is well documented and has been proven in court. Robbing bastards that they are.
 
There needs to be proper accountability and provenance now should be tested the same way as it is for fine art. As the prices go upwards the value is now sufficient for serious faking to pay . High quality pieces and by that I mean demonstrably original in 9+ condition can exceed £100k.
 
Okay, here're niche questions about your impressions of Vigier:

How do you feel about the upper fret access? I'm a stickler for easy access to the upper frets, so much so I gave up playing my Les Paul because I felt like my wrist was breaking! The Vigier superstrats all look okay in this regard, but could be better, just judging from photos. Hard to tell though if it feels wonky at all.

Do they tend to lack warmth from the factory? The 1M pots are one hell of a strange choice. That's an easy fix, but still bewildering.

I really want a 22 fret guitar with a locking trem in the future, but Vigier only makes 24 fret guitars with a locking trem. Their 22 fretters all have their 2011 trem. If I were to compromise to buy a 24 fret with a Floyd, is there any way possible to regain the 21 / 22 neck pickup placement magic with a 24 fret? I believe Herman Li's signature Ibanez had a neck pickup meant somehow to address this, but I never played one, and I don't know if that's really possible.

Thanks!
 
State of Epicicity said:
Okay, here're niche questions about your impressions of Vigier:

How do you feel about the upper fret access? I'm a stickler for easy access to the upper frets, so much so I gave up playing my Les Paul because I felt like my wrist was breaking! The Vigier superstrats all look okay in this regard, but could be better, just judging from photos. Hard to tell though if it feels wonky at all.

Do they tend to lack warmth from the factory? The 1M pots are one hell of a strange choice. That's an easy fix, but still bewildering.

I really want a 22 fret guitar with a locking trem in the future, but Vigier only makes 24 fret guitars with a locking trem. Their 22 fretters all have their 2011 trem. If I were to compromise to buy a 24 fret with a Floyd, is there any way possible to regain the 21 / 22 neck pickup placement magic with a 24 fret? I believe Herman Li's signature Ibanez had a neck pickup meant somehow to address this, but I never played one, and I don't know if that's really possible.

Thanks!
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Hi,
Upper fret access is second to none because the body is thinner it feels like a cutaway heel even though it isn't and the lower bout is totally open and free even with the most classical drop hand position. Even easier than the Ibanez AANJ. It lacks a Suhr modern feel like a Les Paul in this regard .
As for lacking warmth, you wouldn't think it had 1m pots so no.
I never bought into the problem of neck pickup position on 24 fret guitars anyway so I don't have any issues with the placement . I would suggest you try the non locking trem as it is practically impossible to put out of tune over the floyd on these but I realise trying one can be a problem.
 
Eagle said:
Hi,
Upper fret access is second to none because the body is thinner it feels like a cutaway heel even though it isn't and the lower bout is totally open and free even with the most classical drop hand position. Even easier than the Ibanez AANJ. It lacks a Suhr modern feel like a Les Paul in this regard .
As for lacking warmth, you wouldn't think it had 1m pots so no.
I never bought into the problem of neck pickup position on 24 fret guitars anyway so I don't have any issues with the placement . I would suggest you try the non locking trem as it is practically impossible to put out of tune over the floyd on these but I realise trying one can be a problem.
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Thanks Andy. Does the 2011 trem have a similar range? I generally float my Floyds, and I'll set my pickup height to allow full movement of the trem for pullups.
 
@Eagle I’ve got a 2019 60’s Roadworn Strat. The E strings occasionally slip off the side of the fretboard while playing.

I’ve read that a bridge with “vintage” (2-7/32”) mounting and “modern” (2-1/16”) string spacing will solve this.

For example, the Callaham V/N:

Callaham Vintage Guitars and Parts (V/N Strat Bridge)

We also sell most of the parts used on our vintage Strat reproduction guitars. ie. Callaham Tremolo Blocks, etc.
www.callahamguitars.com

Or the Fender Highway One bridge:

Vintage/Narrow Strat® Tremolo Assembly, Chrome | Parts

Vintage/Narrow Strat® Tremolo Assembly, Chrome
www.fender.com www.fender.com

Your thoughts on either of these?
 
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Yes that will fix the problem.
The highway one bridge works but is a bit cheap looking. I prefer the Callaham for this .
 
www.ebay.co.uk

Wilkinson WV6-SB Chrome 54mm Vintage Tremolo Bridge For Fender USA Strat Guitar | eBay

Genuine Wilkinson parts, made in Korea. Push in tremolo arm bar, better to use. This tremolo provides the unsurpassed "tone transfer" of a six-screw pivot system with the smooth fulcrum action of a two-pivot set-up.
www.ebay.co.uk
This it actually pretty good and is also the speck you’re looking for. It is a lot better than the fender and is on quite a few high end guitars. Push in bar with a grub screw tensioner on the block. Don’t be put off by the price.
 
Eagle said:
www.ebay.co.uk

Wilkinson WV6-SB Chrome 54mm Vintage Tremolo Bridge For Fender USA Strat Guitar | eBay

Genuine Wilkinson parts, made in Korea. Push in tremolo arm bar, better to use. This tremolo provides the unsurpassed "tone transfer" of a six-screw pivot system with the smooth fulcrum action of a two-pivot set-up.
www.ebay.co.uk
This it actually pretty good and is also the speck you’re looking for. It is a lot better than the fender and is on quite a few high end guitars. Push in bar with a grub screw tensioner on the block. Don’t be put off by the price.
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You recommend the 2-1/8” (54mm) over the 2-1/16” string spacing?
 
Hello Andy, So I really dont want to be bothered with a Floyd Rose, So im looking at this instead but Not crazy about the Bridge
Is there a Possibility of something better or is this bridge good at keeping tune ?

1690976902813.png


What id like to change is the Tuners for Locking and the Bridge

Thank you as always for your valued Input

Cheers
Mike
 
Stone said:
Hello Andy, So I really dont want to be bothered with a Floyd Rose, So im looking at this instead but Not crazy about the Bridge
Is there a Possibility of something better or is this bridge good at keeping tune ?

View attachment 9457

What id like to change is the Tuners for Locking and the Bridge

Thank you as always for your valued Input

Cheers
Mike
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With locking tuners and a well cut nut you should be able to stay in tune pretty well.
 
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