ezbass

Mmm, minty fresh headstock.

Nice 339 (where's the rest of it? ), I really like the tuning keys on these and wish the Casino came with them. I can't see anything wrong with your plan and given Epis are poly coated, I'm wondering if you need to mask off (won't hurt of course).

Fully hollow, light as a feather (at least it was until I stuck a Bigsby on it). Needed a fret dress as there were a couple of high frets up at the dusty end (they were a bit rough too) but the job they did at Guitar Guitar, Epsom was top notch - money well spent. The neck is quite chunky, but not uncomfortably so and makes it feel a bit more ‘solid’. What’s sauce for the goose, etc...

I’ve always been of the opinion that the biggest influences on tone are the transducers in the signal chain. These would be the components that turn mechanical energy into electrical impulses. In the case of the electric guitar these would be the pickups. Everything has a contributory effect, but they are all (mostly) subservient to the transducer.

No worries.

First of all Secondly, I can’t help you with the make, but there is something Aria like about the body shape.

I really like the 339’s proportions and the split coil facility is great (why Gibson don’t do this is just odd). I nearly bought one myself but went for the Casino Coupé instead, as I preferred the P90s. BTW - pics or it didn’t happen

I’d’ve been on a Steve Rothery kick recently, so the SD-1 would get my vote (his is modded, however).

That black is classy. 2 more new guitars! I think @EdwardMarlowe might have a point about the new premises .

The CV 50s Tele is a great guitar, I have one myself and, for full disclosure, I’m a huge Tele fan. So with that stated, let’s move along. The Strat and Tele are quite different and not just in looks. Both guitars are versatile and can be used for any number of genres (just take a look at the wide range of styles users of them cover). The Strat has more pickup combinations and, therefore, more tones, but some folk just love the simplicity of the Tele and the need to work a little harder to get more tones out of it (a worthwhile endeavour IMO). The Tele seems to have a harder note attack which is no small way due to it being a hardtail guitar as opposed to the Strat’s trem bridge and it’s this that will probably influence your choice the most - do you want a whammy bar? Then you have the contoured, sculpted body of the Strat Vs the ‘plank of wood’ that is the Tele (part of its charm). Playability are going to be similar (body contours notwithstanding). So to sum up, do you want a wider range of pickup tones and a trem arm or a simple, no nonsense, workhorse?

I think it sometimes leads to a product with better hardware than standard and sometimes just a great product all round (the Steve Vai Gem for instance). However, your question, "Is it just a cynical marketing ploy to persuade bedroom players that they can sound just like their guitar hero?" if often nearer to the truth, sadly.

A small table I made from a spare Tele body and a standard lamp from a telescope tripod.

Absolutely, good attitude. Once you've got it down, you never really lose it and it certainly bothers you less.

Ah, I remember those days and bloody infuriating they were too! The only bone I can throw is that the more you do it, the better you get at it - sorry, it really is a case of practise, practise, practise. What I will say, which is something no one told me way back when, is that the better you get at it, the less you tend to play all six strings anyway. You learn to use the flavour of the voicing from just four notes (sometimes less) and rarely invoke the rowdiness of an all string voicing (Andy Summers is a perfect example of this in songs like Message in a Bottle). In short, keep at it, the strength will come as with most physical activities.

Black for me. These bad boys benefit from a decent setup, the singer/guitarist in one of my bands has one of these and pre setup, it was a tuning PITA (still not a breeze, but better).

I can’t help with any suggestions, but I’m intrigued by your vision. I’m pulling up a chair, kicking off my shoes (sorry about the smell) and watching with interest.

Just drill a hole on the opposite side and fit the jack there. I can't see there being much on the inside of these to get in the way of you doing that.

OK, I had no idea. That’d be an issue for the mods I guess.

Gah, so many different things, but I'm guessing that few of them will be pertinent . If it's with regard to your DT projects, then I'd probably go down the case route (I like a combined stool and stand, but there's little I can think of that would improve on products already out there, so if you decide on that, copy what's available). A robust, yet lightweight case that securely holds your instrument, pedals and bits and bobs is something I'd look at (individual, customisable compartments for the pedals and accessories would be a nice touch). Good luck with your project and don't forget to share some photos when you're done.

I think buy which one you like the look of and will make you want to play it. Any shortcomings can be sorted out by a setup or hardware upgrade. Perhaps the Epi might hold its value better should you move it along, but I may be wrong there (it's certainly true of basses).

Lee Sklar and Guy Pratt’s, new lockdown channels are high on my list these days (well I am primarily a bass player). https://youtu.be/gKFJsxEMHMQ

I like that one too. Danish Pete seems a great guy and a quality player into the bargain. His playing is so effortless and tasteful.

@Jazz Club have you been keeping Thomann in business all on your own? Some cool purchases there. I particularly like this one

Anyone remember the Bond Electraglide?

Hubba, hubba!