[Matt Crooks]

Originally Posted by Desecrated

If it is true that it would cost 1200-1400 for just that simpel model, I rather buy a hellraiser and add a floyd.

[noodles]

Rob was simply building this for me to try out the design/shape, before putting it into production. It is a workhorse, in no way meant to look visually spectacular. Since a lot of the design of this guitar involved input from people here on the board, I figured I'd post updates along the way. Why is he going to spend a lot of time/money on a prototype? The materials alone for a book matched quilt top is around $500 for a guy that isn't buying in bulk (go check the Jackon Custom Shop's price on the upcharge for a 3/4" quilt maple cap sometime). If people are just going to rag on it for not having a bunch of "OMG LOOK AT THAT!" visual features, then I'm going to start rethinking how many updates I post. Rob's production work stands on its own, but I'm not going to expose prototype design work to unwarranted, non-constructive criticism.

I welcome all constructive criticism, like comments about wanting the horns rounder, can it be had with a pitched neck, I would prefer a different headstock design, and so on. If you really need to see pretty pictures of what Rob is capable of, then I refer you to his production work. Here is something to look at:

Logo is carved into the body wood:


Double-neck, note the Eye of Ra burned into the upper neck:


Mother of pearl skulls with abalone brains:


My V7, with black bevels and mother of pearl iron crosses:


A new V design:


Same V, note the multicolor paint and and fully profiled horns:


When this guitar comes in, I'm going to be taking plenty of pictures. It has a black/green flip/flop paintjob that these pics are doing no justice to. Plus, the damn thing isn't even buffed out yet! The most important thing to remember is this guitar will sound better and play better than anything currently on the market. The only thing that even comes close is an EBMM JP7. If you think a Hellraiser is good enough, then more power to you. The target customer for this guitar is someone frustrated with the limitations of the market, and lack of all but one high-end seven string production guitar.

[jacksonplayer]

Noodles, I wouldn't take any of this personally. I think most of us get the point what the superstrat prototype is, and most of the comments the other way seem rather off-the-cuff.

Anyone who spends five minutes at the KxK site will be plenty impressed with what Rob is capable of.

[Cancer]

Originally Posted by noodles

Rob was simply building this for me to try out the design/shape, before putting it into production. It is a workhorse, in no way meant to look visually spectacular. Since a lot of the design of this guitar involved input from people here on the board, I figured I'd post updates along the way. If people are just going to rag on it for not having a bunch of "OMG LOOK AT THAT!" visual features, then I'm going to start rethinking how many updates I post. Rob's production work stands on its own, but I'm not going to expose prototype design work to unwarranted, non-constructive criticism.

Never you mind the naysayers young Jedi...

I, for one, appreciate the builders that have come here, asked for input, and responded in kind, and I don't think I'm alone in that appreciation...

[VforVendetta00]

hahaha, damn right i wanna pump up robs rep. i originally bought the KXK on an impulse, hell i wasn't even sure i was gonna keep it cause my ergo kicks sooo much ass, but goddamn when i got it i was freakin blown away, i couldn't believe it. specially since i bugged Rob about changing a bunch of stuff and adding things and you couldn't deal with a nicer dude. i wish i could justify having another 3 guitars so i could get more KXKs! oh and i wish i could get a new car, the V is like 4ft long and my car is way too small! lol

i simply can't justify paying more than $500 for a production guitar. not when i can put down the same $500 and save up during the build and then have a fully custom instrument. and $2K for a new universe? are they smoking crack?!

[Cancer]

Originally Posted by Desecrated

I think it is a bad idea to build such a simpel model as prototype AND post it on this board (i get the idea of building a simpel prototype to figure out some details but If your going public with it, it might need something more).

See, maybe its me, I'm the opposite, BUT I feel like I've literally watched this thing grow from conception to playable instrument. I've never played a KxK before, and ultimately I may not like it (kinda unlikely if it's like an RG but possible). I remember Dave cooming here and literally going "What do you guys want?", and I remember my responses, some of which I AM NOW SEEING ON THIS GUITAR.

Like:
a. the change is old KxK superstrat shape, or
b. the shortening of the headstock,
c. just the idea that the OFR-7 is an option again (it was going to go bye bye for moment there wasn't it?).

Point being is I'm (currently) a no name in the 7 string guitar thing, and my voice was heard. I've bought Carvins and Ibanez's who haven't heard a word I've said (not from lack of trying either mind you), and yet I feel like I was heard from a company who I've never given (yet) a single dime.

[JJ Rodriguez]

Not to mention, if he had built one with options coming out the ass for a prototype, every nit picker would just be like "Oh, I'd like it if it didn't have (insert random option here)". I have a feeling that the criticism would be even worse if it was fully loaded. If he had put EMG's, EMG haters would take one look and forget about the thread, etc. I don't understand why you wouldn't be able to look at a blank guitar and envision your very own custom. It's a lot easier to imagine something on a blank template than it is to change the whole thing.

[NDG]

To what extent will this guitar dwarf noodles I wonder.

[jacksonplayer]

Originally Posted by Mahathera

To what extent will this guitar dwarf noodles I wonder.

It's going to have a seat attached to it.

[Jeff]

Originally Posted by psyphre

See, maybe its me, I'm the opposite, BUT I feel like I've literally watched this thing grow from conception to playable instrument. I've never played a KxK before, and ultimately I may not like it (kinda unlikely if it's like an RG but possible). I remember Dave cooming here and literally going "What do you guys want?", and I remember my responses, some of which I AM NOW SEEING ON THIS GUITAR.

Like:
a. the change is old KxK superstrat shape, or
b. the shortening of the headstock,
c. just the idea that the OFR-7 is an option again (it was going to go bye bye for moment there wasn't it?).

Point being is I'm (currently) a no name in the 7 string guitar thing, and my voice was heard. I've bought Carvins and Ibanez's who haven't heard a word I've said (not from lack of trying either mind you), and yet I feel like I was heard from a company who I've never given (yet) a single dime.

That's kinda how I am. I remember seeing the drawings, and now it's like wow! A real guitar, and a cool one at that. Sure I'd make make changes, but that's to be expected when it's A. a prototype and B. what someone else would like, and not necessarily what everyone would. The basic foundation, i.e. a high quality neckthru RG shape, is the important part, and it looks fantastic. I dig the bridge, and I am not quite sure I understand what the neck angle issue is that some are talking about. Perhaps another "feel" preference, I dunno.

I even dig the color. I'd just change the pickup, add another, and opt for the other KxK headstock style (4+3 or whatever).