New project guitar

TMM · 01-28-2008, 11:52 PM

So, the M207 finally arrived from Anchorage, AK, a week later than originally forecast... oh well.

Here's the plan... we'll be starting with a plain old M207, which happens to have a pretty nice neck on it already and the last 4 frets scalloped (well).

1) The lower horn will be removed for even better upper fret access

2) The headstock will be reshaped to resemble the most badass headstocks in the history of electric guitar

3) The entire guitar, body and headstock, will be sanded down and refinished with a dark walnut stain and satin finish.

4) The Guitarheads pickups that the guitar came with will be replaced by the 707/81-7 pair I have just waiting to get some play time

5) The ever classy Vai monkey grip will be added

6) And of course........ the trem will be unblocked as soon as I can find some damn clamps/screws, because apparently you lose those when you ship a guitar from AK to NH.

Let me know what you think... any suggestions?

Here are some impressionistic Paint examples of my plan (minus the finish... that would have been pretty tough). I hope to have it more or less finished and drying by the end of the weekend.

Metal Ken · 01-28-2008, 11:56 PM

this...is a photoshop, right?

Ah, yeah.

I dunno, in theory it sounds good, but i dont think the mockups turned out too hot....

TMM · 01-28-2008, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metal Ken

this...is a photoshop, right?

Ah, yeah.

I dunno, in theory it sounds good, but i dont think the mockups turned out too hot....

Haha yeah, I wasn't looking to impress with my award-winning Paint skills. I'm thinking I may even have someone with a real CNC machine make the monkey grip, because I'm not confident in my ability to do that well. The rest of it should be pretty straightforward.

Metal Ken · 01-29-2008, 12:02 AM

that guitar has decent enough access.. how much access do you really need? I think the removal of the lower horn and the handle wouldnt look good in combination, either one or the other. that said, steps 3-6 look like a good idea.

TMM · 01-29-2008, 12:07 AM

Here's what inspired the loss of lower horn... a guitar I used to own, and loved the playability from 18-24

(note: the headstock motif was not my doing...)

skinhead · 01-29-2008, 12:14 AM

I wouldn't do it. It looks pretty metal original.

wannabguitarist · 01-29-2008, 12:17 AM

Everything sounds good except for the monkey grip

NickCormier · 01-29-2008, 12:59 AM

Points for originality.

Ruins · 01-29-2008, 01:03 AM

i don't think that its good idea to make your headstock so much nerro it might be dangerous leave alil bit more wood at least until the 4th tuner
besides that i am looking forward for some pics of you in action and final result

JPMDan · 01-29-2008, 02:30 AM

I wouldn't mess with the lower horn but the head stock reshape and monkey grip looks like a nice add. The Walnut finish shall look good as well.

WarriorOfMetal · 01-29-2008, 02:37 AM

well, it's certainly.......unique

itsallinmyh3ad · 01-29-2008, 02:47 AM

Man...If it were me, I wouldn't even think of touching that lower horn. Looks...hideous.

The headstock looks alright though.

Apophis · 01-29-2008, 05:08 AM

It's ... unique ...

TMM · 01-29-2008, 08:31 AM

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I'm considering not doing the lower horn removal, though not completely convinced. It's not a beauty competition, so if it's just because it will look a little awkward, that doesn't bother me. I really loved how it felt on the last one I had, but we'll see.

I agree with Ken's comment of either doing the monkey grip or the horn, but not both.

What's the opinion on finishing the headstock? I want to do the same walnut stain, but should I only do it on the face, or sides and back too, going down to the edge of the volute?

BigM555 · 01-29-2008, 08:38 AM

I'd also be concerned about the strength of the headstock, looks very fragile. You might be able to get away with it if it's reinforced (graphite strip in the back, etc.)

If you like the lower horn idea go for it. I'd nix the monkey grip though. Just doesn't look right if it's not on a JEM.

Apophis · 01-29-2008, 08:40 AM

work on that headstock shape

ukfswmart · 01-29-2008, 09:16 AM

Whilst Blackmachine build their headstocks like that, I'm pretty sure Doug reinforces it to take the stress on such a small amount of wood. That headstock on the ESP won't be designed to cope with the added strain, so I'm not sure such a reworking is a good idea

the.godfather · 01-29-2008, 09:21 AM

I would leave it as is. Change some pickups/hardware maybe, but removing that much wood from the headstock/body is bound to make a difference in tone. And will most probably ruin it.

Good luck to ya if you do go for it, your a braver man than I.

djpharoah · 01-29-2008, 09:57 AM

I would leave out the monkey grip as it just doesn't look right and will end up looking like you wanted to make your LTD into a JEM which it clearly isn't. Also regarding the headstock, dont know if you remove that much wood it the headstock can support the string tension. I dont know if blackmachine uses a different wood other than maple or even a composite but thats probably how they can manage to shape their headstock like that. I also feel the lower horn should just be scooped - like maybe the rusty cooley mod.

Just my opinion but if you do go ahead and do it make sure you take your time in doing it so that it doesn't look like a hack job.

Shawn · 01-29-2008, 12:14 PM

I think you should leave it as is. If I had that guitar, first thing i'd do is erase the "LTD".

Apophis · 01-29-2008, 01:07 PM

whatever you will do - good luck

Mattmc74 · 01-29-2008, 01:15 PM

Leave it as is but sand it down and paint it to match your couch

Justin Bailey · 01-29-2008, 02:08 PM

you can sand down the inside of the lower horn for easier access, it'd look and probably sound a lot better. I wouldn't cut a monkey grip out either, the headstock idea is neat, but it might affect tone and might be fragile, I'd just go with some new pickups and that walnut refin. But it's all up to you, it is your guitar after all.

TMM · 01-29-2008, 03:27 PM

Thanks for all the great input everyone! I really appreciate it.

Probably true that the Blackmachines are somehow reinforced, though I wasn't aware of any. Maybe I'll check into that, and have that be a phase 2 to the project.

I think for this week, I'm going to whittle the project down so that it's just 1, 3, 4, and 6 (lower horn removal, refin, pickup swap, and trem unblocking)

Removing the lower horn is something I'm pretty set on just because of how much I loved the previous M207 I had with the lower horn removed. So, for now, if you check out that pic (on page 1), this project will basically end up like that, except with the walnut finish and EMGs.

InTheRavensName · 01-29-2008, 03:29 PM

DON'T LOSE THE HORN! for the love of Woden...

...sorry, I just HATE the way it looks without one on the mockups...Superstrats FTW, especially ESP M's...

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01-28-2008, 11:52 PM	#1
TMM UUDDLRLRBAStart Join Date: May 2006 Location: NH, USA Posts: 4,286 Thanked: 85 Feedback Score: 58 reviews	New project guitar So, the M207 finally arrived from Anchorage, AK, a week later than originally forecast... oh well. Here's the plan... we'll be starting with a plain old M207, which happens to have a pretty nice neck on it already and the last 4 frets scalloped (well). 1) The lower horn will be removed for even better upper fret access 2) The headstock will be reshaped to resemble the most badass headstocks in the history of electric guitar 3) The entire guitar, body and headstock, will be sanded down and refinished with a dark walnut stain and satin finish. 4) The Guitarheads pickups that the guitar came with will be replaced by the 707/81-7 pair I have just waiting to get some play time 5) The ever classy Vai monkey grip will be added 6) And of course........ the trem will be unblocked as soon as I can find some damn clamps/screws, because apparently you lose those when you ship a guitar from AK to NH. Let me know what you think... any suggestions? Here are some impressionistic Paint examples of my plan (minus the finish... that would have been pretty tough). I hope to have it more or less finished and drying by the end of the weekend. Oni 8 ProTone Bulb OD <-- VHT GP3 / AMT SS-30 Bulava / D2 / S2 / P2 <-- Two-Notes PI-101 WoS <-- Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP <-- Starr Labs Mini-Z <-- Apple MBP 15 <-- THEMAMMONMACHINE

01-28-2008, 11:56 PM	#2
Metal Ken Hates the Air Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 17,846 Thanked: 82 Feedback Score: 3 reviews	this...is a photoshop, right? Ah, yeah. I dunno, in theory it sounds good, but i dont think the mockups turned out too hot.... If you list your gear in your signature, you're a prick.

01-29-2008, 12:02 AM	#4
Metal Ken Hates the Air Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 17,846 Thanked: 82 Feedback Score: 3 reviews	that guitar has decent enough access.. how much access do you really need? I think the removal of the lower horn and the handle wouldnt look good in combination, either one or the other. that said, steps 3-6 look like a good idea. If you list your gear in your signature, you're a prick.

01-29-2008, 12:07 AM	#5
TMM UUDDLRLRBAStart Join Date: May 2006 Location: NH, USA Posts: 4,286 Thanked: 85 Feedback Score: 58 reviews	Here's what inspired the loss of lower horn... a guitar I used to own, and loved the playability from 18-24 (note: the headstock motif was not my doing...) Oni 8 ProTone Bulb OD <-- VHT GP3 / AMT SS-30 Bulava / D2 / S2 / P2 <-- Two-Notes PI-101 WoS <-- Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP <-- Starr Labs Mini-Z <-- Apple MBP 15 <-- THEMAMMONMACHINE

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01-29-2008, 12:14 AM	#6
skinhead Manager / RHLC © Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Argentina Posts: 5,675 Thanked: 55 Feedback Score: 2 reviews	I wouldn't do it. It looks pretty metal original. Back to da 'hood (sevenstring.org)

01-29-2008, 12:17 AM	#7
wannabguitarist SS Contributor Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego/El Dorado Hills CA Posts: 4,198 Thanked: 52 Feedback Score: 9 reviews	Everything sounds good except for the monkey grip

01-29-2008, 12:59 AM	#8
NickCormier Carvin User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Moncton/Halifax Posts: 4,981 Thanked: 90 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	Points for originality.

01-29-2008, 01:03 AM	#9
Ruins Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Germany Posts: 2,061 Thanked: 18 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	i don't think that its good idea to make your headstock so much nerro it might be dangerous leave alil bit more wood at least until the 4th tuner besides that i am looking forward for some pics of you in action and final result

01-29-2008, 02:30 AM	#10
JPMDan Dis fuckin' guy... Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Posts: 5,711 Thanked: 49 Feedback Score: 10 reviews	I wouldn't mess with the lower horn but the head stock reshape and monkey grip looks like a nice add. The Walnut finish shall look good as well.

01-29-2008, 02:37 AM	#11
WarriorOfMetal The Dragonrider Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Boston, MA // Northern VA Posts: 4,187 Thanked: 90 Feedback Score: 4 reviews	well, it's certainly.......unique

01-29-2008, 02:47 AM	#12
itsallinmyh3ad ...Made me do it. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,670 Thanked: 65 Feedback Score: 40 reviews	Man...If it were me, I wouldn't even think of touching that lower horn. Looks...hideous. The headstock looks alright though.

01-29-2008, 05:08 AM	#13
Apophis Banned Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Poland Posts: 18,279 Thanked: 71 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	It's ... unique ...

01-29-2008, 08:31 AM	#14
TMM UUDDLRLRBAStart Join Date: May 2006 Location: NH, USA Posts: 4,286 Thanked: 85 Feedback Score: 58 reviews	Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I'm considering not doing the lower horn removal, though not completely convinced. It's not a beauty competition, so if it's just because it will look a little awkward, that doesn't bother me. I really loved how it felt on the last one I had, but we'll see. I agree with Ken's comment of either doing the monkey grip or the horn, but not both. What's the opinion on finishing the headstock? I want to do the same walnut stain, but should I only do it on the face, or sides and back too, going down to the edge of the volute? Oni 8 ProTone Bulb OD <-- VHT GP3 / AMT SS-30 Bulava / D2 / S2 / P2 <-- Two-Notes PI-101 WoS <-- Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP <-- Starr Labs Mini-Z <-- Apple MBP 15 <-- THEMAMMONMACHINE

01-29-2008, 08:38 AM	#15
BigM555 I SS.org Salute You! Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,638 Thanked: 26 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	I'd also be concerned about the strength of the headstock, looks very fragile. You might be able to get away with it if it's reinforced (graphite strip in the back, etc.) If you like the lower horn idea go for it. I'd nix the monkey grip though. Just doesn't look right if it's not on a JEM.

01-29-2008, 08:40 AM	#16
Apophis Banned Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Poland Posts: 18,279 Thanked: 71 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	work on that headstock shape

01-29-2008, 09:16 AM	#17
ukfswmart Far too opinionated Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: UK Posts: 449 Thanked: 0 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Whilst Blackmachine build their headstocks like that, I'm pretty sure Doug reinforces it to take the stress on such a small amount of wood. That headstock on the ESP won't be designed to cope with the added strain, so I'm not sure such a reworking is a good idea

01-29-2008, 09:21 AM	#18
the.godfather Mr. Flibble Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: East London, UK Posts: 1,399 Thanked: 3 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I would leave it as is. Change some pickups/hardware maybe, but removing that much wood from the headstock/body is bound to make a difference in tone. And will most probably ruin it. Good luck to ya if you do go for it, your a braver man than I.

01-29-2008, 09:57 AM	#19
djpharoah Awwww Yeaaaah • Super Moderator • Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Cali' Posts: 13,214 Thanked: 321 Feedback Score: 119 reviews	I would leave out the monkey grip as it just doesn't look right and will end up looking like you wanted to make your LTD into a JEM which it clearly isn't. Also regarding the headstock, dont know if you remove that much wood it the headstock can support the string tension. I dont know if blackmachine uses a different wood other than maple or even a composite but thats probably how they can manage to shape their headstock like that. I also feel the lower horn should just be scooped - like maybe the rusty cooley mod. Just my opinion but if you do go ahead and do it make sure you take your time in doing it so that it doesn't look like a hack job.

01-29-2008, 12:14 PM	#20
Shawn Ibanez 7s Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 24,517 Thanked: 146 Feedback Score: 15 reviews	I think you should leave it as is. If I had that guitar, first thing i'd do is erase the "LTD". My Guitar Videos

01-29-2008, 01:07 PM	#21
Apophis Banned Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Poland Posts: 18,279 Thanked: 71 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	whatever you will do - good luck

01-29-2008, 01:15 PM	#22
Mattmc74 SS Contributor Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bay City, Michigan Posts: 13,939 Thanked: 325 Feedback Score: 14 reviews	Leave it as is but sand it down and paint it to match your couch

01-29-2008, 02:08 PM	#23
Justin Bailey SS.org Regular Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: hell Posts: 2,139 Thanked: 22 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	you can sand down the inside of the lower horn for easier access, it'd look and probably sound a lot better. I wouldn't cut a monkey grip out either, the headstock idea is neat, but it might affect tone and might be fragile, I'd just go with some new pickups and that walnut refin. But it's all up to you, it is your guitar after all.

01-29-2008, 03:27 PM	#24
TMM UUDDLRLRBAStart Join Date: May 2006 Location: NH, USA Posts: 4,286 Thanked: 85 Feedback Score: 58 reviews	Thanks for all the great input everyone! I really appreciate it. Probably true that the Blackmachines are somehow reinforced, though I wasn't aware of any. Maybe I'll check into that, and have that be a phase 2 to the project. I think for this week, I'm going to whittle the project down so that it's just 1, 3, 4, and 6 (lower horn removal, refin, pickup swap, and trem unblocking) Removing the lower horn is something I'm pretty set on just because of how much I loved the previous M207 I had with the lower horn removed. So, for now, if you check out that pic (on page 1), this project will basically end up like that, except with the walnut finish and EMGs. Oni 8 ProTone Bulb OD <-- VHT GP3 / AMT SS-30 Bulava / D2 / S2 / P2 <-- Two-Notes PI-101 WoS <-- Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSP <-- Starr Labs Mini-Z <-- Apple MBP 15 <-- THEMAMMONMACHINE

01-29-2008, 03:29 PM	#25
InTheRavensName Dog says yes ^.^ Yes Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Derby, UK Posts: 3,330 Thanked: 12 Feedback Score: 8 reviews	DON'T LOSE THE HORN! for the love of Woden... ...sorry, I just HATE the way it looks without one on the mockups...Superstrats FTW, especially ESP M's... Sabaton

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