Problem with Plek'ing a 575 Custom.....

[GuitArtMan]

Again, if you return the seasonal truss rod adjustment to a reasonably close adjustment to how it was when it was originally plek's, you will have no problems.

 

You will only need to have your guitar plek'd (after the first time) after significant fret wear, like when you need the frets recrowned.

 

As far as CNC vs handmade guitars, I am not being hypocritical in the least. Let me offer this comparison. I used to play highly competiive golf. I played in College and after college for years competed in some of the better amateur events in OH (The Ohio Amateur, ect). I would be highly critical of which clubs I bought and from which companies they came from. My choice was Mizzuno clubs because they were hand forged. Well, after I bought the clubs I would take them to a local "Golf Doctor" that had highly technical equipment to make sure the lie & lofts were all correct and the stiftness of the shafts all met my personal swing speed.

 

Heritage guitar builds guitars the way I like, the Plek insures the frets are able to maintain the action I want. Same analogy as my golf equipment.

 

Almost all other golf companies used computerized molded "cast" clubs that are produced at a much higher rate and due to the casting nature would have more imperfections in the metal, those more dead spots.

 

Again, I equated mass produced computerized cast clubs to CNC'd guitars (not all cast clubs were inferior, some are quite good, but the pros play forged clubs).

 

That's my take, your version may vary.

Funny your Collings guitars were mass produced on a CNN machine!!!

 

Seriously, not trying to start on argument but the belief that CNC made guitars are all mass produced is one of the biggest myths on the internet. Many of the smaller builders use CNC machines for the repetitive, coarse work and then move to hand work for the detail: sanding, fit, finish, frets, etc. You'd be surprised the number of small builders using CNC machines, and with superb results. Your Collings guitars attest to that fact.

 

And here's something I truly believe. If the attention to detail takes place before the frets are even installed - the finger board is properly leveled and radiused and the fret wire being used is high quality and consistent (the same size and shape length after length) and the frets are properly installed (not mashed into the fingerboard, not sprouting up at the ends or the middle) then very little touch up is required after the frets are installed. From talking with more than a few luthiers they agree, the bulk of the work should be done before the frets are installed, not after.

[Spectrum13]

 

And here's something I truly believe. If the attention to detail takes place before the frets are even installed - the finger board is properly leveled and radiused and the fret wire being used is high quality and consistent (the same size and shape length after length) and the frets are properly installed (not mashed into the fingerboard, not sprouting up at the ends or the middle) then very little touch up is required after the frets are installed. From talking with more than a few luthiers they agree, the bulk of the work should be done before the frets are installed, not after.

 

On page 115 of Dan Erlewine's "how to make your electric guitar play great" he sets up a 1959 "burst" that has been keeped under the bed for over 40 years. After describing numerous problems "RELIEF: Dead-straight neck - maybe .002 (.05 of relief at the 7th fret. A typical great 1950s Gi#$%^ mahogany neck that's stout, straight as an arrow, and full of tone."

 

Along with all your above points the quality of the wood and how well it has cured is an important detail before the frets go on two. Benedetto puts two lengths of carbon fiber alongside the truss rod even with well seasoned maple necks.

[Kuz]

Funny your Collings guitars were mass produced on a CNN machine!!!

 

Seriously, not trying to start on argument but the belief that CNC made guitars are all mass produced is one of the biggest myths on the internet. Many of the smaller builders use CNC machines for the repetitive, coarse work and then move to hand work for the detail: sanding, fit, finish, frets, etc. You'd be surprised the number of small builders using CNC machines, and with superb results. Your Collings guitars attest to that fact.

 

And here's something I truly believe. If the attention to detail takes place before the frets are even installed - the finger board is properly leveled and radiused and the fret wire being used is high quality and consistent (the same size and shape length after length) and the frets are properly installed (not mashed into the fingerboard, not sprouting up at the ends or the middle) then very little touch up is required after the frets are installed. From talking with more than a few luthiers they agree, the bulk of the work should be done before the frets are installed, not after.

 

Actually, the only Collings I own are two acoustics from the early 90s. I bought them new then and when I spoke to Bill Collings he said they were handmade. I have read where Collings added a CNC machine around 2003-2005.

 

But I am sure the new Collings are fine products as well.

[tyguy]

 

And here's something I truly believe. If the attention to detail takes place before the frets are even installed - the finger board is properly leveled and radiused and the fret wire being used is high quality and consistent (the same size and shape length after length) and the frets are properly installed (not mashed into the fingerboard, not sprouting up at the ends or the middle) then very little touch up is required after the frets are installed. From talking with more than a few luthiers they agree, the bulk of the work should be done before the frets are installed, not after.

 

 

On page 115 of Dan Erlewine's "how to make your electric guitar play great" he sets up a 1959 "burst" that has been keeped under the bed for over 40 years. After describing numerous problems "RELIEF: Dead-straight neck - maybe .002 (.05 of relief at the 7th fret. A typical great 1950s Gi#$%^ mahogany neck that's stout, straight as an arrow, and full of tone."

 

Along with all your above points the quality of the wood and how well it has cured is an important detail before the frets go on two. Benedetto puts two lengths of carbon fiber alongside the truss rod even with well seasoned maple necks.

Amen,to bulk of work being done before fret installation.My Heritage H550 only needed spot leveling in a half dozen places.If the frets are not worn and they need to be leveled(filed).Then start over with a new fret job.I hate removing fret material as,that's a huge part of tone.

[smurph1]

WOW!! An interesting (and confusing) discussion..Here's my 2 cents...My H-140 is an 85..I thinks that's safe to say it's pre-Plek..I am not the original owner, so maybe they had it Plek'd.. But, that being said I've never had to do anything to the guitar other than put strings on it, and adjust the intonation..No Truss rod treaking or anything..it plays like Buttah!! No dead spots, noting out, or anything!! Aw Crap I forgot my point.. Oh yeah.. Just, if Pleking is what you like, do it.. if not don't..Whatever floats your boat..(off of soapbox)

[smurph1]

Funny your Collings guitars were mass produced on a CNN machine!!!

 

Seriously, not trying to start on argument but the belief that CNC made guitars are all mass produced is one of the biggest myths on the internet. Many of the smaller builders use CNC machines for the repetitive, coarse work and then move to hand work for the detail: sanding, fit, finish, frets, etc. You'd be surprised the number of small builders using CNC machines, and with superb results. Your Collings guitars attest to that fact.

 

And here's something I truly believe. If the attention to detail takes place before the frets are even installed - the finger board is properly leveled and radiused and the fret wire being used is high quality and consistent (the same size and shape length after length) and the frets are properly installed (not mashed into the fingerboard, not sprouting up at the ends or the middle) then very little touch up is required after the frets are installed. From talking with more than a few luthiers they agree, the bulk of the work should be done before the frets are installed, not after.

Taylors are made on a CNC Machine, and their quality and consistency is excellent..IMHO

[GuitArtMan]

Taylors are made on a CNC Machine, and their quality and consistency is excellent..IMHO

Yes they are. And Taylor also pioneered the bolt-on neck method that is now used by Collings. I have to say though, the Collings acsoustics I have played have all been superb - a notch above Taylor in my book. I just wish I had the coin to get one - too rich for my blood!

[smurph1]

Yes they are. And Taylor also pioneered the bolt-on neck method that is now used by Collings. I have to say though, the Collings acsoustics I have played have all been superb - a notch above Taylor in my book. I just wish I had the coin to get one - too rich for my blood!

Yep..Every time I go to Elderly, I end up playing several Collings..Excellent..The reason I ended up with a Taylor was I was able to get a $1600 314 ce model from a pawn shop for $700.. Couldn't pass that deal up..