Models in Detail

Pickups we all know there are so many offerings out there today that I try to cover many bases at no charge or some with added fees. Some models come with certain brands by default as well. Lollar Pickups are default across the Phoenix and SL lineup while other brands are usually available at no added cost such as Lindy Fralin, Wolfetone, Bartolini, Fishman Fluence, EMG, Gemini (NY), TV Jones, LR Baggs and ThroBak.

All models do have their defaults yet have options often at no added cost, or add on a Bigsby in addition to the stock bridge on various models. SL: TonePros Bridge and Light Weight Tailpiece, MannMade intonate-able wrap around.

Sophia Tremolos and hardtails often default to the Ultra Modern or Ring Master headless models for the worlds most advanced tremolo systems. 

Models often have a variety of neck shapes available at no additional cost. Although custom neck shapes can be entertained upon request.

SL/Phoenix: Big 58, 59 soft V, Standard C, Slim Jim

Telstar: Big 54, 10/56 soft V, Standard C, Southern Cal-D. Headless model noted for its Offset Airplane neck shape for a more natural hand shape feel, with the meat pushed to the bass side where it helps the most.

On the Telstar line specific it has expanded to offer a variety of body shapes at no added cost such as the default hybrid Telstar shape, Phoenix, Monroe in full-size and DJ (dinky-jazz), plus S and T Mod offerings. Then there's always if you envision an existing model with a new twist don't be shy to ask.

All models offer solid to hollow body offerings to varied degrees. If you don't see it don't be shy to ask. There's a lot on the secret menu. 

Since January 2023 Stainless fretwire has become the default across all models although for those who still prefer the tone of nickel silver it is still available at no extra charge. 6105 is the default size across either material. Other fret sizes available upon request with an aditional upcharge.

The SL line currently holds the most variation in available inlays with the Phoenix close on its heels. Plus custom inlays are always available upon request. Common shapes include 1/4" dots, trapazoids, square blocks, parallelogram, side blocks, thumbnails, deco, Trini diamond blocks, split blocks, baby grand piano keys, etc... With hollow offset brass dots and b3 ohm symbol on the more modern model offerings. Inlay materials can vary in plastics, shell, day-glo, metals to synthetic offerings.

Wood is where all the magic mojo happens sculpting an eq within itself establishing the heart and soul of its voice. Understanding what the various tone woods used within any recipe is a key to the ingredients while also being a driving factor in its final look within its own fashion statement. Art and beauty is always within the eye of the beholder and something different for everyone which makes some woods a stunning statement to others a palette to be something classic to modern. 

Many players today are into the various values of pots or custom switching features available across many pickups to other cool features these days. Every player is unique and so is every guitar built so you can request 250k or 500k pots to other features that are important to you. So I try to offer simple classic 3 to 5 way switching, or custom wiring features with Freeway 6 or 10 way switches to whatever serves the guitar and players best needs. Freeway switches are very simple in wiring and trouble shooting in the field yet double the ability of your guitar. Example a 5 way Strat switch, in the down position you have all 5 vintage selections of 3 pickups. When in the up side position of the switch you get a variety of series and parallel to special pickup selections to achieve all 3 pickups, out of phase, etc... 

Paint colors are all over the map. I stock a pretty wide variety of colors yet impossible to stock it all. So often best to search for b3 guitars when supplying samples of reference for your build, although I can also use other manufactures color names and photos as cross reference. Transparent, solid color to metallics with classic Gibson or Fender vintage era colors often stocked the most.

Paint materials vary from water based, nitro lacquer, acrylic lacquer to polyurethane and acrylic urethane materials on different models for different reasons, also available in satin to gloss finishes or distressed to varied levels of Ex Light, Light, Medium to an occasional Heavy distress request. Hardware is often aged to match.