My buddy @steevc had the idea of posting about his guitar collection or his "guitarsenal". I though it a jolly fine idea so will post about my collection. Instead of a video I've taken some photos.
The first in Part 1 of my collection is my Benford, a guitar custom made to my design by Steve Benford of Benford Guitars, USA. I was looking for a Gibson Les Paul shortly after my father passed away as my first 'forever' guitar, but couldn't find one that I was happy with. This was around 2009/2010 an the build quality seemed pretty questionable. So, I went to Steve, told him what I fancied and this is what he came up with and I LOVE IT.
Sapale body and neck with a birdseye maple cap. I think the fretboard is ebony bit can't say for sure. It has locking tuners and the pickups are made by Searcy String Works also in the USA. A full custom for under 50% of the price of a Les Paul and that's after shipping and import duties!
Next we have my Mexican Made 2012-2013 Fender Stratocaster in Arctic White. It's starting to yellow a bit now which I really like. I think the body is made from Alder and the neck is most certainly maple as you can see. I'd love a USA Stratocaster as I'm a complete gear snob but it's very difficult to justify as this Mexican model is just so good.
Finally we have my Line 6 Variax 600 and you'll notice it's odd in that it doesn't have any visible pickups. That's because it's a modelling guitar and uses a piezo pickup underneath the saddle which then allows you to select from a bunch of different guitar sounds. These include Stratocasters, Telecasters, Les Pauls acoustic and resonators. There are some 28 different models. It also allows to you change the tunings of the guitars without actually retuning the guitar. Dead clever.
I thought the Variax might have been a bit of a gimmick when I bought it but it's actually a pretty serious guitar and one that I'll replace if it ever gives up on me. The modern versions have traditional pickups as well.
That's a fine collection that should cover most of what you could ever need. I do love your Benford. That top is to die for :) Steve still has the specs on his site.
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I should take a copy of that really :)
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I like your Benford the most hands down!
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Thanks Dave. I have to say photos just don't do the top justice. Took Steve a long time to find the right bit of maple but when he did....
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That's awesome! When people put real effort and craftsmanship into their work, it always shows. I bet it sounds great, too!
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Oh man, I love the Benford's birdseye maple.
It reminds me of the old wood floor I had in a farmhouse in Ontario, Canada. I put maple floors in my newer place because I loved those so much. Thanks for sharing those guitars!
-Snaggy
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My desire for Birdseye maple came from having a Jaguar S-Type car that was trimmed in the same. I loved that car and was sorry to see it go. This makes up for it though.
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Man, that Benford...
Speachless.
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Thanks hammaraxx! Something a little different to the usual bookmarked flamed maple top.
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Very different and a lovely choice.
I love the finish on the maple body and those small fret marker inlays really top it off well.
Overall, it's a beautiful looking guitar.
Fully agree with you that Gibson have dropped the ball when it comes to build quality in recent years. It's a shame the Les Paul still stands as my favourite guitar type.
Rock on @stav!
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I still plan to own a Les Paul one day for no other reason than guitar snobbery. It's my 40th this year so I may just have to fork out this year :) I'll probably stick with a Studio model.
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That Benford is beautiful! I love the top. I have never heard of those pups before, I'll have to check them out.
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Not sure if Clint is still in the pickup business. I found out about him through a forum I was a member of at the time. These were hand wound and sound amazing - had to wait a while as he had to rebuild his business after the Tennessee floods some time back.
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What would be the best descriptor for them? Mine aree also hand wound, but used for high gain 8 string. Popped some bare knuckle crawlers and juggernauts in my 8 string.
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They are very Les Paul which I know isn't the best descriptor but I can't add much else. Lovely and warm with the volume wound back and clean. Grin-worthy grunt when pushed.
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Great friend, this post moved me to childhood, my grandfather built very nice wooden guitars, thanks for making me remember that. I love guitars!
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Nice sir😊
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