Hi,
My name is Murray, I'm from Perth, and I've decided to build my first guitar using a PBG LPA-7... because why not? Just wanted to pop into the forum and say hello. I expect I'll have a heap of silly questions going forward, and I hope you'll all be gentle with me
Why build a guitar?
While I've been playing for years, and while I consider my ability only slightly above the "you suck" level, I really do love the instrument: I love playing the guitar, admiring really nice guitars, and really appreciate the instrument when in the right hands. I've performed some basic adjustments on my own guitars, have replaced pickups, and have experience with electronics and soldering... but have always just paid a guitar tech to set up or repair guitars for me. I've finally decided that I want to learn more, and do a bunch or work myself; and I feel assembling my own guitar - and later building one from scratch - will be a an awesome experience.
Why the LPA-7?
You mean aside from it looking like a great guitar? Well, I've always found 7-string guitars baffling: Something about that extra string, as soon as I hold the guitar, makes me completely lose any talent I have. It thoroughly confuses my brain, and that's why I could never part with the sort of dollars that stores typically demanded for good 7-strings (in case I continue to suck). I've wanted to beat this feeling for years, and this is a great opportunity to do so. Until now, I've cheated, and to get my lower tunings, simply filed out the nut on my Ibanez, and used massive string gauges (i.e. 13-70 GHS Boomers) to get the tension. I know, my poor guitar, right?
Now what?
Put both of the above together, and I think I have a pretty cool project ahead. I'll learn more about guitars; more about setup and finishing, and will finally get to own and learn on a 7-string. Adam (from PBG) was a huge help in answering my initial questions, and arranging my tuner upgrade... and now I'm waiting for my kit to arrive. I'm excited to begin.
See you around.
Murray