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stan
09-08-2013, 04:56 AM
I love this style, a bit LP , and bit 335. I've seen kits for it , but would much rather buy from PBG

Oh and a LEFTY!!


http://www.themusiczoo.com/images/7-05-12/15657_Gibson_Used_ES-175_Vintage_Sunburst_11091705_1.jpg

Also, can we order the PRS style kits in left handed?

gavinturner
09-08-2013, 05:43 AM
Good call Stan - Love this model!

I have already started one of these kits from an overseas supplier. Would have much preferred to give Pitbull my business. At the time I didn't *know* about Pitbull, but hey. It's a great kit and would make a great addition to the Pitbull product line. Pitbull's first full hollow-body!

cheers,
Gavin.

adam
09-08-2013, 10:31 PM
Hey guys, I'm getting a price on this and will add some to our September/October order if it's reasonable. I'm guessing it will be around the price of the ES-1G - $269.00 (including postage).

stan
09-08-2013, 11:41 PM
oh yeah ! Lefty Kits as well??

Gavin1393
10-08-2013, 03:06 AM
Stan, you may need to convert to a righty! :)

stan
10-08-2013, 03:16 AM
ha , I wish, would be so much easier!

gavinturner
10-08-2013, 08:10 AM
Awesome news Adam! I'm sure it will be a popular kit. Much easier to wire up than the 335!

Cheers,
Gavin.

adam
10-08-2013, 08:44 AM
Ok, folks, I've got some of these on order. Not quite the vintage hardware as pictured on the Gibson there, but you guys can upgrade/downgrade the hardware to your preference (probably not from us just now I'm afraid). The price is pretty good though, they're only $239.

They will arrive late September early October (this is a best guess, so don't shout at me if they're late)

Here's a link to the product with a very rough factory pic.

http://pitbullguitars.com/?product=pit-bull-guitars-es-2-electric-guitar-kit

If you want one, put in an order as a Direct Transfer payment and send me a deposit of $120, by bank transfer or PayPal (if you use "send money" on PayPal our address is payments@pitbullguitars.com. Also please make sure you put your PBG Invoice number on the payment.

This offer is only open to regular forum members.

Now Stan if you want a Lefty, more than happy to oblige, just put a note on your order and I will order a lefty just for you.

Nice work everyone, I think this will be a good seller.

stan
10-08-2013, 10:03 AM
wow, glad I started the thread - ask and you shall receive!

Top work Adam, this just shows how much you listen to and value your customers.

Now i have to convince the minister for war and finance that I need this ...

WeirdBits
10-08-2013, 11:02 AM
Curse you, Adam... ordered!

Will they be a wood mount bridge with trapeze tail, or some variation? Can you be any more specific about your "Not quite the vintage hardware...." comment?

(and I was being so good too by resisting the urge to immediately order one of those gorgeous body blanks)

adam
10-08-2013, 11:13 AM
Hey WierdBits, did you see the image on the site? It's basically an ES-1G with a single cutaway. I've asked them if they can supply some extra tailpieces and the wooden bridges and waiting for a response.

It will be $239 for the standard kit, with a Tune-o-matic bridge, then hopefully we'll have some Trapeze bridge upgrades. I'll let you know.

WeirdBits
10-08-2013, 11:21 AM
The demo image is why I was asking, as it makes it look like a semi-hollow with fixed mount bridge and stop tail, rather than a hollow body with wood mount bridge and trapeze. Just wondering... still already placed my order.

gavinturner
10-08-2013, 01:26 PM
Hi guys,

Looking at the image and the stats on the product page there are a couple of things that jump out. Firstly, the guitar is a semi hollow and has the same depth as a 335 and LP. This is not the depth of a full hollow ES175. Secondly, it has the same radius as a 335 (72x60) which is 10cm wider than a LP. Having said this, if you compare the images of the 335 and the ES-1G, the ES-1G looks more like an LP in the body size than a 335. It's possible that the image is a mockup built from an original image of an LP, or that the stats are a little off making the final kit closer to an LP florentine than an ES-175. Personally I would love to see a florentine offered - I know of only one other supplier (only in the US and boutique at that!) that offers a florentine as a kit. Either way, it is going to be one sweet kit and it is already on my short list. 8-)

Cheers,
Gavin.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2q0nt-image.jpg

WeirdBits
11-08-2013, 04:29 PM
Self-delusion aside, this (below) would be my ideal outcome for a 175 kit build: fat, hollow, floating bridge with trapeze, natural style finish. As such, holes for a stop tailpiece on the kit would be problematic.

Now we just need Adam to make it happen... no pressure ;)


(I suspect fitting the 3-way toggle switch to these kits will make wiring an ES-1G look easy)


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/ql0ma-es-175-natural.jpg

stan
11-08-2013, 10:39 PM
Now that is a beautiful looking guitar! I dont think it is outside the possibilities of some of the guys here, and an aftermarket tail piece...

gavinturner
12-08-2013, 04:28 AM
Beautiful example of the species :).

Wierdy: Wiring is actually much easier with these guys because the hollowbody allows you to get at everything through the pickup holes and there is plenty of body depth for things to move around easily! No need to work everything through those tight F(ing)-holes! Much easier all-round than the 335, although double the surface area to finish!

cheers,
Gavin.

WeirdBits
12-08-2013, 05:11 AM
Quote from gavinturner on August 11, 2013, 13:28
[...] the hollowbody allows you to get at everything [...]

If it's a true hollowbody, I agree. But, if the kit is a semi like Adam's demo image then we will have to use the upper f-hole to insert the switch and wrangle its wire(s) back down through the hole in the neck pup cavity to meet up with everything else via the lower f-hole. Should be fun.

gavinturner
12-08-2013, 10:03 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from WeirdBits on August 11, 2013, 14:11
But, if the kit is a semi like Adam's demo image then we will have to use the upper f-hole to insert the switch and wrangle its wire(s) back down through the hole in the neck pup cavity to meet up with everything else via the lower f-hole.


God, yes you are right! Routing extra shielded cable through the pickup cavity will be a nightmare.. 8O

adam
19-10-2013, 12:30 PM
I did say "late September early October" so, if Quarantine weren't being so pedantic I would have been spot on. These kits look great. Check 'em out: http://pitbullguitars.com/?product=pit-bull-guitars-es-2-electric-guitar-kit

Edit: Is it just me, or does that look like an extra thick cap?

adam
19-10-2013, 01:09 PM
Ok, one more thing to add about these ES-2 kits...

I ordered these kits without the bridge posts drilled and ordered Tune-O-Matic bridges and some wooden bridges with a Trapeze stop tail. So, if you order one, let us know (in the "Notes" section) which bridge you would prefer. If you have backordered one, expect an email asking the same question.

WeirdBits
19-10-2013, 02:57 PM
Quote from adam on October 18, 2013, 21:30
Edit: Is it just me, or does that look like an extra thick cap?

Yeah, it's pretty thick... much more like a LP Florentine (http://www.themusiczoo.com/product/18877/Gibson-Custom-Shop-Limited-Run-Les-Paul-Custom-Florentine-Electric-Guitar-Gold-Sparkle-Top/) than a 175. Which leads to the question: does the kit have cavities and covers on the back like a Florentine, or is access only via the F- holes like a 175?

It's still a nice looking kit either way, but I may need to rethink my build plans if it is more Florentine than 175... guess I'll just have to wait until it arrives before deciding.

adam
19-10-2013, 10:28 PM
Access through f-holes, like the ES-1G. I've now made two separate products, the ES-2T (Tune-O-Matic bridge) and ES-2V (Vintage wood bridge and trapeze tail).

stan
20-10-2013, 04:14 AM
awesome Adam!

WeirdBits
26-10-2013, 05:20 AM
I just took delivery of my ES-2 kit and as I won't be starting a build diary for a while, I thought those of you playing at home may like to see a few pics. It is definitely more of a LP Florentine kit than a 175… in fact, it's sort of a weird hybrid with elements from both. It's got the f-holes, sharp horn and non-cavity back like a 175, but has the carved top, body thickness, semi-hollow body, and LP style neck of a Florentine. Overall, I consider it more of a Florentine kit and think its description on the product page should probably be changed to reflect this, or a Floren175tine (just my opinion).

The kit itself looks pretty good. There are a few undulations and sanding gouges on the cap, but the thickness seems ok so sanding them out shouldn't be an issue. There is a touch of glue here and there and a lip on the binding at the neck pocket, along with a few rough spots at the bound edge on the butt of the cap. The neck fit is a little loose with a small gap at the top of the pocket with the neck in place, but no great drama. The headstock is fully shaped and somehow looks sort of small, but suits the kit well. The cap has some subtle quilting which I think will come up nicely when finished (I tweaked the contrast and saturation etc in the third image below to try and show it better).

Overall, I'm pretty happy with how the kit looks. It's not what I originally envisioned when a 175 kit was first suggested and, given its Florentine leanings, I'm not sure if I'll continue with the planned trapeze and floating bridge or switch to a TOM and stop tail (have to think on that for a while). Either way, I suspect it could become a favourite.

Ok, time for some pics:


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/izd9y-ES_2_raw_1.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/678vp-ES_2_raw_2.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/5y1so-ES_2_raw_2_contrast.jpg

WeirdBits
26-10-2013, 05:22 AM
More:


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/65fl1-ES_2_raw_3.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/8q6j4-ES_2_raw_4.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/iz42h-ES_2_raw_5.png

WeirdBits
26-10-2013, 05:23 AM
And more:


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/do4e2-ES_2_raw_6.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/4p11j-ES_2_raw_7.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/gh90a-ES_2_raw_8.jpg

WeirdBits
26-10-2013, 05:24 AM
And, finally:


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/h4hn2-ES_2_raw_9.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/qq8s8-ES_2_raw_10.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/70gm7-ES_2_raw_11.jpg

adam
26-10-2013, 06:30 AM
Hey Scott, I gotta say, that looks pretty good straight out of the box. I really don't have time to do a kit, but after seeing Andyports ES-GT kit, I'm very tempted to have a go at one of these. (DB's thinking, "oh no, not another disaster coming way to salvage parts from").

As for whether its a 175 or Florentine, I'll take your (and other members') advice. I guess the factory make it a bit of a hybrid to avoid copyright infringements. Happy to listen to those with more knowledge and adjust the description as agreed by consensus.

stan
26-10-2013, 09:15 AM
I dont think it matters what you call it - it is what it is. Looks pretty sweet.

How does the size compare to an LP?

Brendan
26-10-2013, 11:37 AM
Looks like lots of nice spalty goodness - also love how thick the top looks.

WeirdBits
27-10-2013, 05:07 AM
Quote from stan on October 25, 2013, 18:15
How does the size compare to an LP?

I did a comparison with a LP-1SS (Mahogany with Spalted cap), and the ES-2 is *slightly* smaller and its horn is a little sharper. The LP-1SS body weighs in at 2.47KG, and the ES-2 is only 1.595KG. Size comparison pics:


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/wq2px-ES_2_vs_LP_1SS_1.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/9vib4-ES_2_vs_LP_1SS_2.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/7mn93-ES_2_vs_LP_1SS_3.jpg

WeirdBits
27-10-2013, 05:09 AM
I'm still not sure when I'll get a chance to build my ES-2, but it looks so good that I had to throw some hardware on it and take a few pics. Unfortunately, the hollow body style wood mount bridge I originally wanted to use doesn't look like it will work with this kit's final configuration. As you can see in the pics, the bridge is simply too tall and even if I shaved down as low as possible I still think it will be too high. It looks good though, so I may try to shape a custom low sitting version from a rosewood blank.


http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/v8p93-ES_2_mockup_1_wood_trap.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/hrv29-ES_2_mockup_2_wood_trap.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/i3a2r-ES_2_mockup_3_wood_trap.jpg

By the way, if you think mounting a switch in one of these will be hard... try to imagine removing it!

WeirdBits
27-10-2013, 05:11 AM
And finally, here are my three alternatives for hardware (with a 335 pickguard just for fun):

Trapeze with floating wood mount bridge (looks like it's way too tall to use no matter how much I cut it down)
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/s9ju6-ES_2_hardware_1_wood_trap_335.jpg



Trapeze with TOM bridge (looks good and is probably the option I'll go with)
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/0qp9t-ES_2_hardware_2_tom_trap_335.jpg



Stop tail and TOM bridge (I think the trapeze looks better)
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/u3823-ES_2_hardware_3_tom_stop_335.jpg

Brendan
27-10-2013, 05:19 AM
#2 for me and lose the pickguard. It's obscuring the sound hole and it looks like you've got some nice grain going on the top of the guitar - don't lose it by covering it with a pickguard.

May be worthwhile looking into some gold / chrome Pup surrounds as well? The cream just looks a bit pallid and sick to me.

My 2c worth.

stan
27-10-2013, 09:17 AM
option 2 for sure.
I'm going to make a low mount mahogany bridge for my lefty ES kit to cover the righty bridge holes...
Pickguard is to big, but looks good, follow the same shape but cut it down to just a fraction bigger than an LP guard.

Thanks for the awesome comparison pics, and that LP body looks awesome!

gavinturner
27-10-2013, 10:19 AM
Agree with Brendan, option 2 and no pickguard. If you want to go with the floating bridge there are other lower compensated bridges that you can consider. I got an aluminium bowtie bridge for my ES175 build for the same reason - the wooden bridge base was way, way too high. Just another option to consider. Looks like a great kit! Will have to consider one in the future.

Cheers,
Gavin.