My Maricopa Mike Neer Limited Edition Woodpan Guitar

Lap steels, resonators, multi-neck consoles and acoustic steel guitars

Moderator: Brad Bechtel

Post Reply
User avatar
James Williamson
Posts: 304
Joined: 5 Feb 2008 4:04 pm
Location: California & Hawaii

My Maricopa Mike Neer Limited Edition Woodpan Guitar

Post by James Williamson »

Here's a picture of my new lap steel made by Mike Dotson of Maricopa Guitars. I started out by getting permission from Mike Neer to make one sorta like his. Then I found my own piece of Koa Wood over on the Big Island of Hawaii and sent it to Mike D. I hunted down a 1.5" Horseshoe from a member here on the forum.

I made a couple of small changes to Mike Neer's original design (the authentic version). I moved the jack from the players side to the more modern amp side away from the player. And, I put in a concentric volume/tone knob rather than just volume.

I also have a metal bridge on this one where Mike's is wood....I love the way it came out...now if I can just learn how to play like Mike Neer, I'll be all set.

PS. that's a Kevin Hatton Case its in...

james


Image
User avatar
Andy Sandoval
Posts: 5176
Joined: 22 Jul 2004 12:01 am
Location: Bakersfield, California, USA
Contact:

Post by Andy Sandoval »

Sweeeeeeet! How's she sound? Any chance of postin a sound sample? :)
User avatar
James Williamson
Posts: 304
Joined: 5 Feb 2008 4:04 pm
Location: California & Hawaii

Sound Sample

Post by James Williamson »

I'm planning on it, but it may take awile as I've got too much on my plate at the moment...but I'll do it at some point.
Jason Dumont
Posts: 334
Joined: 2 Jun 2005 12:01 am
Location: Bristol, Connecticut, USA

Post by Jason Dumont »

Oh MAN that is insane! So freakin GORGEOUS!
:eek: :eek:
User avatar
Mike Neer
Posts: 10990
Joined: 9 Dec 2002 1:01 am
Location: NJ
Contact:

Post by Mike Neer »

Mike D--you really outdid yourself. Beautiful work!

James, I was only kidding when I said you had call it the MN Limited Edition! Really beautiful guitar and I hope to hear you play it some day. That bridge does look great, too. I like the nickel and koa combination.

Anyway, that guitar couldn't be in the hands of nicer guy than you.
User avatar
James Williamson
Posts: 304
Joined: 5 Feb 2008 4:04 pm
Location: California & Hawaii

MN Limited Edition

Post by James Williamson »

Thanks for the nice comments guys and Mike Neer, of course I knew you were joking, but it just somehow seems right to call it the MN Limited Edition....yea Mike Dotson really went to town on this baby...oh and in case you can't tell by looking at it, its also a short scale (Mike Neer's is long scale).
User avatar
Al Terhune
Posts: 1085
Joined: 8 Nov 1999 1:01 am
Location: Newcastle, WA

Post by Al Terhune »

One of the prettiest pieces of wood I've ever seen (and a nice take on the fry pan). It's like maple on steroids, koa is, which I hadn't really felt before in looking at koa. And Kevin Hatton!!!!!! I don't mean to overshadow the guitar, but, crikey! That custom case is tops!
Al

My equipment:

One heck of a Wife
The ghost of a red Doberman
Several pairs of reading glasses strewn about
User avatar
Mike Neer
Posts: 10990
Joined: 9 Dec 2002 1:01 am
Location: NJ
Contact:

Post by Mike Neer »

You also have the frets on yours, about which, if I recall correctly, Mike D said something along the lines of "never again."
User avatar
Tom Pettingill
Posts: 2246
Joined: 23 Apr 2007 11:10 am
Location: California, USA (deceased)

Post by Tom Pettingill »

Thats a beauty James, I love it! Image
User avatar
Brad Bechtel
Moderator
Posts: 8146
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm

Post by Brad Bechtel »

What a great piece of art this is. Congratulations to James and Mike.
Brad’s Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars
User avatar
CrowBear Schmitt
Posts: 11624
Joined: 8 Apr 2000 12:01 am
Location: Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
Contact:

Post by CrowBear Schmitt »

Outstanding piece !
Congrats James
you 2 are gonna have a blast
User avatar
Mark Roeder
Posts: 895
Joined: 25 Sep 2007 11:22 am
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

Post by Mark Roeder »

I like that one alot. That design works beautifully in wood.
www.deluxe34.com lap steel stands, Clinesmith, Gibson Console Grande, Northwesterns, The Best Westerns
https://www.facebook.com/TheBestWesterns
User avatar
Bill Leff
Posts: 1886
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Santa Cruz, CA, USA

Post by Bill Leff »

Can't wait to see that one up close and personal!
User avatar
Steinar Gregertsen
Posts: 3234
Joined: 18 Feb 2003 1:01 am
Location: Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.
Contact:

Post by Steinar Gregertsen »

That's a beauty! Wish you'd bring it when you come to Norway in August, but I understand you probably won't need it in that setting.... :wink:
"Play to express, not to impress"
Website - YouTube
Bill Creller
Posts: 3740
Joined: 29 Oct 2002 1:01 am
Location: Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)

Post by Bill Creller »

Aaaaahhhhhh.....the frypan lives on!! Beautiful instrument!! There's nothing like Koa for beauty :D
User avatar
James Williamson
Posts: 304
Joined: 5 Feb 2008 4:04 pm
Location: California & Hawaii

MN Limited edition Woodpan

Post by James Williamson »

No Steiner, I've got too much other stuff to slepp around to get to Norway ....you'll have to come to California or Hawaii to see this one up close....or else have Mike Dotson make you one....I've got a pretty nice Les Paul you might like to see though :-0
User avatar
Cartwright Thompson
Posts: 2647
Joined: 31 Dec 1998 1:01 am

Post by Cartwright Thompson »

It's nice to see that pickup find a new home.
User avatar
James Williamson
Posts: 304
Joined: 5 Feb 2008 4:04 pm
Location: California & Hawaii

Horsehoe Pickup

Post by James Williamson »

Thanks Cartwright, yea I didn't want to name names, but since you came forward, thanks again for the wonderful old 1.5" Horsehoe...it really sounds great and you have no idea how long and hard I searched to find one before I lucked onto you.
Mike D
Posts: 1064
Joined: 16 Sep 1999 12:01 am
Location: Phx, Az

Post by Mike D »

I gotta get over here more often, I miss all the good stuff! :)
James was great to work with and I really enjoyed making this one for him. Also didn't do my ego any harm to make a guitar for a RnR Hall of Fame member!

PS, that's a Ryan Rukavina bridge and a Kevin Hatton case. Both good guys that make some cool stuff.
Post Reply