My Maricopa Mike Neer Limited Edition Woodpan Guitar

[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

[Andy Sandoval]

Sweeeeeeet! How's she sound? Any chance of postin a sound sample?

[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]

Oh MAN that is insane! So freakin GORGEOUS!

[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.

[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).

[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!

[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."

[Tom Pettingill]

Thats a beauty James, I love it!

[Brad Bechtel]

What a great piece of art this is. Congratulations to James and Mike.

[CrowBear Schmitt]

Outstanding piece !
Congrats James
you 2 are gonna have a blast

[Mark Roeder]

I like that one alot. That design works beautifully in wood.

[Bill Leff]

Can't wait to see that one up close and personal!

[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....

[Bill Creller]

Aaaaahhhhhh.....the frypan lives on!! Beautiful instrument!! There's nothing like Koa for beauty

[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

[Cartwright Thompson]

It's nice to see that pickup find a new home.

[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]

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.