Steve Ahola wrote:Jon:
I just got #0253 last week! Bob was telling me that two different customers had ordered steels with a second pickup at the 19th fret. The question I have is why at the 19th fret? A lot of regular guitars have the neck pickup at the 24th fret (especially the ones with two humbuckers.) Of course you really wouldn't want a pickup like that at the 19th fret of your Les Paul...
Steve Ahola
P.S. I did want to mention that every steel that Bob makes is a custom order- you tell him what you want and he will make it for you if it is something that he can do. There is no excessive "custom shop premium" in his prices- he determines his prices on special orders like yours on how much extra it will cost him in materials and labor.
Initially I was wanting to use specs similar to an Asher Hawaiian model, but I wanted a little more space between the pickups... I started discussing the build with Bob, he suggested the custom fretboard with the neck pickup. I originally wanted it at the 22nd fret; but based on the fretboard specs we decided on, it would have left just 2.5 inches between the pickups.
I want more than 2.5 inches between the pickups on my Les Paul
Really, having it at 19 doesn't bother me at all, since the fretboard extends beyond it anyway. I am hearing a big difference in tones between the 2 pickups, and that is what I was seeking.
The reason I said "custom" is because this isn't the standard Pro 6. I agree though, there is no custom shop premium.
I just ordered another custom build Melbert, for a gift. This will be an 8 string model, with a Bill Lawrence 705 at the bridge, and a Lollar Chicago Steel 8 on the neck, and 3 removable/adjustable legs and sockets. Somebody is going to be getting a nice surprise
Enjoy my friend!!
