Current Happenings

[wafl]

That grifter is awesome. It looks like a space age tk-300

NSFW: show

[Nelson Instruments]

Exactly. I used the outline from the bass as you pictured. The guitar version is a tad narrow but the bass is perfect.
Then I just made it a neck-through and added some other magic and there you have it. Hopefully someone will soon decide to be the first to give one a home!

[chuckjaywalk]

I'll be honest. I didn't initially 'get' your designs, but as the new ones come out, I do. I'm not sure I will ever be lucky enough to own one, but I totally want to.

[Nelson Instruments]

Well the first things I was doing were strongly based on the obscure 50s ricky tulip design.
Right after introducing those I decided I didn't want to be another builder making "reissues" of things.
I figured it would be more fun to do mashups of different things and add my own elements to it.

I'm glad you are liking the new direction I'm taking.
Also I am working on offering stripped down versions with satin finishes that will be available for less money.

So it might be easier than you thought to get one of my guitars!

[Chankgeez]

Well the first things I was doing were strongly based on the obscure 50s ricky tulip design.
Right after introducing those I decided I didn't want to be another builder making "reissues" of things.
I figured it would be more fun to do mashups of different things and add my own elements to it.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with this. I think it's an essential stage in the learning process, but, you're right, I wouldn't wanna make a career out of it. That'd be pretty boring. Your way is much better.

[SPACERITUAL]

If you're looking for a solid body then may I suggest my new Grifter?
1-3/4" nut, nice fat necks, 24-3/4" scale, 22 frets, sculpted heel, hardtail, hi-fi pickups.

The price for these is going to be in the $1,575 zone but if you want to give one a whirl I'd offer you one for $1,500 including shipping and paypal.

Id hit one of these soooooo haaaaard if they had the original gretsch style headstock. And a 41 mm nut. And a slim neck. And maybe a maple board.

[SPACERITUAL]

I really think your headstock could use a reboot though buddy. I think that, while it somewhat fits in with the rickenbacker-esque models and acoustics, its too tame and plain for the majority of electric guitars. We talked once and you were telling me you were looking into tooling u to offer a headstock off an old teisco or silvertone. I think its still a good idea and you shouldnt abandon it. Especially for the new cheaper models. Also for this grifter man. I know you dont want to be seen as doing straightup reissues but one of the most alluring things about the TK300 was the big stupid headstock and the way they almost didnt give a fuck about the logo. I might be willing to put my money where my mouth is and buy one if you could get down with that original headstock. Also i think this grifter model would be a great platform to offer an optional jazzmaster style tremolo with.

[Nelson Instruments]

The JM vibrato will happen after I have had some time to experiment with it. Obviously I just got bigsbys figured out for my guitars so now I can experiment with the JM style.

Regarding different headstock designs I have a handful of thoughts on the matter.

The biggest one I will mention is that I have learned time and time again that I will never be able to please everyone. No matter what I do or don't do there will always be things that some folks don't like.

For now the plan is to keep it the way it is. If I get a lot of feedback saying the headstock is keeping them from getting the guitar then I'll start changing it.
At this point though there have been very few people expressing that they don't like it.

[wafl]

I actually like the headstock shape with the nameplate. It honestly looks like the perfect shape for a headstock to me, just right.
But I also will sadly never have 1500 dollars to spend on anything and build my own guitars so don't listen to me.

[ChetMagongalo]

I really think your headstock could use a reboot though buddy. I think that, while it somewhat fits in with the rickenbacker-esque models and acoustics, its too tame and plain for the majority of electric guitars. We talked once and you were telling me you were looking into tooling u to offer a headstock off an old teisco or silvertone. I think its still a good idea and you shouldnt abandon it. Especially for the new cheaper models. Also for this grifter man. I know you dont want to be seen as doing straightup reissues but one of the most alluring things about the TK300 was the big stupid headstock and the way they almost didnt give a fuck about the logo. I might be willing to put my money where my mouth is and buy one if you could get down with that original headstock. Also i think this grifter model would be a great platform to offer an optional jazzmaster style tremolo with.

agree with all arguments

[Nelson Instruments]

Hmmmm....... Well maybe since I am sort of "re-booting" Nelson Instruments perhaps I will see about offering an alternative headstock as an option.

[Chankgeez]

Maybe something like this?



Except, of course, with your name on it instead of this luthiers'.

[colin]

But keep the cat.

[Twangasaurus]

I typed "nelson animal" into google images and this came up so I guess that should be your new headstock mascot

[oldangelmidnight]

I don't see anyone else doing taxidermied chupacabras so I think you'd corner the market.