Comanche / Asat neck shapes, with regard to WR model also.

[NickHorne]

Does the Comanche have the same neck as an Asat, apart from the headstock shape? I'm thinking about the profile itself.

I imagine that a #3 neck, for example, is the same for all apart from headstock shape, but I'm just a little concerned that this may not actually be so.

I have a 2002 Will Ray, with a 1 5/8 nut neck. Great guitar. Neck slim front-to-back and sideways, which in most instances would not be my thing, but in fact I get around it OK.
I now wish to add to this, a second WR with a 1 3/4 nut neck (#4), quartersawn and stainless. (Keeping my first one always! Superb guitar).
I recently tried an Asat Classic, and the neck was chunkier front-to-back than my WR, and I really liked that about it.

If necks have got a little chunkier over the last ten years, then that's great.

Would a modern WR have the same neck profile as an Asat with the same neck-pattern number? Or would I have to ask for an Asat neck to be fitted instead of the Comanche pattern that the WR usually seems to get?

Also, is there any way of finding whether G&L's would still do the WR-specific SKULLS with this #4 neck (I just love them)?

[Craig]

If necks have got a little chunkier over the last ten years, then that's great.

Would a modern WR have the same neck profile as an Asat with the same neck-pattern number? Or would I have to ask for an Asat neck to be fitted instead of the Comanche pattern that the WR usually seems to get?

Also, is there any way of finding whether G&L's would still do the WR-specific SKULLS with this #4 neck (I just love them)?

Yes, necks have gotten a little chunkier and more consistent since mid 2006 or so. AFAIK, the only difference between an ASAT #4 neck
and a Comanche #4 neck is the headstock (and model decal).

The WR skulls are only available on necks for the USA Will Ray Signature models. You can order different size necks for USA Will Ray Signature
model and it will include the skull inlays. So, yes you will get the skulls on the #4 neck for your USA WR Signature order. I recommend that
when you order this guitar, have the dealer include "Commanche headstock" with the #4 WR neck.

Hope this helps.

[NickHorne]

You bet that helps!! I'm amazed; you just answered everything. Thank you most sincerely!
G&Ls are exceptional and unique and, for me, the WR is a once-in-a-lifetime special discovery. That I can obtain all the specs I have been thinking of is fantastic news. I have found a great dealer here in England and this order will be coming together soon.
Best to you,
Nick

[JagInTheBag]

I recommend that when you order this guitar, have the dealer include "Commanche headstock" with the #4 WR neck.

Hope this helps.

It certainly does, but a tad late for me I fear. I was under the impression, due to the article describing the model, that all the USA models came with the Comanche headstock. Even my '06 Tribute had a Comanche headstock.

2006 G&L Tribute, Will Ray Signature Series by ShowYourAuto!com, on Flickr


I just reviewed the current specs and it does not specify the headstock shape, yet shows a standard ASAT headstock.


My new USA is supposed to be delivered in a a couple weeks, it would be a bummer if it showed up without the Comanche headstock.


Here are the original promo photos:

[JagInTheBag]

I just called Chris over at G&L and he confirmed that the standard order for a WR includes a Comanche headstock! He also frankly admitted he did not know why or how the standard ASAT headstock is shown on the WR exemplar model on the website...

[NickHorne]

I seriously recommend you don't lose any sleep over the headstock; the WR is unique and brilliant.
I might actually request an Asat headstock on my new one! (I never really loved Fender's Strat head on 70's Teles). My existing WR has the Commanche head, and we are deep friends. But I am undecided re the new one. And unworried. The rest of this very special axe is what matters. Look forward to yours and don't worry!

[Craig]

I recommend that when you order this guitar, have the dealer include "Commanche headstock" with the #4 WR neck.

Hope this helps.

It certainly does, but a tad late for me I fear. I was under the impression, due to the article describing the model, that all the USA models came with the Comanche headstock. Even my '06 Tribute had a Comanche headstock.

2006 G&L Tribute, Will Ray Signature Series by ShowYourAuto!com, on Flickr


I just reviewed the current specs and it does not specify the headstock shape, yet shows a standard ASAT headstock.


My new USA is supposed to be delivered in a a couple weeks, it would be a bummer if it showed up without the Comanche headstock.


Here are the original promo photos:

The current (January 2012) USA Price List says:
Comanche headstock and #1 neck profile with Rosewood fingerboard.

And because the main website shows an ASAT headstock, that is precisely why I recommended to have the dealer specify the
headstock on the order.

You might contact your dealer and check to see which headstock they are using on your build.

I will be seeing Dave at NAMM and this is one my list of items to discuss with him.

[Craig]

I just called Chris over at G&L and he confirmed that the standard order for a WR includes a Comanche headstock! He also frankly admitted he did not know why or how the standard ASAT headstock is shown on the WR exemplar model on the website...

Good to hear you are getting what you had expected.

Perhaps Chris will mention this to Dave, too, so he can get a corrected photo on the spec page.

[JagInTheBag]

Good to hear you are getting what you had expected.

Perhaps Chris will mention this to Dave, too, so he can get a corrected photo on the spec page.

I am hopeful he will, but I didn't specifically request it. I'd still bring it up to Dave when you see him at NAMM just the same.



~JagInTheBag

[NickHorne]

I just spent some time with my old silver WR, and I realise I do really like its Comanche head. I shall be asking for it on my order too.
Craig has been amazingly informative and helpful about this! Jag & I will be getting some great guitars.
What finish are you ordering, Jag? I'm almost set on Lemondrop with pearl guard and white pups. Looks a bit more Strat, and I'm just going to live with that idea a little bit more before pulling trigger.

[NickHorne]

P.S. re WR
If you're new to the Hipshot, give a holler here. I have made 3 simple tweaks that make it work really well, and I'll write 'em up if any help.

[Craig]

P.S. re WR
If you're new to the Hipshot, give a holler here. I have made 3 simple tweaks that make it work really well, and I'll write 'em up if any help.

Please do post your tweaks and put them in The Project Page sub-forum.

Thanks.

[JagInTheBag]

I just spent some time with my old silver WR, and I realise I do really like its Comanche head. I shall be asking for it on my order too.
Craig has been amazingly informative and helpful about this! Jag & I will be getting some great guitars.
What finish are you ordering, Jag? I'm almost set on Lemondrop with pearl guard and white pups. Looks a bit more Strat, and I'm just going to live with that idea a little bit more before pulling trigger.

Mine is orange flake with pearl pg and black pup covers. What wood grain are thinking of with the lemon drop?

[jdavies]

P.S. re WR
If you're new to the Hipshot, give a holler here. I have made 3 simple tweaks that make it work really well, and I'll write 'em up if any help.

Another request for hipshot tweaks for the Will Ray - I tried adding a few extra levers (great for alternate and slide tuning) but have now only got a drop D lever in the interests of simplicity. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Jeremy

[NickHorne]

I'm really sorry! Just took an hour and a half, to write it up really thoroughly... and I timed out. First time it's happened to me.
Back soon, but not until tomorrow probably.

Jag's finish sounds stunning.

Mine will be just the ash in lemondrop.

[JagInTheBag]

I'm really sorry! Just took an hour and a half, to write it up really thoroughly... and I timed out. First time it's happened to me.
Back soon, but not until tomorrow probably.

Jag's finish sounds stunning.

Mine will be just the ash in lemondrop.

I'd write it out on a word document first then cut and paste. At least copy the text before hitting the "go" button.

Lemon Drop on ash sounds good. That is what we are looking at for the LE-2

[The Black Page]

G&Ls are exceptional and unique and, for me, the WR is a once-in-a-lifetime special discovery.

X2 welcome that stray lamb into the fold padre pat!

Good to hear of another brother along for the ride nick.seems the board is gonna be swamped in an embarrassment of WR riches sometime soon.of which will deserves no less..

P.S. re WR
If you're new to the Hipshot, give a holler here. I have made 3 simple tweaks that make it work really well, and I'll write 'em up if any help.

Another request for hipshot tweaks for the Will Ray - I tried adding a few extra levers (great for alternate and slide tuning) but have now only got a drop D lever in the interests of simplicity. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Jeremy

X2 here as well please nick I plan to do exactly what Jeremy has done regarding the hipshot.prefer getting all the G string pedal like stuff etc from the hands,alla will's partner in crime Jerry
Thanks in advance nick.cheers mate!

[NickHorne]

Finally got some thoughts onto the Project Page; thanks for the advice!

[helle-man]

And just for the record, back in 2001 when I was going over the specs with BBE/G&L for the WR, I specified a Comanche type neck because I liked the flatter radius.

WR

[NickHorne]

Aha! Thanks, Will!
So the BACK countour of the neck is the same, whether Asat or Comanche head?
If it was just the 12" board that was different, then the current #1 pattern should be right, and feel the same (both front and back) whether Asat or Comanche-shaped up at the head. I'm certainly hoping so.
If my #4 comanche-head neck on my WR order feels like a wide version of the #1-necked Classic I liked, I'll be really happy.

PS fantastic guitar, Will.