12-26 What's in your stocking Lunch Report

[sam]

Happy December 26 and hoping all are enjoying the day after Christmas. If your on vacation hope it is having fun doing and playing some music as well, and if you are working today hope the day passes quickly so you can get to playing with what was left in yer stocking!

It has been a while since I have held the second highest honor, thank you Dave for the invite. Hope to keep the ball rolling and keep conversations flowing.

Lunch today willl be leftover egg, cheese and sausage breakfast casserole. We always have company and make huge casseroles so leftovers are plentiful, one of my weaknesses during this time of year. We will probably have leftover main dish for dinner as well, but it was so good it will be welcomed encore. A few of the items on the plate were beef tenderloin, squash casserole and chocolate bread pudding, many deserved congratulations were given to my wife.

What are some of the favorites served around your house during the holidays, and any new food offerings this year that you can't wait to have again?

G&L topic - IMHO there has been tremendous advancements and enhancements to the G&L line over the past few years bringing G&L guitars and the G&L brand to the attention of players of all levels. For example: new colors (I really dig margarita metallic), new woods, some limited editions, PLEK technology, pedals and the expansion of the tribby line.

Of all of these which is your favorite new G&L addition and which do you think will help build the G&L brand?
I think the Tribute line have gotten great airplay so hopefully more newer players are giving them a try and older guys (like me) are looking to add them as back ups or to try new bodies. The PLEK technology has help remove some older complaints about inconsistent necks and put G&L on par with others and manufacturing technology. I have some pre BBE that whille the necks do vary I consider it part of the character of the guitar BUT, consistency and clean frets do count for a lot. My 2005 Z3 has may favorite neck of them all.

Non G&L topic - Did ya get any music related stuff in your stocking?
No guitars like Jos, but I did Sony noise cancelling headphones. I travel quite a bit with work so these should come in handy. My wife did help work through the hurdles for a Best Buy $35 rewards card which will be redeemed this week for sure.

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[yowhatsshakin]

Morning Sam,

To early to think about lunch yet and too late for breakfast.

I think the PLEK machines have made the biggest impact. And I believe that G&L is actually using them right whereas I'm not that sure whether the same is true for Gibson. For the main part this has the do with the number of guitars produced. But that you'll be getting a spec sheet that includes the final setup parameters (with their tolerances!) says something about the confidence G&L has in their product. Comes back to this whole 'pride' thing Darth Invader is referencing to in his response to the New Serial Numbers thread. But as an interesting anecdote, I attended visit of Paul Reed Smith (with Zakk Wylde's companion Nick Catanese in tow) to a local GC and one of the other people in attendance happened to be the wife of Mike Lull, a renowned guitar tech (and builder of basses) here in the neighborhood. Mike was one of the first people here in the States who got himself a PLEK machine. So his wife asks Paul about PLEK technology. Boy, did that hit a nerve, either in mock indignation or not. But according to Paul, PLEK was unnecessary if you build guitars correctly. To some extend he certainly has a point there. Great guitars have been build for about a century now without the benefits of PLEK. But it certainly takes the guessing game out of it when you use the new technologies correctly. De mensura autem scientia.

As you write already, St Nick had nothing 'better' to give me than a couple of guitars. I will be so bored today. Oh well, maybe I'll do better next year ...

Looking forward to the short workweek (only 3 days).

- Jos

[Sprinter 92]

What are some of the favorites served around your house during the holidays, and any new food offerings this year that you can't wait to have again?

I like to make Kumla during the holidays. It's a Nordic dish that consists of ham with potato dumplings. I'm making it right now!

Of all of these which is your favorite new G&L addition and which do you think will help build the G&L brand?

I think G&L's two biggest advancements are doing away with the bi-cut neck and the addition of the Plek machine. I think they are building the best necks they've ever made right now!

Non G&L topic - Did ya get any music related stuff in your stocking?

Nope. All I wanted for Christmas was for my sick cat to get better, and thankfully he is.


Sprinter 92

[yowhatsshakin]

Just finished watching the ELP clip. Those were the days when the (Hammond B-3) organ was deemed a viable instrument in pop music and of the gong and bell solos, let alone long drum solos. I just have this mental image now of Christopher Walken playing Bruce Dickinson on SNL pleading: "We need more gong Carl, we need more gong ..."

- Jos

[darwinohm]

Sam, glad to see you have survived the holiday and welcome as LR.

Lunch and dinner will be leftovers after having the crew here over Christmas. We had a traditional dinner so I get to have Turkey, dressing and mashed potatoes for the next few evenings. All this will be smothered in homemade gravy. Tough job but I will do my best.

Ginny gave me some cash toward my next guitar which kind of puts some pressure on me. We'll see what shakes out.

G&L improvements are noteworthy and many of them you may not see. The last two new builds I have from 2011 both had Sperzel tuners. I notice tha ine of Jos's new Korinas also has Sperzels. Here is what Ii have notice. I have changed both sets of Sperzels to lockers and the originals were not as easy to remove as in the past. The pin holes are very precise and the fit is perfect. I changed a set of Schallers to lockers on an older one this weekend and there was much more tolerance in the pin holes on those. It seems as though many of the specs have been tightened to get a more precise fit. Even though it may not be obvious I believe it all adds to better QC and adds value to the overall product. The plek is outstanding and I am not sure about the bi-cut necks as I have both and neither have given me any issues.

Nothing new on the music front but I did rediscover our Adamas yesterday. I had't played it for more than two years. It is a 12 fret and it was pretty much in tune after this amount of time and does it have a voice. The adjustment were dead on and I need to use it more.

Saw Sprinters cat had been sick and is getting better. Great news as cats sometimes give up the ship when they get sick. Made my day!-- Darwin

[louis cyfer]

Morning Sam,

To early to think about lunch yet and too late for breakfast.

I think the PLEK machines have made the biggest impact. And I believe that G&L is actually using them right whereas I'm not that sure whether the same is true for Gibson. For the main part this has the do with the number of guitars produced. But that you'll be getting a spec sheet that includes the final setup parameters (with their tolerances!) says something about the confidence G&L has in their product. Comes back to this whole 'pride' thing Darth Invader is referencing to in his response to the New Serial Numbers thread. But as an interesting anecdote, I attended visit of Paul Reed Smith (with Zakk Wylde's companion Nick Catanese in tow) to a local GC and one of the other people in attendance happened to be the wife of Mike Lull, a renowned guitar tech (and builder of basses) here in the neighborhood. Mike was one of the first people here in the States who got himself a PLEK machine. So his wife asks Paul about PLEK technology. Boy, did that hit a nerve, either in mock indignation or not. But according to Paul, PLEK was unnecessary if you build guitars correctly. To some extend he certainly has a point there. Great guitars have been build for about a century now without the benefits of PLEK. But it certainly takes the guessing game out of it when you use the new technologies correctly. De mensura autem scientia.

As you write already, St Nick had nothing 'better' to give me than a couple of guitars. I will be so bored today. Oh well, maybe I'll do better next year ...

Looking forward to the short workweek (only 3 days).

- Jos

didn't santa come on december 6th? you waited since then to open the presents? what will power

i think plek just helps them hire less experienced technicians, it takes quite a few years for someone to do frets well. for me plekk did not make a difference, i take all my guitars to my tech, and he usually needs to touch up even the plekked ones. i am sure it does speed up the process though for the factories.

[louis cyfer]

btw, i am looking at some g&l guitars this week, so if santa couldn't do it, i will have to remedy that myself.

sprinter, glad your cat is better. i am lucky, all 10 of them are in perfect health.

[Michael-GnL-Michael]

Darwin, the Korina Classic that Jos bought has Schaller tuners as does maybe half? (exact figure is unknowable) of the Korina series.

Click to enlarge:


Santa gave me a pass for spending about $5000 on gear earlier this year.

I am with Louis on the PLEK system benefiting less skilled employees aka enabling the use of less skilled employees.

Along the same line I am dismayed by the lack of organization and attention to production detail at G&L. The grab bag approach to parts and serial numbers contradicts the proclaimed evolution of Leo Fender's ideas. I view it as sloppy production. The spec sheet is nothing but a token sheet of paper. I think G&L is a decent brand for the money. Conflicting production philosophies coexist at G&L and they disappoint and annoy me because this should have been ironed out years and years and years ago.

...Sperzel tuners. I notice tha ine of Jos's new Korinas also has Sperzels. Here is what Ii have notice....

[darwinohm]

Michael, I am referring to the JR Custom Creations in his Korina post. -- Darwin

[Michael-GnL-Michael]

Michael, I am referring to the JR Custom Creations in his Korina post. -- Darwin

The Korina series is a mix of Sperzel and Schaller tuners. Your post seems to suggest it is one or the other. Perhaps it is just my perception of your words.

[yowhatsshakin]

Michael, I am referring to the JR Custom Creations in his Korina post. -- Darwin

The Korina series is a mix of Sperzel and Schaller tuners. Your post seems to suggest it is one or the other. Perhaps it is just my perception of your words.

Seems like early Korinas have G&L stamped Schaller machines. I just checked the ones listed for Guitar Adoptions and 2 of the 3 have Schallers. So there must have been a transition somewhere. But this usage of both Schallers and Sperzels depending on what is available and in stock is well known for G&L and it doesn't surprise me (nor do I care). Note that the specs of the (Korina) models on the G&L website only specify "TUNING KEYS: 12:1 ratio, sealed lubrication, adjustable knob tension", so they are not brand specific there either. And before they are done building all 300 guitars, they might be forced to switch back again due to supplies. Who knows?

- Jos

[Michael-GnL-Michael]

Michael, I am referring to the JR Custom Creations in his Korina post. -- Darwin

The Korina series is a mix of Sperzel and Schaller tuners. Your post seems to suggest it is one or the other. Perhaps it is just my perception of your words.

Seems like early Korinas have G&L stamped Schaller machines. I just checked the ones listed for Guitar Adoptions and 2 of the 3 have Schallers. So there must have been a transition somewhere. But this usage of both Schallers and Sperzels depending on what is available and in stock is well known for G&L and it doesn't surprise me (nor do I care). Note that the specs of the (Korina) models on the G&L website only specify "TUNING KEYS: 12:1 ratio, sealed lubrication, adjustable knob tension", so they are not brand specific there either. And before they are done building all 300 guitars, they might be forced to switch back again due to supplies. Who knows?

- Jos

In the Korina series, I thought the Sperzels with decals were used in the beginning then after running out they switched to the plate and Schallers. Looking at GA inventory of Korinas it looks like the tuners were random but the S/N decal vs plate was not. They did later run out of S/N decals and go over to the plate. I have not seen a plate/decal combo of any type, Korina or otherwise. I do not know whether future Custom Creations will use the decal serial numbers with the CC decal. Generally the plate is the decal's replacement so they are going to be the most abundant supply for S/N. Being a true prototype they probably used the Schaller/plate combo on yours so as not to use up a Sperzel/decal combo, if they cared at all. It is highly unlikely that they ran out of both at the same point so somewhere someone may end up with a Sperzel/plate combo if no one made a deliberate decision to pass over the Sperzel for a Schaller set at that stage.

[yowhatsshakin]

It is highly unlikely that they ran out of both at the same point so somewhere someone may end up with a Sperzel/plate combo if no one made a deliberate decision to pass over the Sperzel for a Schaller set at that stage.

The youngest Korina I have, the Jr II finished December 6 of this year, has Sperzels, small CCD logo, and S/N plate. The Classic prototype was finished February 18th and has Schallers and a decal. no CCD decal at all. Just for clarification, all 3 Korina guitars listed on GuitarAdoptions.com have S/N decals and large CCD logo. I believe that is what will be used for CCD built instruments from now on. I only wonder whether there ever will be a rank number with the small CCD logo again in a future Limited Edition and/or Special Build series.

Hope this helps. And sam, sorry my Korinas seem to have hijacked this LR

- Jos

[KenC]

Holiday Foods: Our one standard for Christmas is white chocolate bread pudding for dessert. Something about the white chocolate makes it special and festive.

G&L Advancements: I can't really weigh in on this one, as my newest G&L is a '98. I am getting really GASsy over the Korina JR II though, so I could see one in my future if the right opportunity came along.

Stocking Stuffers: It was a bit too big for the stocking, but I had a Nighthawk under the tree. I spent most of the day playing with my kids, so all I accomplished with the Nighthawk yesterday was a string change. I had a little bit of time this morning to plug it in, and it sounded great. Time will tell whether I end up preferring it to the Skyhawk. The circuits should be identical, but the Nighthawk seems to have a solid fundamental that comes through in the single pickup (1/3/5) positions while the Skyhawk has more of a shimmering sound that resonates on the in-between positions. Not sure whether that's a function of the body woods, normal variability, or that the instruments aged differently.

Ken

[Michael-GnL-Michael]

Sam......Craig will probably end up splitting this out of the LR, maybe not. I am sorry that a subtopic has been focused on so much in your LR. FWIW, lunch was Mandarin chicken and rice.

Jos.......If that was the actual guitar shown in the images on ProGuitarShop.com which it has to be based on the flamed maple neck, the image I posted above (taken from PGS.com) does not show a decal that I can see. Just interesting as you have the guitar to see for yourself. Did you mean to say S/N plate?

It is highly unlikely that they ran out of both at the same point so somewhere someone may end up with a Sperzel/plate combo if no one made a deliberate decision to pass over the Sperzel for a Schaller set at that stage.

The youngest Korina I have, the Jr II finished December 6 of this year, has Sperzels, small CCD logo, and S/N plate. The Classic prototype was finished February 18th and has Schallers and a decal. no CCD decal at all. Just for clarification, all 3 Korina guitars listed on GuitarAdoptions.com have S/N decals and large CCD logo. I believe that is what will be used for CCD built instruments from now on. I only wonder whether there ever will be a rank number with the small CCD logo again in a future Limited Edition and/or Special Build series.

Hope this helps. And sam, sorry my Korinas seem to have hijacked this LR

- Jos

[yowhatsshakin]

The Classic prototype was finished February 18th and has Schallers and a decal. no CCD decal at all.

Jos.......If that was the actual guitar shown in the images on ProGuitarShop.com which it has to be based on the flamed maple neck, the image I posted above (taken from PGS.com) does not show a decal that I can see. Just interesting as you have the guitar to see for yourself. Did you mean to say S/N plate?

Yup Michael, that's what I meant to say. The Korina Classic has Schallers, a S/N plate (its S/N is CLF061042 hence it has to!), and no CCD decal. Sorry for the confusion

- Jos

[zapcosongs]

Thanks for stepping up this week, Sam. Happy holidays to you and yours!

I would love to have a helping or two of your breakfast casserole thing. I love stuff like that. We don't have much traditional holiday food. We do Thanksgiving here, and get invited to neighborhood friends for Xmas, usually contributing a most excellent salad to the festivities. Also, we're still enjoying the "fruits" of the annual neighborhood cookie party/exchange. I'm going to pop what's left into the freezer tonight to delight the kiddies when pickings are slimmer in the coming weeks....

G&L: I think by far the greatest thing G&L has done recently is resurrecting (hurry Easter!) the "Mustang" body style with the SC-2. This is something that I had mentioned years ago as something G&L ought to do, and I think the results have been very rewarding from what I can tell from here. I'm hoping that in the coming years, G&L can build further on this uniquely-shaped platform. If I didn't have one already, I'd be among the first in line for a new Mustang-bodied SC-3 (hear me, Santa?).

Darn. What was the question? - ed

[sam]

Thanks to all for replys and a mixed bag it is.

Jos - we're a few hours ahead so I will try and prepare a G&L brunch or hangover lunch for the left coasters. I'm envious of the Paul Reed Smith GC visit, Paul may show up later this week, hint hint. The PLEK has had some response, oh boy. i have the whole week off but ya know a short week ain't bad! The ELP was my "slight wink" to the week and i love that tune. Hope it "lives up to what you expect".

Sprinter - Amen to yer cat. We are big pet fans 'round the house, and a healthy or healthier pet is great news. We must have passed somewhere to Sweden. My company's headquarters is in Stockholm and have been a few times so Kumla has been enjoyed a few times! Send leftovers, I here they taste better after a few days marinating. Go G&L necks!!

Louis - we're all jealous of Jos, c'mon admit it. The PLEK debate will go on for sure, but skilled labor, or lack thereof versus automation can be influenced by public opinion and public purchase power. Which ones do you own and which ones do you play the most? Oh, yeah, what do you plan on calling for the remedy?

Ken - White chocolate sounds fantastic as I DO LOVE white chocolate so gotta have that recipe!! TO your reply and all others, these Korina's seem like the Cat Daddy's. Yer Nighthawk is sure to die for. I missed a Superhawk years ago that for an ASAT guy I wanted it BAD.

Michael - I am actually in the same boat as you for what Santa brought and my purchases, but as Janis said, "Get it while you can." The organization and customer support is a general thorn inmy side with most companies these days, just get yer act together people!!!

Ed - Happy holidays to you and yours as well!! A coronary on a plate i.e cheese, eggs, sausage and bread seems fitting for a vacation week to me! Now that cookie exchange is something i will come to town for. What is your cookie dujour? The Mustang is the thing I AM WAITING FOR from the G&L boys. Pickups, trems and switches would be really cool!!!

[Dave_P]

Great start Sam! That breakfast casserole sounds good. Wish I had a chance to stop in earlier, sounds like you had a great Christmas.

No G&L or musical fun in my stocking this year. My one year old daughter got a mini piano though, she loves it, already started singing and playing at the same time. I have no idea what she's saying but it made my day

My family is pretty traditional for Christmas dinner. Ham, potato, carrots, etc. my aunt cooks the ham in ginger-ale. Believe it or not it's still the best ham I have ever had. Also, I can't go without my Jimmy roll for desert, it's from a local chain (Newport Creamery) basically a chocolate and vanilla ice cream log rolled in jimmies (or sprinkles if that's what you call them). Simple, tasty and a tradition.

I commend G&L on all their improvements, it's always good to see a company continue to strive for the next level. Some things are great and others not but in the end you have to crack a few eggs to make an omelet. I'm with ed the mustang body coming back to the line up is probably my favorite this year.

[sam]

Thanks to all for replys and a mixed bag it is and I havetried to post feedback for a while! thank you Dell

Jos - we're a few hours ahead so I will try and prepare a G&L brunch or hangover lunch for the left coasters. I'm envious of the Paul Reed Smith GC visit, Paul may show up later this week, hint hint. The PLEK has had some response, oh boy. i have the whole week off but ya know a short week ain't bad! The ELP was my "slight wink" to the week and i love that tune. Hope it "lives up to what you expect".

Sprinter - Amen to yer cat. We are big pet fans 'round the house, and a healthy or healthier pet is great news. We must have passed somewhere to Sweden. My company's headquarters is in Stockholm and have been a few times so Kumla has been enjoyed a few times! Send leftovers, I here they taste better after a few days marinating. Go G&L necks!!

Louis - we're all jealous of Jos, c'mon admit it. The PLEK debate will go on for sure, but skilled labor, or lack thereof versus automation can be influenced by public opinion and public purchase power. Which ones do you own and which ones do you play the most? Oh, yeah, what do you plan on calling for the remedy?

Ken - White chocolate sounds fantastic as I DO LOVE white chocolate so gotta have that recipe!! TO your reply and all others, these Korina's seem like the Cat Daddy's. Yer Nighthawk is sure to die for. I missed a Superhawk years ago that for an ASAT guy I wanted it BAD.

Michael - I am actually in the same boat as you for what Santa brought and my purchases, but as Janis said, "Get it while you can." The organization and customer support is a general thorn inmy side with most companies these days, just get yer act together people!!!

Ed - Happy holidays to you and yours as well!! A coronary on a plate i.e cheese, eggs, sausage and bread seems fitting for a vacation week to me! Now that cookie exchange is something i will come to town for. What is your cookie dujour? The Mustang is the thing I AM WAITING FOR from the G&L boys. Pickups, trems and switches would be really cool!!!

[sam]

Please pardon the double post, the good folks at Dell compewters have been fighting with my attempts to reply!

Ya gotta understand, I AM the poster child for computer ellituracy so there may be hiccups up the way.

My plans changed for the week, and mental state is somewhere between here and there so we will have some fun for the rest of the week!!!


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[louis cyfer]

i'll have to do the remedy myself. santa didn't show up. only krampus did.

[gitman001]

Hey Sam,

I was very much enjoying the day after christmas until about 5:00 when i was hit with nasty stomach flu! Oh well at least it wasn't on christmas day.

Santa was good to me and found room in this sleigh for a fullerton red legacy with matching headstock. When i pull my butt out of bed i will take a few pics....

I also have both pre and post BBE instruments and if i didn't know any better i don't know if i could spot much difference between them. Now mind you they all have been set up by a really good tech. Even on my new sc-2 with PLEK'd neck i needed the nut slots cut a little deeper to really get the action to where i wanted it.

Looking forward to a fun week

Scott

[sam]

Scott,

Sorry to hear about the stomach flu, hope it passes quickly. (pun intended)

Looking forward to seeing that red Fullerton. ya know they don't exist without pictures.