Product: USA Custom Guitars US-4 Tiltback Neck
Price Paid: US about 350
Submitted
09/20/2003
at
08:14am
by
Ben Furman
Email: none
Features
:
10
Maple neck made by Tommy Rosamond's crew in Tacoma, WA. Finished by ROXY Guitar Finish. All aspects of the neck were customized to my specification, including:
lightweight 1-piece construction
ebony fingerboard
EB asymmetric contour (0.85" thick)
1.75" nut width
Dunlop 6105 fretwire
voluted "tiltback" headstock (US-4 shape)
truss rod adjustment at headstock
ROXY, in partnership with USACG, provided the following finish details:
transparent brown tint on main neck shaft (to match existing body)
satin finish
gloss-black painted pegface
Sound
:
10
The neck is quite light, considering its substantial girth, and balances very well with the body I matched it to. The combination is delightfully resonant. The sound tends toward brightness, but it is much fuller and more balanced than any other maple neck I've played. To me, it lacks the typical "scooped mids" sound often associated with maple.
The fingerboard is on the thin side, which may contribute to the difference I'm hearing.
I was aiming for an open, jazzy sound, and this neck factors as a significant part of the equation.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
The fretwork is flawless. I set the guitar up myself, and the action is good with no adjustment from me. After I've played it for a year or so, I may consider a pro fret level, but it's 99% of the way there already.
The neck hasn't had a chance to settle totally, but I don't anticipate any warpage at this time. The woods were kiln dried, and they're straight and true as I write this.
The ROXY finish quality is excellent.
Overall, I'd rate USACG quality slightly above Warmoth's or Carvin's.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
The neck is substantial enough... It's still a new product though, so we'll wait and see.
Customer Support
:
10
Tommy is a fine human being and a delight to order from. We did have one minor miscommunication, but he is always eager to please and make things right if you give him the opportunity. If I could give him an "eleven" I would.
Overall Rating
:
10
I've purchased necks from other parts suppliers, and this USACG product is a superior piece. There's not a night-and-day difference, but it's tangible. Factor in the low cost (you can have a full custom for the price of a competitor's Thrift Shop special), and this is the best value on the market.
The highest praise I can give is that USACG and I will do business again!
