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Masterbuilt Madness

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kim R
  • Start date Start date
K

Kim R

Guest
This guitar by Paul Waller was custom-ordered many months ago. The buyer who placed the order bailed out when the guitar was delivered and I was instantly captivated by the exquisite build, Nocaster (huge) neck carve, and sound that really captures what I have always sought. I don't think that I would have initiated the order [myself] for such a special instrument knowing that it would take nearly two years to receive but I am elated to have been present when it arrived and instantly became orphaned. I wouldn't have picked Taos Turquois either, but it has grown on me and I actually love it when I see it these days.

This was begun as a NOS Wildwood 10 '59 Strat and spec'd out with John Cruz pups, a U-shaped Nocaster neck carve .97-1.01 in birdseye, slab rosewood. Alder body. It's just a hair over 7 pounds.

The guitar is my first and only foray into Masterbuilt Customs and/or Wildwood 10's.

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jwalker

jwalker

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Dec 10, 2004
Messages
2,597
What a great neck. A friend has a vintage '62 Strat that has similar figure on the maple.
 
buckaroo

buckaroo

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Feb 17, 2009
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938
Congratulations. IMO (I have played guitar in bands and collected guitars for 45 + years now so I know what I like), the masterbuilt Fenders of the past 5 -10 years are as fine as any Fenders on our planet. Of any era. The quality control of those instruments is as good as it gets. As good as Collings acoustics.

While Gibson has not quite been able to match Fender's (or Collings) consistency with quality, I will say that when Gibson gets it right they do a superb job. And they do get it right more often than not IMO! But with new Gibson's it is a bit of a roll of the dice.:salude
 
DanD

DanD

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Apr 8, 2007
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2,368
Taos Turquoise :applaude

She's a looker! :salude
 
K

Kim R

Guest
Kind words from my friends, here - thanks.

Mainly, I wanted to draw a bit of attention to Paul Waller, the Fender Custom Master Builder who put this instrument together. The Master Built's are not common ground for me; I have been far more pedestrian in my guitar selections over many years and it hasn't kept me from finding great sounding and playing instruments - all price points. In the case of this very blue guitar with the fancy neck, I don't see how an electric guitar could be better if a Stratocaster is the targeted sound and feel. And, I made the decision to part with a couple of very fine guitars in order to bring this one home - so maybe a bit of focus was due yours truly (?).

If one finds an occasion to give a PW guitar a play, I would highly recommend a go (I hear that he builds Tele's too :hank ).
 
JimClapton

JimClapton

New member
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Jun 22, 2015
Messages
11
Beautiful colour and lovely piece of maple! If it sounds as good as it looks then Mr Waller has produced a winner there!
 
rabbit

rabbit

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Apr 24, 2005
Messages
400
Beautiful Strat! Just killer. I bought parts to put together a Strat and the body (Mexican) is undoubtedly finished in Taos Turquoise. Very rare, I believe, for a Mexican body (or ANY Strat body.) It would pass for an American body. I just don't have the time or inclination to put it together.
Anyway, congrats on getting this fine beauty. May it serve you well for many years.
 
goldtop0

goldtop0

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Aug 19, 2003
Messages
9,117
Looks killer.........and a neck and weight to die for.........congrats Kim:salude

Not trying to pry ..........but.......north of $5k for masterbuilt?
 
K

Kim R

Guest
goldtop0 said:
Looks killer.........and a neck and weight to die for.........congrats Kim:salude

Not trying to pry ..........but.......north of $5k for masterbuilt?
Click to expand...

Yes, more north (they are a bit precious :gazza).

It's amazing how the prices on the Gibson and Fender lines have gone up, especially for the custom models. But.... there are also many on this board who are used to paying the smaller custom builders even more. I need to adjust my $Barometer - but, I'll add that this guitar checks all of the boxes for me or I wouldn't have made such a stretch to acquire it.

Thanks again for the kind words.
 
goldtop0

goldtop0

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Messages
9,117
I'd have to admit that if I ever came across a guitar( CS LP or Nocaster) that covered all my criteria plus..........I'd do exactly the same as you.....gotta have it:lol
 
Red Baron

Red Baron

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Jul 14, 2004
Messages
6,815
Awesome looking guitar, and what a cool bonus getting a big Nocaster neck, congrats, great score! :salude
 
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