1. The "set-in" necks can be rather fragile as evidenced by the tragic night in Rotterdam, Holland where after we played, my classic white SG custom (my main WHW guitar from 1992-2004 that was used for every recording and concert up to that point) fell face down on stage, resulting in a horrible crack around the entirety of the neck joint.
   
   Upon later closer inspection, it was revealed that said cracks protruded even further into the neck pickup cavity, which was even more gutting as it was then I realized the only hope for repairing the guitar involved literally breaking the neck off and the re-setting it - with no assurance she'd ever be the same (as far as intonation, tuning stability, sustain, etc.) and zero chance we'd ever manage to repair her cosmetically (with extensive use in different environments, finishes age into shades only time can ever reproduce).
   
   While ultimately I was in fact able to repair her, this whole traumatic experience revealed a severe design "flaw" with my favorite guitar: the proximity of the neck to the pickup cavity, and subsquent fragility of the neck being glued or "set-in" there.
   
   Further, I've come to learn that not only are bolt-on necks far more durable and secure, they also allow for a tighter connection to the body than set-in necks, therefore increasing the sustain!
   
   Also, if there's a problem with a set neck (or even neck through!), you're essentially screwed if something extreme happens to it, whereas a bolt-on can simply be removed and replaced, if it even is damaged to begin with!



2. For as long as I can remember, we've been tuning our guitars down 2 steps or more (primarily because Sabbath tuned down and secondly because C minor is one of our favorite keys). While this does create a deep, heavy and somewhat unique sound and despite the fact thousands of guitarists have been doing this for years, the bottom line is guitars with a 24 3/4" (629mm) scale are simply not designed for this (I know, that should be obvious right?).
   
   While we managed to do this with varying degrees of success over the years (by using heavier and heavier string gauges, raising the action, etc.), there were still always some problems with tuning stability and some degree of fret buzz.
   
   I know some of you will say "why don't you just get a 7-string?" - and that's a reasonable suggestion except that most 7-strings are wimpy nu-metal guitars made out of thin wood with "modern" electronics, thus unacceptable for this "purist" and secondly, I'm just not comfortable with a wider neck after all these years. Sure, I could adapt, but why should I change the way I play from what I'm used to?
   
   Thus, I started exploring the baritone guitar market (these guitars generally have a longer scale of 28" or more and are traditionally tuned B-B or 2 1/2 steps down from standard), only to discover the options were limited. The pros however are they have incredible resonance and sustain, and are tonally darker (all because of the longer scale I imagine) which is appropriate for WHW.
   
   I did in fact procure a couple Gibson Les Paul Studio Baritones (which have now been discontinued, have the same damn set necks as aforementioned, and do NOT feature the top notch craftsmanship of Gibson Customs), as well as a couple Fender Jaguar Baritone HH specials (built solid, but ugly and mid-level quality in terms of craftsmanship), but once again I found myself having to compromise on my preferred details (like woods, finishes, electronics, etc.).



3. Lastly, while I won't single out any one manufacturer here, I will say that the MAJOR corporations are indeed all about quantity vs. quality, and they do cut corners or charge outrageous amounts for customized details. Also, despite having had legit orders in place via the store in which I teach, select models were discontinued and the companies REFUSED to fill my orders! So, basically that was the final straw.
   
   It was at this point were I reached the conclusion that the ONLY solution for my guitar problems was to go 100% custom from now on.
   
   

Body Style: SG
Type Of Wood: Tiger Maple
Drop Top/Carved Top - No
Contouring: Belly contour - front bevels per SG. Custom sculpted heel with recessed chrome neck screw ferrules
Chambered: No
Finish: Custom Cobalt/Purpleburst (cobalt interior to purple to trans black, front and back)
Binding: No
Bridge Type: LR Baggs Piezo TuneOMatic style - 2 1/16" spacing
Tailpiece: Stop
Through Body Stringing: N/A
String Ferrules: No
Pickguard: No
Straplocks/buttons: Dunlop Straplock - chrome
Jack: 1/4" Stereo/mono in recessed Electrosocket, side mounted