Lowe Guitars shop notes

[BTL]

Next up, my custom rings and plates as they arrive to me...laser-cut from 0.059" mild steel.

[BTL]

Adding a 10-string baseplate using the existing saddles and intonation screws is an easy path forward. I'm adding 10 of these to the existing 8-string order and it sounds like they might sell pretty quickly.

This was so much simpler than I imagined.

[BTL]

Proof of life: 8-string & 10-string base plates.

[BTL]

The 9-to-5 has kept me beyond busy since I started my new role, but I have a few things cooking in the background. 

One little update is that I have decided to offer what I'll call a "standard" symmetrical shape on the new necks coming through the pipeline. These will be based on the 3+2 shape, but without the bottle-opener. I'm curious to see if these sell quicker as replacement necks vs. the bottle-opener. 

I think they will, but only time will tell.

[Shadoweclipse13]

I think they will sell pretty well especially with the scale options you offer. It's a nice shape!!

[BTL]

I think they will sell pretty well especially with the scale options you offer. It's a nice shape!!

Thank you so much! It's hard to believe I've been at this for fourteen years, now, and I'm still trying to figure out what works.

The conversion necks and the 8-string bridges have been my hottest items, but I still enjoy doing complete builds, even though they have been a "loss leader".

The bottom line is that I'm still having fun, so I keep moving ahead.

[BTL]

This little Weldon countersink bit is the right tool for the job. These pickup rings will be chrome-plated along with my 8-string bridge parts by Advanced Plating in TN.

[BTL]

After tinkering in MS paint with photos of my existing X+X headstock shapes, I realized there will be a lot of extra space past the tuning machines after the bottle-opener is eliminated, more than what will be filled by the logo. With that in mind, I believe the existing 3+2 shape (minus the bottle-opener) will be perfect for the 4+4, and slightly shorter versions will work for the 3+2 and 2+2.

[BTL]

Here's another one of those things that I've been thinking about for a while, and it's finally happening: a lightweight chrome-plated aluminum Strat-style knob. The sample is nickel, but the production item will be shiny chrome.

[GilmourD]

Will nickel also be an option?

[Gordon]

Will nickel also be an option?

Yes, for only $0.05 more!

[BTL]

Will nickel also be an option?

Yes, if these sell well, I will offer them in nickel, too.

[BTL]

I always get a kick out of seeing my designs used in a build, whether it's a conversion neck or an 8-string bridge.

[BTL]

When I have ideas I'm trying to flesh out, paper and pencil is my go-to. This is a Bahama shutter layout for a patio cover at the shallow end of our pool deck. 

[Badabababa]

Would you consider making Mustang bass mute? It’s a folded thin metal sheet with holes. With your skills and resources, it shouldn’t be too hard. I know there is a market for it.