My Custom Shop experience!

[Aceman]

So I have a special guitar coming, and I need a special pickup for it. As much as I might just love the pickups in it, I know what I like and know what I want, so out of the gate I'm pulling the trigger on the Custom Shop Order.

I was shocked to find that I have exactly the neck pickup I need - bonus! But I want a particular bridge so I submitted my Custom Shop order/contact today.

This thread is to chronicle my journey through the experience.

So, I submitted my little paragraph, saying hi to MJ, letting them know it was me, and what I wanted roughly speaking.

I received my automated response back. We'll see where it goes from there.

[ehdwuld]

post the message you sent

i want to read it

[Mincer]

I think this thread will help a lot of people considering contacting the Custom Shop for a special pickup.

[Aceman]

post the message you sent

i want to read it

Can't reveal until the guitar shows up. See Last Guitar in guitar room. But I will post it!

[Aceman]

[Reserved for initial request]

[Aceman]

And I have already heard back from Jeff C in support.

He sent me the form (filled out) and the link to the electronic submission.

Everything was in order, with the exception of 2 conductor wiring, so I changed that to 4 Conductor.

I paid and submitted. Things are moving fast - heady times!!!!!

[Aceman]

So far the process - which occurred in ~2hrs or less was:

** It appears you need a Seymour Duncan account to do this. No biggie, I made one (not a forum account)

1. Wanted a particular pickup (nothing fancy, but not a stock offering)

2. Filled out the contact us form on SD Custom Shop site.

3. Heard back from Jeff very quickly (same day) who
- Provided me with a very helpful diagram
- Sent a "filled out" request form based on my initial request

4. I followed the link he sent with that and edited the form myself
- It asked some really good questions about things I assumed, but should not like potting, conductors, pole material etc.

5. I submitted the form with my edits and paid via PayPal
~$200 all in.

Now it is 4-6 weeks or whatever until it arrives at my house.

I did not get the chance to speak with MJ or anyone, and based on the request I doubt I will. I did say "Hi" in the comments box though when submitting the form.
So far pretty easy...

[larryguitar]

I understand you're keeping much of this under wraps, but can you say what moved this from a 'shop floor' custom to a full custom shop order? I find that distinction a bit blurry at times....

Larry

[Aceman]

I am changing more than aesthetics about the pickup.

JB in pink = Shop floor custom
JB with Gold Poles = Shop Floor Custom

JB slightly underwound with an A2 = Custom Shop
A JB with the JB tone calibrated for the neck with blades = Custom Shop

Pretty sure...

[Mincer]

You should come up with cool names for unique JBs.

[beaubrummels]

Ace's JB "Reinvention"

[Clint 55]

I wanted to get custom shop JBs. I wanted to get either a medium or vintage hot output bridge with a double thick magnet. Maybe 12k with 43, or 42 wound to capacity. Then a 7k neck version.

My experience with the custom shop is I liked calling them first to hash out specs and then I would confirm everything in email and then do the online purchase. I talked to Dennis in the custom shop.

[Aceman]

You should come up with cool names for unique JBs.

Duncan should come up with sensible names for all of their pickups.

JB - The current standard production
THE JB - would to classic vintage specs with whatever Magnets make that work
JB 2B or not 2B - A JB with an A2
The J-terbator - JB with an A8
JB De-light - JB with a Single Ceramic
JB neck & neck - Distortion neck with an A5 magnet

[Mincer]

Duncan should come up with sensible names for all of their pickups.

JB - The current standard production
THE JB - would to classic vintage specs with whatever Magnets make that work
JB 2B or not 2B - A JB with an A2
The J-terbator - JB with an A8
JB De-light - JB with a Single Ceramic
JB neck & neck - Distortion neck with an A5 magnet

It would get as confusing as all the Les Paul models out there.

[ehdwuld]

I think you should call your particular monstrosity

Pinkie and the Bob