Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

[scottosan]

First off, I have to say that MJ rocks! I got to meet her at the Dallas Guitar Show and explained to her my project. I was building a modern guitar the sounded great clean, but could get nast at the same time. I needed something that would cover 80 hair metal to modern rock, but also get strat like tones. She ended up recommending an RTM and a matching neck humbucker wound to 8.2K/A2 and use 4 conductor leads. I went with a 5 way super switch so I could have versatility. I also went body mount on the pickups

POS 1: Bridge Full, Volume Pot at 500K
POS 2: Bridge Split, Volume Pot at 250K
POS 3: Bridge Split and Neck Split, Volume Pot at 250K
POS 4: Neck Split, Volume Pot at 250K
POS 5: Neck Full, Volume Pot at 500K

My overall impression of the pickup are that they are my new favorite. I know there is alot of rave over the Suhr Aldrich, but after owning them for a few years, I can say the RTM is much better to my ears. The RTM and just as hot and crunchy, but are more open sounding and I think split much, much better. These pickups are perfect if you are looking for hot pickups that still breath. Very, very balanced.


And for the Guitar:

I went for a mix of modern and vintage, mostly modern with a hint of vintage cosmetics ala the sonic blue and vintage Kramer Pacer beak headstock

Roasted Quarter Sawn Maple Neck with Pau Ferro Board, Jumbo Stainless Steel Frets
Light Weight Sonic Blue Alder Body with Contoured Heal
Recessed Original Floyd Rose w/ Fat Brass Block
Duncan Custom Shop Warren Demartini Zebra Set Wound by MJ with 5 way super switch
Gotoh Tuners

I love how the neck turned out. I used the Ernie Ball method of Tru Oil and Wax. I highly recommend the roasted necks. i lover how dark the are and they resonate wonderfully. This put together very nicely and required very little tweaking.

 

[jeremy]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

looks sweet!

 

[blindedbysilence]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

That looks killer.

 

[darthphineas]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

also became a fan of the RTM after running into MJ at that show. she kept pushing me toward the '78 (lol!) but I'm glad I went with the RTM. I order another a few weeks later and then I also just bought another one that should be here in the next day or two. it's a great pickup.

I'd be interested in hearing more on your take of the neck pup she made for you.

and sweet Stapp, that is an awesome wiring job.

 

[scottosan]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

also became a fan of the RTM after running into MJ at that show. she kept pushing me toward the '78 (lol!) but I'm glad I went with the RTM. I order another a few weeks later and then I also just bought another one that should be here in the next day or two. it's a great pickup.

I'd be interested in hearing more on your take of the neck pup she made for you.

and sweet Stapp, that is an awesome wiring job.

Where are you in Texas?

 

[Push to Shuv]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

I can't believe I missed that show!

 

[SrDeMaFp]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

That is a ****ing sick guitar.

 

[UberMetalDood]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

That's nice, and I like that Suhr style neck.

 

[Ashurbanipal]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

That's reeeeally nice. Love the simple aesthetics and the oiled neck - my kind of guitar (except I prefer non recessed Floyds ).

The resistor wired in so the single coil positions see a 250k pot is a clever move.

Don't think I've ever seen a quarter sawn maple neck used on a guitar.

 

[TheLivingDead]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

WOW.

That guitar is almost too cool.

I'd be honored to play a single note on her.

You lucky dog...

 

[arellanon]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

Awesome work!

Lovely, just lovely.........


:friday:

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

my word yes!

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

Awesome.

 

[sosomething]

Holy crap, you built a Suhr!

 

[scottosan]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

Thanks for the compliments guys. Yes, i have to admit this build was hugely inspired by the 5 Tom Anderson and 2 Suhr guitars that I used to own. Both of them use slight undersized body for the Anderson Cobra and Drop Tops and Suhr Standards and Moderns, so the Dinky style body with with countored heel was the logical route. Ans you know, the Suhr and Andersons headstock are similar to the early 80's kramer Pacer Classic. Both offer stainless steal frets standard on most models. This would combination has also became very popular for both. I like the modern functionality and options, but really like the vintage sonic blue and dark vintage looking necks. I alsohave been following the factory setup specs and have the action set at 4/64 or 1/16 and the last fret, whithout the slightest hint of fret buzz. I could probably drop it more, but its compfortable.

 

[KeeperOS]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

This is one amazing guitar.

I too am more drawn to 24-fretted necks and dive-only Floyds but I must admit that I would love a guitar like that.

Just amazing.

Congrats man and enjoy her in good health! :headbang:

 

[BloodRose]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

gorgeous and amazingly clean wiring!! I really want to try an RTM.. Gonna have to break down..

 

[scottosan]

Re: Custom Shop RTM Review in New USACG Build (pic heavy)

gorgeous and amazingly clean wiring!! I really want to try an RTM.. Gonna have to break down..

Thanks on the wiring, although I thought I rushed it. For me that's the easy part, as I have been building my own amplifiers for about 8 years ( hobbyist)