warr 8 string

[Uberbass]

Billy - did you receive your Trey Gunn 8 string yet? Last time I spoke with you, you were expecting it soon. What's the word? If we don't hear from you, we'll just assume that you received it in good order and that you've locked yourself in your room to play it for a month or so.

Give us a sign.

b

[wmlusk]

It looks like it will be here in late November/early December. I wish I was locked away playing it, but alas my absence has been related to a personal issue. I hope to continue playing the Stick and my bass until the Warr arrives.

I hope to get out to see you play sometime. Do you have November gigs slated yet?

[Uberbass]

I'm certain that you're eager to receive your new axe. I'm excited for you to get it. I do have some November shows on deck. I'll sling you some 100% federally certified spam.

I hope all is well with you.
b

[Mark Rende]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum - sorry for butting in on your posts!

I'm writing because I also have a Warr on order (an 11-string TGSS), and have been waiting a while. The latest email I received from Jim at Warr indicates a completion date similar to the one you mentioned.

I think Jim has been just great about answering any questions I have and getting back to me when I write. I ordered my Warr back in April and thought I'd have it in August. Now I'm hoping to get it by Christmas.

Anyway, I'm kind of relieved to hear that someone else may have a similar story - I was starting to worry a bit! It's a large expenditure for me, and the Mrs. isn't quite convinced yet...

Here's hoping we'll be wailing on our Warrs before long!

Best,
Mark

[wmlusk]

I was warned early on that the turn around time for a new Warr was running 4-5 months. I guess considering the $$ and the one-of-a-kindness, you'd have to expect a wait. It hasn't been easy though! Jim must feel like a father on a cross-country trip - Are we there yet? Are we there yet?

What made you choose the 11-string vs. 10 or 12? What features are you getting?

Take care,
Billy

[Mark Rende]

Hi Billy,

Good analogy - "Are we there yet??" That must be exactly how he feels! I wonder how many of us he has asking him.

I was originally thinking of getting a 12-string, but as I discussed it with Jim, he was saying how reaching over 6 bass strings to get to the melody side (crossed hands) could be troublesome, and might be one of the reasons Trey Gunn chooses to work with a 10-string model. (I presume the spacing between the bass strings at least is greater than on the Stick.) My hands aren't so large, and I thought I could get by with only 5 bass strings. But I still wanted the 6 melody strings. So I ordered the 11-string model as a compromise. We'll see!

It's a neck-through design. I ordered it with piezo and midi for all 11 strings, because I'll be using it with my Roland VG-8ex and GR-33. My main wood is bubinga - what about yours? I like the idea of the 8-string too, and still wonder if I should have gone that way... It's not likely the Mrs. would approve the one-of-each idea!

What tuning are you going to use?

Take care,
Mark

[Jersey Ray]

hey all, i also play an 11 string, because my hands are not too big and I woulda never used that highest bass string anyway. Rumor has it that the very first Warr ever made was an 11 string...

I have to say, yeah, I waited a long time too. This is the one thing I have to be critical of Warr Guitars about, it does take a while to get them. I'll cut them some slack though, every one is custom, every one unique, so that's how it usually goes with a small custom shop.

When I got my ADG 8 a few years back, that did come relatively quickly, and that is the kind of thing that is less customized - so the logic holds true.

so, I'd say that if you orderd it in April it should be coming pretty soon now. 11 strings rocks! see you on tour!

RA

[wmlusk]

I realized that my ideal instrument would give me a traditional body shape and the flexibility to tap, strum, pick, poke, etc... without limiting the way(s) I could hold the instrument. I also wanted an instrument that (believe it or not) was mono and tuned ascending across the board.

I looked at the NS/Stick which met the majority of the criteria, but having experience with headless basses, I knew that I would not be happy with it. I had the opportunity to examine a Warr 8 and 10 string in June and the minute I touched the 8 string, it just clicked.

This is the instrument I ordered -
TGSS-8 bolt-on: Mahogany body core/wenge pinstripe/figured maple top: Wenge fingerboard
Mahogany/maple/mahogany neck: No piezo/no midi

Qausi-crafty tuning (I use 5ths on bass and Stick) (Bb F C G D A C D)

For me the good thing about the wait is by the time it gets here there will be snow on the mountians and I'll have a great backdrop for the baby pictures. :)

[wmlusk]

Ray,
How did you come about choosing to go to an 11 after playing an eight for some time?

[Mark Rende]

Ray, that's what I was wondering too - why the switch? By the way, I've been frequenting your website for the last year or so - very cool! Thanks for all the great content. If you ever play in Tokyo, I'll be there! Actually, my company's international headquarters is in Princeton, so I do get back to Jersey (I grew up in Cherry Hill) once or twice a year. Maybe I'll get lucky and a meeting will coincide with one of your gigs.

Billy, my 11-string is:
Maple/wenge/bubinga/wenge neck
Wenge fingerboard
Bubinga body
Tuning: EADGC/CGDACD.

So, my tuning isn't so far from yours. Except I lose the low Bb and F. Your mahogany and figured maple sounds really nice.

Also, I think this forum/thread could be a great "support group" for those waiting on orders. Sometimes the wait can be hard, considering the $$ and the importance most of us place on our instruments. Having great people like this to talk it over with really makes a difference!

Thanks,
Mark

[Jersey Ray]

to answer the questions - I came to 11 string from 10 string, so it is a natural progression. ADG 10 is the axe I have done the most gigs with, but I think that may change, as I will be returning to gigging in '03 and I am making an effort to use the 11 string from here on in.

8 string is just a side project with me. I was lucky enough to end up with an 8 string Warr (used) that is very sweet and looks great (hence all the photos of me with it) but I don't take that out on gigs too much. I did bring an 8 string to Europe in '01 which was ideal for the kind of music reading exercises that Daniel Schell likes to subject us to.

RA

[rockola]

11 strings makes a lot of sense if your bass is in fifths. If your bass is in fourths, you really need a sixth bass string.

When I ordered my first tapping instrument, it took about 7 months from placing the order to hearing the UPS guy knock on my door, so I know what Billy and Mark are talking about. It could be worse - if you wanted a Benedetto archtop you'd have to stand in line for years.

Mark, is this your first tap guitar? Ray's 11 string Warr is a gorgeous instrument, so you definitely have something special to look forward to.

[Mark Rende]

Yes, the Warr will indeed be my first dedicated tap instrument - I'm quite excited. I'm currently tapping on a Japanese Strat copy with internal Sound Garage pickup, an alternative to Roland's GK-2A divided pickup.

I'm glad to be hearing all the positive and reassuring comments about the 11-string instruments!

Best,
Mark

[wmlusk]

I thought I'd let you know that I am still waiting for my 8-string. I imagine that it should be done soon. Mark, any ETA on your 11-string?

Later,
Billy

[Mark Rende]

Hi Billy,

I'm still waiting too. I haven't heard anything from Jim or anyone yet. Since we're into December now, and the postal services and other deliveries tend to slow down due to the holidays, I'm a bit worried that my Warr may not be coming before year-end.

I have a gig scheduled for December 20th - I was hoping I'd have my new axe in time, but that's looking less likely day by day. Guess I'll have to use my current axe.

Here's hoping we both hear some good news soon! Let me know if you hear anything, and I'll do the same.

Best,
Mark

[wmlusk]

Ohhh... I had forgotten about holiday shipping! :(

With shipping to Japan are there any import hurdles you have to deal with?

-b

[Mark Rende]

Yeah, I'm worried about that one too - I don't know for sure what they'll hit me with. Maybe some kind of import duty? I've had some stuff shipped before that came through without any questions or duties, but it they were small things. I think the Warr will be in a big, hard to ignore box.

Still, I'll be happy just to get it!

Best,
Mark

[wmlusk]

:cool:
:cool:
:cool:

My Warr TGSS 8-string is shipping tomorrow!

:cool:
:cool:
:cool:

[Mark Rende]

What timing - Jim just let me know that mine would be shipping tomorrow too! FedEx, do your stuff!!

Merry Christmas, indeed.

Thanks, Jim!

:) Mark

[wmlusk]

My TGSS-8 is here. I can't say more (yet) than "WOW!"

Full details, soon. May even invoke 'webmaster indulgence' and make some pages dedicated to it. We'll see.

Back to tapping...

[Mark Rende]

The FedEx man delivered my 11-string Warr today. It sounds and looks beautiful - well worth the wait! (and the $$ ;) )

Time to get practicing!

Mark

[wmlusk]

Congrats!! Did you even let the Fed-Ex guy reach the door?

If you can put it down long enough to post pictures do so. Drop me an email if you post an attachment so I can clear it for posting.

Keep us informed of your progress.

[glints-collide]

hello you lucky receivers!

I also wait for my TGSS 10-string. I've ordered it august last year,
so I hope it won't take much longer. I've already a gig planned in
july and much practise to do on the new instrument.

My warr:

TGSS 10-string
mahagony body
wenge fingerboard
mahagony neck
neckthrough
crafty tuning

Your posts give me hope that it will arrive soon.

Alex

[glints-collide]

Jim told me it will take another 2-3 months until it's finished.

[Padauk]

Hello. I hope you have received it by now. If so, how do you like it.Hopefully you are too busy playing it to rsepond, but if you read this, what are your thoughts on the Warr?

[Padauk]

Originally posted by glints-collide
Jim told me it will take another 2-3 months until it's finished.

Do you have it????

[glints-collide]

Hello Padauk,

no, I havn't received it yet. I'm waiting since august 2005, that over 1 year now! There were actually some communication problems, where jim was too busy to answer my mails (well I think he was too busy, like during the E-tap) which caused me some disturbance and produced some critical mails from my side. What I was told then was that they are waiting for the tuners and the pickups to come. He also wrote about 20
Warrs to be finished, which are just waiting for the pickups. I actually received a mail from him at the beginning of october, that the pickups have arrived. I also asked for status at the beginning of this week but havn't received an answer yet.

Also, if you think of 20 guitars to be finished and (at least) 1-2 weeks for each guitar, I may have to wait a lot more, depend of the place in the queue :-(

It's a really annoying situation, because I'm already compositing riffs and themes for the warr (on guitar and 6-string bass) and I'm kind of stuck, simply because of the possibilies of sounds which I require (the problem of one instrument/one sound).

What about the others, are there any people who ordered a warr since summer 2005 and encounters also these problems?


Alex

[glints-collide]

By the way, sorry for the long waiting time for my reply. I wasn't looking in this thread for a long time!


Alex

[jamsire]

I'd get my cash back.

That's just me.

[Falstaff]

Hi Alex,

It is an annoying situation, isn't it? I haven't ordered a Warr, but another brand. I placed my order thirteen months ago today.

I spent much longer than I'd anticipated doing my level best to be patient, understanding, and reasonable. Eventually I had enough of waiting. I set a deadline. I said that if I didn't have the guitar by a particular date, I would have to cancel my order.

The good news is that today, I've been told my guitar is ready to ship. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it.

Good luck!

[glints-collide]

Jim wrote today that the guitar is ready for setup. Only a few weeks and I have it! :-)

[jamsire]

"ugly mugatars" would be in your hands sooner.

and.......................

if you can play - then there's nothing but beauty in the music, not the appearance of the instrument.

that's why I hate PRS Dragons - pretty - yes, useful - no.

ever see one on stage in concert??

[Falstaff]

I'm just taking a moment to bask in the thought of a Paul Reed Smith Dragon.

:cool:

Okay. As you were.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by Falstaff
I'm just taking a moment to bask in the thought of a Paul Reed Smith Dragon.

:cool:

Okay. As you were.

Indeed - bask away. That's about as useful those guitars are IMHO. I've seen collectors get all bent out of shape when regarding these instruments. You just take em out of the case and "show" them.

DUMB!!!

Anyway, Megatars are beautiful, Fredricka Whitfield on CNN is beautiful, a well planned pizza pie is beautiful, and so on.

Waiting for tapping guitars for over a year - unacceptable.

[glints-collide]

Well, of course I also thought about canceling the order, but the problem is: I REALLY WANT THIS GUITAR! Since the day I saw "Untune The Sky" from Trey Gunn, I was dreaming to hold one in my hands. I also like the other touchinstruments, but no one can reach the sound and beauty of a Warrguitar. I also worked really hard to be able to afford one (I'm a student).

The reason for the waiting time was also a shortage of hardware (pickups/tuners) so warrguitars are not the only ones to blame. But of course you're right Jamsire, waiting so long for an instrument is not acceptable.

We'll see in a few weeks if it was worth the wait. I'll post some soundclips then and let you also do some judging!

[rjgoos]

Jamsire wrote:

>Waiting for tapping guitars for over a year - unacceptable.


That's one of the reasons why I have always bought used, or made my own.

But hey, if a company wants to take orders and to take a year or more to deliver their products...that is their decision. It does create an opening for faster-moving competitors, though.


Jay

[Falstaff]

Originally posted by glints-collide
Well, of course I also thought about canceling the order, but the problem is: I REALLY WANT THIS GUITAR!
I know what you mean. The number of times I've thought, "Darn it, I'm going to buy a second-hand Stick or a Megatar and be done with it"... only to be dragged back on track by the thought of all the great features in my guitar. That, plus the cultivation of a patience that makes Zen monks look flighty.

What finally made me feel okay about the option of cancelling my order was the thought, "In the New Year, I could always order a Krappy." That felt good.

Originally posted by glints-collide
Since the day I saw "Untune The Sky" from Trey Gunn, I was dreaming to hold one in my hands.
"Untune The Sky" just makes you want to tap, doesn't it? I bought a copy to keep myself enthused, along with King Crimson's "Neal and Jack and Me" DVD (Tony Levin on Stick), The Robert Fripp String Quintet's "The Bridge Between" CD (Gunn on Stick), and a download from Fripp's website of King Crimson live in Buenos Aires in '94 (Levin and Gunn together). Inspiration a-plenty.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by rjgoos
But hey, if a company wants to take orders and to take a year or more to deliver their products...that is their decision. It does create an opening for faster-moving competitors, though.


A company wouldn't like it if you paid them in installments based on progress.

Nope, Nope, Nope.

I've had great deals with manufacturers - but NEVER insane delays.

Boooooooooooooooooo!

[glints-collide]

Yes, those Crimson DVD's are just great. My favorite is the newest one "Eyes Wide Open". There are so many moments which just make me shiver!

[Krappy]

Originally posted by jamsire
A company wouldn't like it if you paid them in installments based on progress.



burger king makes you pay for your food ahead of time

denny's gives you the bill when you're done with the meal

disbursements of funds to a house builder are more in line
with what jamsire is hitting at--

cut a check for site clearing
cut a check for foundation block
cut a check for framing
cut a check for plumbing & electrical
cut a check for sheetrock
cut a check for FINISHING THE JOB

...but that's alot of checks, to a bunch of different people...

[Krappy]

btw:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1994-Paul-Reed-Smith-PRS-Dragon-III-LIKE-NEW_W0QQitemZ320047325206QQihZ011QQcategoryZ33045Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

what am i missing here?

its a piece of wood with metal and plastic attached.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by Krappy
btw:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1994-Paul-Reed-Smith-PRS-Dragon-III-LIKE-NEW_W0QQitemZ320047325206QQihZ011QQcategoryZ33045Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

what am i missing here?

its a piece of wood with metal and plastic attached.

I remain.

Obviously - someone doesn't want to work. $22,000.

I can't take it.

[Falstaff]

Originally posted by Krappy
what am i missing here?

its a piece of wood with metal and plastic attached.
The Arnolfini Portrait: a piece of wood with some paint slapped on it.

If you don't get it, you don't get it, I guess.

I'm not the biggest fan of the fretboard-inlay Dragons myself. This is more what I had in mind:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Events/WNAMM99/Golden_Axe/Guitar/Dragon-2000-body.jpg

[rjgoos]

Originally posted by jamsire
I remain.

Obviously - someone doesn't want to work. $22,000.

I can't take it.


Well...they are ASKING for $22,000. I see that the instrument is still quite unsold.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by Falstaff
The Arnolfini Portrait: a piece of wood with some paint slapped on it.

If you don't get it, you don't get it, I guess.

I'm not the biggest fan of the fretboard-inlay Dragons myself. This is more what I had in mind:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Events/WNAMM99/Golden_Axe/Guitar/Dragon-2000-body.jpg

This is even more stupid.

Tell me this is a guitar you would play at a club, late at night, under hot sweaty lights.

Useless. Buy authentic crystals instead, they look nicer and you CAN just have them.

[rjgoos]

Originally posted by jamsire
Tell me this is a guitar you would play at a club, late at night, under hot sweaty lights.




If someone wants to pay $20K for a museum piece, that is their choice. As for me, give me a working instrument any day.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by rjgoos
If someone wants to pay $20K for a museum piece, that is their choice. As for me, give me a working instrument any day.

Indeed - you are "most correct" sir.

Hey Traktor, how about some Catepillar "Tractor" inlays on my Meggy's?

not.

[traktor]

Originally posted by jamsire
I ... Hey Traktor, how about some Catepillar "Tractor" inlays on my Meggy's? ... I have been following this thread, and while glittering pix of heavy earthmoving equipment does sound attractive, the thread has given me a different idea. I'm thinking about a modified Megatar, but instead of a lot of pretty inlay, I'm thinking about embedding a television remote control. As you know, these always have pretty pink and blue and green buttons on them, and maybe this would be just the thing for people who like to practice while watching TV. What you think?

[jamsire]

Originally posted by traktor
I'm thinking about embedding a television remote control. As you know, these always have pretty pink and blue and green buttons on them, and maybe this would be just the thing for people who like to practice while watching TV. What you think?

That sounds awesome!

I'll send my deposit - let's say $1,200 for a deposit to get you started.

By the way - can you make sure picture and picture is functional?

I'd appreciate it.

[rjgoos]

Originally posted by traktor

I'm thinking about a modified Megatar, but instead of a lot of pretty inlay, I'm thinking about embedding a television remote control.



I think a Ztar would be perfect for Traktor's suggestion. A few keys could be re-programmed for mute/unmute, volume up/volume down, open the garage door, etc.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by Padauk
Try the Stick Night '99 video or the B. Culbertson concert. "Untune the Sky" is amateur compared to those videos. And I'm a Warr supporter.

Hey!!

I was fortunate enough to get all three of Bob's Stick video's on eBay a while back - and I am a Bob fan - fo' sho'!

Though I am devout Megatarist!

Sometimes - a person can just "play", and that's all you need to get turned on.

All day baby!

[Rayzcane]

Jamsire,

Your mailbox is full. No one can send you a private message. I just tried to send you this:

Hey Jamsire,

If you will send me the Culbertson tapes, even one at a time, I will return them in the same condition.... Plus, I will send you a DVD of the same tapes. What do you say?

BTW, I also have a Megatar.

Ray Langley

[glints-collide]

Hello!

Here are photos of my beautiful TGSS 10-String Warr-Guitar that Jim send me today (the photos not the warr). I think I might have it in my hands soon!

warr-guitar front (http://www.alexanderdowerk.de/tappistry/PICT0010_26.jpg)

warr-guitar back (http://www.alexanderdowerk.de/tappistry/PICT0011_17.jpg)

[Padauk]

Originally posted by glints-collide
Hello!

Here are photos of my beautiful TGSS 10-String Warr-Guitar that Jim send me today (the photos not the warr). I think I might have it in my hands soon!

warr-guitar front (http://www.alexanderdowerk.de/tappistry/PICT0010_26.jpg)

warr-guitar back (http://www.alexanderdowerk.de/tappistry/PICT0011_17.jpg)

NICE!!!!!!! Very "warm" looking. Let us know when you get it.

[rjgoos]

Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. On various internet forums, I have seen both praises and condemnations about the appearance of other brands as well. As for me, the best-looking tapper to see in person is the Solene, which gives an optical illusion. The strings and slanted frets make the instrument appear tapered towards the bridge, when it is just a straight piece of pipe.

[jamsire]

Originally posted by rjgoos
Everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. On various internet forums, I have seen both praises and condemnations about the appearance of other brands as well.

At the end of the day - you simply have to play beautiful music.

That's the ultimate desired result.

[BigDaddyPoo]

Originally posted by Padauk
... yes, Megatars are still ugly.
Hmmm...I kinda like the looks of the Megatar more than any of the Warrs. Especially the ones with the fanned frets. I'm a fan of the "Hippy Sandwich" look with all the exotic woods glued together, but I just don't like the overall shape of the warrs. It's something about the flattened wings, or something.

[traktor]

You might have missed this, Padauk, but this forum actually has some guidelines, and we all try to follow them because it makes things go more smoothly. If you'll examine the 'About Us' section of Tappistry.Org, you will discover on the Policies page that it says --

"All Are Welcome: Tappistry.Org is a public service run by tapping musicians for tapping musicians. Website shall have no bias toward any particular style of instrument, music, school, or tuning. "

And on the Posting page it says --

"Respect: Please show respect for your fellow musicians in the forums. Feel free to post any disagreement; but please show politeness, and it helps to present your reasoning.

"Flaming: Flaming is unpleasant, and interferes with the flow of discussion. As a guideline, try to say nothing that you would not say to the person face to face, in front of both of your mothers.

"Flame-Baiting: Please avoid name-calling or attaching derogatory labels, which generates needless flames from others."

So you, and anyone else, are welcome here. We want to hear what you have to say.

And I believe you will discover that folks here will allow you to have any opinion you wish. If you like Warrs better than Megatars, or Box better than Stick, I think you'll find that your opinion is just fine with pretty much everybody here.

Now I am sorry that you were having a bad mood. I had one once myself, and like yourself I discovered that it didn't go over with others quite as well as I had hoped.

However, even if you're having a bad day, I'd bet that you could find smoother ways to post your opinions. And that would be just swell, because most likely then other folks will enjoy your posts so much more. Just my opinion, of course, but I for one very much appreciate your courtesy and understanding in this matter.

[K Rex]

Traktor's pathologically-nice manner of dealing with people can be called "flaming with charm".

Well said, Trak.

I, for one, think the tone-weaver is quite striking. And I play a Phalanx. Go figure.

Hope everyone has a swell day.

Kevmodeus Rex

[traktor]

And I think Warr Guitars are quite beautiful. Go figure.

Tappers are like a tribe of bretheren. More in common than different. And it's all too easy to squabble with your family.

There is room for all, and all shall have pie!

[jamsire]

Just like someone who can play a Stick, Megatar, Warr, Box, Two-neck, etc. -

LIKE THE DICKENS!!!

My Toneweaver Prime is super hot!

My Dragon Gold (Bi-Melody) is super funky!

My two Chapman Sticks (standard and Bari) are in their cases.

Once again - I remain.

[K Rex]

Hey Ernie, how much do you want for that baritone stick that's collecting dust?

Name it, Funkmeista!!

K Rex

[jamsire]

Originally posted by K Rex
Hey Ernie, how much do you want for that baritone stick that's collecting dust?

Name it, Funkmeista!!

K Rex

Well then!!!

Actually - only the case gets dusty!

Truth be told - my entire musical instrument collection - 60 guitars and then some - is completely donated to my alma mater - Wagner College. It's a living estate donation where they actually own everything and I still get to use it.

Why??

Because I love my college, and my knucklehead friends once said to me many years ago - "Hey Ern, when you die, can I get the 12-string Steingberger?"

After that comment - I decided that my alma mater could do much better with the donation with regards to recruitment, and I get a lovely tax break every year.

Though it does get lonely once in a while, that's the one joy about not being married - whatever I want, when I want - no explanations needed!!

But seriously.

I have been asked to sell some of the best stuff I have - a 12-string Steinberger (body shape), 11-string classical (alto guitar), my Sticks, my Meggy's (which are just dreamy), my Mercurio guitar with pop out pickups (I'll post a pic one day - by request only), and many more.

But I say nay because one day in a future I'll never see - my collection will be in glass cases at Wagner College and a tour consisting of future music majors will see the collection and wonder how great this school must be if the former student donated his entire collection.

I don't have children either - without them - there is no guaranteed legacy. This donation - will be mine - to society I hope.

Thanks for the offer though! I will admit that there have been times when money was tight - and it was close - but I got though without incident.