Hi everyone,

First of all I would like to thank everybody for the overwhelming positive feedback and responses I have received thus far in this venture.   What started off as a little fun has grown into something that who knows, could be a lot of fun.  I would like to take a minute to address my critics.... 

I also would like to share a few tips with everyone that I believe would be helpful.

1. The buzz words like "masterbuilt", "artist package", "custom shop", and the latest "road worn" were created by the big corporations.  In my opinion these are politicians words that were conjured out of thin air to make people think "expensive".  Let's face it, the bolt on configuration is a pretty simple one.  There is no reasonable explanation for an upwards of $7K price tag for it, except to claim that it was built by some famous person.  Who knows if this is true or not.  Giving "them" the benefit of the doubt, do you really want to pay out the nose for this?  Even if you built one from an exotic wood (which they are not) there is something fundamentally wrong with charging people these kind of prices. 
2. I would use a small amount of chapstick inside the nut groove of any guitar that has a tremolo system to help lubricate and stay in tune, not pencil lead. 
3. When the finish is removed from the back of the guitar neck, to me it is very comfortable, just ask Eddie Van Halen.
4. These guitars are not Fenders, and Fender in point of fact is not Fender.  Fender hasn't been Fender since 1965 when they sold their company to CBS and made it part of the Coporate American big business machine and $ making agenda.  Once CBS took over they changed many things that needed no changing and almost ran the company out of business altogether.  I honestly believe had it not been for the popularity of Jimi, the company would have indeed gone under.  Don't believe everything that you read about the history of the solid body electric.  There is much misinformation out there about what these companies consider vintage today as opposed to the real thing.  In this case, 40 years or older.   I do my best to create a genuine vintage look at a price that is very affordable.  Not to sound like I second guess everything, but people should re-examine exactly what has been filmed or written.   I guess people still believe anything that they read or see on t.v.  Bottom line is Fender today is no more Fender than I am!!!
5. To adjust the amount of pressure needed to use a tremolo you can do 2 things.  One, use only 3 springs and bring the claw in closer to make a loose feel.  Two, bring the claw further up and add up to 6 springs.  This is a players preference.
6. Many people ask me about headstock decals and I do not sell them.  Visit www.haneberg.se  This is a pretty neat site and should have anything that you might need.  Shipping is a little slow but it is a good place.
7. Turnaround time on special orders is between 2 and 3 weeks right now.  I build them in a first come first serve basis and usually just take the entire payment before building.
8. If you are thinking of ordering a guitar or bass, contact me.  I am very good about returning emails and I'm always happy to speak on the phone.
   
9. It's like buying a pair of jeans that already have holes in them.  To some it is ridiculous and others it is designer jeans!!!

I am not a pioneer here, I am a just a regular Joe who wants to play a part in the market.  "Joe the guitarist", I like the sound of that.  Except my name isn't Joe and how big of an impact can I make by myself.    After all, I have no big name to back me up or a marketing department to send out the message to rip people off.   Anyway, I am going to start and write a little section right here, every now and again.  Keep making music and keep an open mind.  It takes all kinds........................

Richard Childs