Guitarmill Tele Swamp Ash bodies from ebay

yagon · August 10th, 2005, 05:42 AM

I'm thinking about buying a swamp ash tele body from Guitarmill on ebay - see the link below:

http://stores.ebay.com.au/Guitar-Mill

They look great, based on the photos, and appear to be good value. I like the fact that they offer one piece bodies.

Has anyone used one of these bodies? If so, do you recommend them?

R

Fatmanstratman · August 10th, 2005, 07:40 AM

Yagon,

Would you kindly refrain from posting those sort of links on this forum!

I have just made the mistake of clicking on the link, and..... WOW! Those swamp ash bodies look BEAUTIFUL! Only touble is, I can now feel the dark and distant rumblings of yet another GAS attack

......

As I was looking through the pics of each Tele body offered for sale, I was 'building' dream Teles in my mind. I've never bought from Guitar Mill, and don't know anyone who has, but I don't think I'd have any hesitation in doing so. Those bodies look so tasty - AND they will finish them in nitro for you.

Keep us posted!

Durtdog · August 10th, 2005, 08:42 AM

I got one on Ebay for $77. Two piece swamp ash, light too. Everything fit just fine, I finished it with just a touch of stain and 4 light coats of nitro. Turned out great. I'm thinking of getting another. I'd highly recommend them (no dog in this fight, just a happy customer).

yegbert · August 10th, 2005, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durtdog

I got one on Ebay for $77. Two piece swamp ash, light too. Everything fit just fine...

What bridge plate and saddles did you use? If it was a vintage type with 3 compensated saddles, where is your low E saddle height adjustment screw in relation to the bridge plate mounting screw - like many Fenders, on top or close to being on top of the screw head? And did the bridge pickup fit fairly well centered in its route, with the bridge plate positioned based on the STB holes?

Durtdog · August 10th, 2005, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yegbert

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durtdog

I got one on Ebay for $77. Two piece swamp ash, light too. Everything fit just fine...

What bridge plate and saddles did you use? If it was a vintage type with 3 compensated saddles, where is your low E saddle height adjustment screw in relation to the bridge plate mounting screw - like many Fenders, on top or close to being on top of the screw head? And did the bridge pickup fit fairly well centered in its route, with the bridge plate positioned based on the STB holes?

Vintage 3-saddle bridge, Glendale saddles. The high E screw is very close to the bridge screw, but not on top of it. The pickup fit squarely in the cavity, no fitting issues there.

Additionally, you cannot see the pickup cavity peeking out from under the bridgeplate, as I have read is the case on some current Fenders.

yegbert · August 10th, 2005, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durtdog

Vintage 3-saddle bridge, Glendale saddles. The high E screw is very close to the bridge screw, but not on top of it. The pickup fit squarely in the cavity, no fitting issues there.

Additionally, you cannot see the pickup cavity peeking out from under the bridgeplate, as I have read is the case on some current Fenders.

Considering that the Glendale saddles have the height screws angled to deal with that potential problem, if that screw is still close then it sounds like the body must be spec'ed about like my '50s Classic. With my compensated saddles and vertical (non-tilted) height screws, that screw is on top of my screw head.

Sounds like a good fit and therefore a good deal on those bodies.

The Actionman · August 10th, 2005, 10:09 AM

I have been tracking/pricing bodies on ebay for a while and don't remember seeing this company or it's bodies listed...of course I usually am looking athe "US" eBay version. Odd since they're in Nashville...

(here's the dumb question)
Can I bid/buy on the Austrailian eBay with my member name/login?
When I hit the sellers store listing link it converted the prices to US Dollars.

BTW: the prices on these bodies are about HALF the cost of 1-piece swamp ash on the US eBay...

chago04 · August 10th, 2005, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Actionman

I have been tracking/pricing bodies on ebay for a while and don't remember seeing this company or it's bodies listed...of course I usually am looking athe "US" eBay version. Odd since they're in Nashville...

(here's the dumb question)
Can I bid/buy on the Austrailian eBay with my member name/login?
When I hit the sellers store listing link it converted the prices to US Dollars.

BTW: the prices on these bodies are about HALF the cost of 1-piece swamp ash on the US eBay...

Just remove the .au from the url ;)

GuitarJonz · August 10th, 2005, 10:18 AM

Some nice looking bodies. He doesn't quote shipping to US on that chart, but way down at the bottom, he says that UPS Ground is available to US buyers.

Durtdog · August 10th, 2005, 10:19 AM

You can also buy directly from their website. They're located in Nashville.

http://www.guitarmill.com/

The Actionman · August 10th, 2005, 10:33 AM

I got so excited about these bodies I called the number listed and had an excellent conversation with the owner Mario Martin. Mario is a pretty knowlegable cat that has done time with both Fender and Gibson building guitars and spraying nitro. His direct prices are pretty good and his nitro finishes are about as resonable as I've seen out there.

Looks like I'll be listing some goodies in the Garage sale soon to finance my G.A.S. attack!

(I have absolutely no affiliation with Guitar Mill or Mario, just happy to see great Tele bodies at great prices!)

Fuzzyhead · August 10th, 2005, 11:32 AM

Looks great... *drool*

JoeAArthur · August 10th, 2005, 08:49 PM

Mario and Shannon both are great to deal with, and they deliver a great product. Nothing like the less than helpful "I'm just doin' my job" Warmoth "sail" people.

I ordered from the website, but I discovered them via ebay. The ebay auctions at the time was just <shudder> relic'ed stuff.

I couldn't have asked for more in a Tele body... they do deliver the goods... at a reasonable price and high quality.

I wish them the best... and hope they continue to do so.

petebradt · August 10th, 2005, 09:01 PM

are these bodies light-weight? Can you ask for a weight range?

JoeAArthur · August 10th, 2005, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petebradt

are these bodies light-weight? Can you ask for a weight range?

Not to sound sarcastic... but you can always ask anyone for anything at any time. Of course, no guarantee that you'll ever get it.

If you're interested, contact them. You won't be wasting your time.

Buckocaster51 · August 10th, 2005, 09:41 PM

I'm very happy with the one I have. There is another on the way.

Color me "Satisfied."

dickson · August 10th, 2005, 11:03 PM

I highly recommend Mario & Guitar Mill. Nice guy - terrific bodies!

I'm currently finishing a custom tele body he made for me. Dickson

petebradt · August 11th, 2005, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeAArthur

Quote:

Originally Posted by petebradt

are these bodies light-weight? Can you ask for a weight range?

Not to sound sarcastic... but you can always ask anyone for anything at any time. Of course, no guarantee that you'll ever get it.

If you're interested, contact them. You won't be wasting your time.

Durtdog · August 11th, 2005, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petebradt

are these bodies light-weight? Can you ask for a weight range?

I'm not sure if you can make a specific request (I've only bought from them through an ebay auction), but I know they make them. Mine was right at 4 lbs.

The Actionman · August 11th, 2005, 10:56 AM

Pete,
Mario assured me that he could come up with just about anything within reason including chambered maple-tops etc. I have no doubt that if you said "I want a 4-pounder" they'd deliver. The obvious variation in Swamp Ash wood density makes every body a little different weight. From the different luthiers I've spoken to about this variation, it seems like the tighter the grain pattern the heavier. So some of the "prettier" bodied are a bit heavier than the "odd-grained" uglier ones. This is no problem for the Tele I have in my head - Surf Green w/ black 5-screw - since nobody will see the funky grain. Of course I have seen and played some really nice tight grained Buterscotch and naturals that were super light, so there goes that theory...

I think everybody will agree that you just need to have a conversation with whoever might build your body or neck and decribe what you're after. It may cost you a bit more to be so specific, but satisfaction carries a price and it's all relative!

rcrecelius · August 11th, 2005, 11:58 AM

Cool stuff...Ive decided to bid on one they have on eBay right now so if you are bidding against pfelect its me.

here it is

Andromeda1968 · August 11th, 2005, 03:33 PM

Hi guys
Guitar Mill is fantastic...swamp ash bodies great...
Mario is a great friend and very correctly person...

I'm Andrea from Italy Milan and Mario know me very well

Bye

August 10th, 2005, 05:42 AM	#1 (permalink)
yagon NEW MEMBER! Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2	Guitarmill Tele Swamp Ash bodies from ebay I'm thinking about buying a swamp ash tele body from Guitarmill on ebay - see the link below: http://stores.ebay.com.au/Guitar-Mill They look great, based on the photos, and appear to be good value. I like the fact that they offer one piece bodies. Has anyone used one of these bodies? If so, do you recommend them? R __________________ it's about the music you create, not the finish on your guitar

August 10th, 2005, 07:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
Fatmanstratman Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fatmanville, Cambs., UK Posts: 2,933	PLEASE! Yagon, Would you kindly refrain from posting those sort of links on this forum! I have just made the mistake of clicking on the link, and..... WOW! Those swamp ash bodies look BEAUTIFUL! Only touble is, I can now feel the dark and distant rumblings of yet another GAS attack ...... As I was looking through the pics of each Tele body offered for sale, I was 'building' dream Teles in my mind. I've never bought from Guitar Mill, and don't know anyone who has, but I don't think I'd have any hesitation in doing so. Those bodies look so tasty - AND they will finish them in nitro for you. Keep us posted! __________________ . . . *"Behind every argument is someone's ignorance."*

August 10th, 2005, 10:09 AM	#7 (permalink)
The Actionman Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Beautiful North Georgia! Posts: 434	Dumb question... I have been tracking/pricing bodies on ebay for a while and don't remember seeing this company or it's bodies listed...of course I usually am looking athe "US" eBay version. Odd since they're in Nashville... (here's the dumb question) Can I bid/buy on the Austrailian eBay with my member name/login? When I hit the sellers store listing link it converted the prices to US Dollars. BTW: the prices on these bodies are about HALF the cost of 1-piece swamp ash on the US eBay... __________________ Twang on!

August 10th, 2005, 10:33 AM	#11 (permalink)
The Actionman Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Beautiful North Georgia! Posts: 434	Answered my own dumb question! I got so excited about these bodies I called the number listed and had an excellent conversation with the owner Mario Martin. Mario is a pretty knowlegable cat that has done time with both Fender and Gibson building guitars and spraying nitro. His direct prices are pretty good and his nitro finishes are about as resonable as I've seen out there. Looks like I'll be listing some goodies in the Garage sale soon to finance my G.A.S. attack! (I have absolutely no affiliation with Guitar Mill or Mario, just happy to see great Tele bodies at great prices!) __________________ Twang on!

August 10th, 2005, 11:32 AM	#12 (permalink)
Fuzzyhead Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bonn (Yer-up) Age: 25 Posts: 1,350 23 Photos	Looks great... drool __________________ about me: blog, photos & musical preferences

August 10th, 2005, 08:42 AM	#3 (permalink)
Durtdog Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 3,490	I got one on Ebay for $77. Two piece swamp ash, light too. Everything fit just fine, I finished it with just a touch of stain and 4 light coats of nitro. Turned out great. I'm thinking of getting another. I'd highly recommend them (no dog in this fight, just a happy customer).

August 10th, 2005, 10:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
GuitarJonz Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central Mass. Posts: 2,777 7 Photos	Some nice looking bodies. He doesn't quote shipping to US on that chart, but way down at the bottom, he says that UPS Ground is available to US buyers.

August 10th, 2005, 10:19 AM	#10 (permalink)
Durtdog Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2004 Location: Tennessee Posts: 3,490	You can also buy directly from their website. They're located in Nashville. http://www.guitarmill.com/

August 10th, 2005, 08:49 PM	#13 (permalink)
JoeAArthur Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 726	Mario and Shannon both are great to deal with, and they deliver a great product. Nothing like the less than helpful "I'm just doin' my job" Warmoth "sail" people. I ordered from the website, but I discovered them via ebay. The ebay auctions at the time was just <shudder> relic'ed stuff. I couldn't have asked for more in a Tele body... they do deliver the goods... at a reasonable price and high quality. I wish them the best... and hope they continue to do so. __________________ Joe

August 10th, 2005, 09:01 PM	#14 (permalink)
petebradt Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Niner Country Posts: 3,440 12 Photos	are these bodies light-weight? Can you ask for a weight range?

August 10th, 2005, 09:41 PM	#16 (permalink)
Buckocaster51 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Iowa USA Age: 57 Posts: 5,603 1 Photos	I'm very happy with the one I have. There is another on the way. Color me "Satisfied."

August 10th, 2005, 11:03 PM	#17 (permalink)
dickson TDPRI Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 37	I highly recommend Mario & Guitar Mill. Nice guy - terrific bodies! I'm currently finishing a custom tele body he made for me. Dickson

August 11th, 2005, 10:56 AM	#20 (permalink)
The Actionman Tele-Meister Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Beautiful North Georgia! Posts: 434	Options, options... Pete, Mario assured me that he could come up with just about anything within reason including chambered maple-tops etc. I have no doubt that if you said "I want a 4-pounder" they'd deliver. The obvious variation in Swamp Ash wood density makes every body a little different weight. From the different luthiers I've spoken to about this variation, it seems like the tighter the grain pattern the heavier. So some of the "prettier" bodied are a bit heavier than the "odd-grained" uglier ones. This is no problem for the Tele I have in my head - Surf Green w/ black 5-screw - since nobody will see the funky grain. Of course I have seen and played some really nice tight grained Buterscotch and naturals that were super light, so there goes that theory... I think everybody will agree that you just need to have a conversation with whoever might build your body or neck and decribe what you're after. It may cost you a bit more to be so specific, but satisfaction carries a price and it's all relative! __________________ Twang on!

August 11th, 2005, 11:58 AM	#21 (permalink)
rcrecelius Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Rio Vista,Texas Age: 41 Posts: 644	Cool stuff...Ive decided to bid on one they have on eBay right now so if you are bidding against pfelect its me. here it is __________________ I cried the day Buck Owens died... http://www.myspace.com/pickingfool http://www.myspace.com/stevehelmsband

August 11th, 2005, 03:33 PM	#22 (permalink)
Andromeda1968 Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2003 Location: Milan Italy Posts: 122	GUITAR MILL Hi guys Guitar Mill is fantastic...swamp ash bodies great... Mario is a great friend and very correctly person... I'm Andrea from Italy Milan and Mario know me very well Bye __________________ A for Andromeda E for Esquire !!