So ...I scored the TB500 prototype. Here are a few words on the subject.
It's a splendid guitar. Indescribable really. The highlights are:
1) The pickups - When I talked to Kevin Burkett (EGC) who built this under supervision from Mark McElwee (the luthier who put TB's design into a playable guitar) he said they were awesome & different. And they are. The original design was supposed to be very P90-ish. These are like a large hot single coil. They have a wonderful chimey-ness which could be attributable to the aluminum, but it is the first guitar I've played that has that "somethin'" that was in the '77 shows. Maybe subtle for some, but for a guy who's been listening to the Spring '77 shows for almost 35 years, it's there.
2) The action. The guitar has a scale length closer to a Les Paul. But do to the string-through design it retains the tension & the twang needed for Jerry Tone. It also came with a brass nut. So all in all it was perfect for me. I set up my Strats so that the action is raised just to the point of compromise to the intonation. This guitar came set up exactly like that. The TB intonates beautifully.
3) This version has a slight adjustment to the bridge position which allows the guitar to intonate much better than the originals.
4) I've compared this guitar to many photos of Jerry playing his TB, and to the images of Jeff Mattson & Stu Allen. I can find no flaw or difference in the Prototype. Other than it carries the serial number 00.
There is more ...but I'm still putting it through the paces. I was traveling abroad for a bit right after I received it, so it's still a new toy. It sounds incredible through the Maestro. And it sounds differently incredible through the SMS. And it really drives the Deluxe Reverb I own. Eventually, I'll add the Waldo Buffer. They decided to build it replicating the time when Jerry was using the MuTron as a buffer. I've played it though the Mu & a TruTron, and it's still great without the buffer.
Note the Jerry sweatpants. These were not purchased from the Estate. Not sure I would wear Jerry's sweats if I had them. This pair certainly has been on tour. All 13 volcanic peaks of the Pacific NW. The hat you ask? Antique store. $39.00
It's a splendid guitar. Indescribable really. The highlights are:
1) The pickups - When I talked to Kevin Burkett (EGC) who built this under supervision from Mark McElwee (the luthier who put TB's design into a playable guitar) he said they were awesome & different. And they are. The original design was supposed to be very P90-ish. These are like a large hot single coil. They have a wonderful chimey-ness which could be attributable to the aluminum, but it is the first guitar I've played that has that "somethin'" that was in the '77 shows. Maybe subtle for some, but for a guy who's been listening to the Spring '77 shows for almost 35 years, it's there.
2) The action. The guitar has a scale length closer to a Les Paul. But do to the string-through design it retains the tension & the twang needed for Jerry Tone. It also came with a brass nut. So all in all it was perfect for me. I set up my Strats so that the action is raised just to the point of compromise to the intonation. This guitar came set up exactly like that. The TB intonates beautifully.
3) This version has a slight adjustment to the bridge position which allows the guitar to intonate much better than the originals.
4) I've compared this guitar to many photos of Jerry playing his TB, and to the images of Jeff Mattson & Stu Allen. I can find no flaw or difference in the Prototype. Other than it carries the serial number 00.
There is more ...but I'm still putting it through the paces. I was traveling abroad for a bit right after I received it, so it's still a new toy. It sounds incredible through the Maestro. And it sounds differently incredible through the SMS. And it really drives the Deluxe Reverb I own. Eventually, I'll add the Waldo Buffer. They decided to build it replicating the time when Jerry was using the MuTron as a buffer. I've played it though the Mu & a TruTron, and it's still great without the buffer.
Note the Jerry sweatpants. These were not purchased from the Estate. Not sure I would wear Jerry's sweats if I had them. This pair certainly has been on tour. All 13 volcanic peaks of the Pacific NW. The hat you ask? Antique store. $39.00
"Hi Ho...the Carrion Crow...FoldeRoldeRiddle"
Congrats again on the guitar. Would love some sound clips if possible.
