AF QB Super-Deluxe #1 - "Scrappycaster"

 

In late 2024 I was having a discussion with fellow musician regarding some of his needs for performing and recording instruments. He had most of the bases covered, but was still looking for a double-humbucker-equipped guitar for those Gibson-esque fat tones when needed, having bumped into one another at a local big-box musical instrument store. 


As we were talking specs, an epiphany hit him, and he said something along the lines of, "why are we here--why don't I just have you build me something?" It made sense, as I knew what he wanted to achieve, and what he'd be comfortable with, so I started throwing options and questions at him. 


The end result turned out quite nice. Knowing he mostly plays acoustic (most acoustics tend to be a 25.5" scale length) and has a couple of 25.5" scale electrics, I knew he'd be comfortable with one of my builds. I chose one with a Telecaser-ish profile, full-maple, and after some back-and-forth, we settled on the Arturo Fuente "Queen B" box (my #2 favorite cigar box to work with, especially when I use the right bridge). 


This would be the fanciest and most versatile AFQB CBG yet, because it would feature double humbuckers (selectable with the three-way toggle up top like a Les Paul or a Telecaster Deluxe/Custom), independent volume controls, master tone control, the under-the-lid piezo and a horseshoe vibrato tailpiece, with all silver hardware (no plastic mounting rings or knobs, all metal), and modern-style tuners for stability. At its heart is a center-block of mahogany, and these style boxes are always semi-worn-in, very resonant, so this one sounds nice even unplugged. So you KNOW it's going to sound good electrified. This has been one of my favorite builds with the AFQB box so far, and I might have to do some more in a similar format down the road. It's got bark, it's got bite, and it's as mean as you need or as sweet as you'd like, depending on the amp settings. Another happy customer!
Location: W4WVK Studios

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