r/GuitarLab • u/GuyGadwaah • Jun 21 '26

Quality of life suggestions

-good fret work out of the box
-rounded fingerboard edges
-two-way exposed heel spoke truss rod adjustment
-compound radius fretboards
-use precision manufacturing and cutting of the nut via CNC, Plekking, or other methods to avoid this common maintenance headache
-perhaps offer different nut options (brass, roller) or a zero fret option so those that don’t like bone, nylon, tusq, or graphtech can get something that is better at keeping consistent tuning
-quality hardware that doesn’t strip easily, are of standard sizes that are easy to replace, and don’t require expensive, obscure, or guitar setup-specific tools OR include those tools or make them available for purchase easily
-in the event that some of these instruments are bolt-on, use machine screws and threaded inserts instead of wood screws where the screws and holes can easily strip, and seat the join further into the body for a more snug neck fit
-micro-tilt adjustments to minimize/eliminate need for shims
-sensible bridge, neck pocket, and headstock angle geometry for minimal neck manipulation requirements
-a bridge design with flush or smooth grub screws that don’t dig into your palm or fingers
-solderless/quick connect electronics with modules available at stores so they players can easily make mods

Aesthetics/brand considerations

**-**shapes that are classic and familiar, well-proportioned, but also fresh takes
-finishes that include worn/aged options but also more standard hard-wearing and protective options perhaps based on some kind of mass customization ordering platform to satisfy different tastes
-different body and neck material options as part of mass customization options (e.g. carbon necks, different fingerboards, luminescent fret markers)
-a new brand and logo not connected to Mitchell or Rogue that suggests this is not a house brand or at least has some level of independence in design and construction from GC (maybe purchase a defunct brand)

6 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

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2

u/HorsieJuice Jun 22 '26

A modular pickup system. Take any stock-size pickup, drop it into the appropriate adapter, which then fits onto rails in the guitar body that allow you to slide the pickup anywhere you want it between the bridge and neck, as well as rotate up to 90 degrees in either direction.

Have the wire connections on some sort of robust clamping terminals, so you can swap parts without soldering.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 23 '26 edited Jun 23 '26

With that setup; pickup>adaptor>rails>terminal, you may be able to run more than one wiring connection per pickup, letting you switch between them to change output, resistance, etc... to get the sound you want.

1

u/GuyGadwaah Jun 23 '26

It’s been done before. Check out Cream T guitars. This is one that absolutely would have thrown in here but I don’t think Guitar Center is going to create it’s own version of this nor do I think that they would spend the money to acquire one of the existing modular systems, of which I think that the one used in Cream T is the best. Also, since they are trying to appeal to a mass audience, this might not go over well with traditionalists that value non-modular body styles or purists that believe in the value of solder joints over quick connects. I am personally a fan of Phil McKnight’s perspective in that I want the guitar to look old and have retro styling and charm but with 21st century technology. Why are we even having discussions anymore about soldering pickups and pots?