Mullen's Take

Lynette Richards · Post by **Lynette Richards** » 2 Nov 2006 4:05 pm

I have been receiving a great deal of emails regarding this mod offered by Tommy. He attests that it will make your Mullen sound better. Here is the problem with all this. It is causing a great deal of problems and heart ache. I have had so many emails from many stating they love their guitar and would not change a thing. Which is great. I agree. There are so many different things you can do to a guitar to effect the tone, and Tommy feels he has accomplished something. Which is fine, however we do not appreciate all the talk that all of a sudden our guitars have a tone problem and they need this mod. Well it has ruffled a lot of feathers and I ask you all to calm down a bit and ignore it, if you do not like the mod, there are others that do, maybe you will sound better, who knows. The mind is a great thing but can really fool you a lot. We have done so many sound test and ideas and mods and whatever else you want to call it, we have put in more hours doing this than you could think, and our guitars we offer are the final product we have come up with. Changes and improvements can always be made to any guitar to change the tone. It all works together. Now our new guitar has a different tone, and I would say this mod wouldn't help that guitar. Then again nobody really knows what is involved with the mod. So to wrap this up, hang in there guys, for all you Mullen owners that like your guitar don't take any offense to this, just let it go. For all those that don't, then maybe you need the mod, who knows. Once again I will add, this mod is not promoted or suggested by us and will void any and all warantee to the guitar. Again I don't know what is involved, but it is your guitar so you can choose what you would like to do.

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Mike Mantey
Sales & Production Manager
Mullen Guitar Co., Inc.
(970) 664-2518
www.mullenguitars.com

Duane Reese · Post by **Duane Reese** » 2 Nov 2006 7:17 pm

To what modification are you referring?

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 2 Nov 2006 8:50 pm

"Once again I will add, this mod is not promoted or suggested by us and will void any and all warantee to the guitar."

How could you make this statement without knowing what the mod is (something NONE of us, save the "modder", know)? What if it's something as benign as torqueing screws to a particular ft/lb point, or sticking a sponge between the rods, or installing a removable sticker saying "'I'm actualy painted black"?

It seems a little harsh to say - make a mod, void your warranty. I mean, even to the point of something like installng electronics or changing pickups - if it doesn't alter the fundamental structure/mechanics of the guitar, why in the world would you kill the warranty?

If you install an aftermarket bug shield, or use a silicone lubricant on a door hinge, will Ford disallow your drive train warranty?

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 2 Nov 2006 8:54 pm

http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/013751.html

Cliff Kane · Post by **Cliff Kane** » 2 Nov 2006 9:34 pm

*[This message was edited by Cliff Kane on 02 November 2006 at 09:41 PM.]

Robert Thomas · Post by **Robert Thomas** » 3 Nov 2006 3:15 am

I have been playing an HWP Mullen D-10 for 6 1/2 years now and I can't imagine there being any thing you could add to make it sound better other then a better steel player then me.
Before the Mullen I played a D-10 Sho-Bud Professional for 27 years and I wouldn't even consider going back to it, can't beat the Mullen, HWP that is.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 3 Nov 2006 4:21 am

...why in the world would you kill the warranty?

Because it's standard practice in most any manufactured product; e.g., using "Type F" (Ford) transmission fluid in a GM car voids the transmission warranty. Most all guarantee and warranty documents state something to the effect that..."Modifying this unit or using non-factory approved repair parts will void any and all warranties."

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 3 Nov 2006 4:37 am

Thanks Chris I read that thread and no one is saying what the mod is, what is it? I mean even the ones that had it won't say, so I would guess it is hidden?

Curt Langston · Post by **Curt Langston** » 3 Nov 2006 5:11 am

How could you make this statement without knowing what the mod is (something NONE of us, save the "modder", know)?

Well Jim, in the other thread titled "Tone and Sustain Mod", Eddie Bollinger says:

Tommy took my Carter guitar and adjusted,Very meticulously, every neck screw, keyhead screw, and anything else that could kill vibration on my guitar.

So, basically Tommy is "adjusting" the screws on guitars. I am sure Mullen has the proper torque on their neck screws, right from the factory.

It seems a little harsh to say - make a mod, void your warranty.

Doesn't seem harsh to me. Seems like a good practice. If I built a 2500.00 plus guitar, I would not want someone jacking down the screws.

In fact it seems a little harsh to think that Mullen or any other builder would need someone to help them torque down their screws!

An exception to this would be when the guitar is an older model and needs to be reconditioned and given a check up by a knowledgable and reputable tech, such as:
Bobbe Seymour.
Billy Cooper.
Bobby Bowman.
Coop.
Marrs.

Folks of that caliber, that have been rebuilding guitars for years.
[This message was edited by Curt Langston on 03 November 2006 at 05:20 AM.]

Jim Sliff · Post by **Jim Sliff** » 3 Nov 2006 6:18 am

"Doesn't seem harsh to me. Seems like a good practice. If I built a 2500.00 plus guitar, I would not want someone jacking down the screws."

That's ridiculous. your saying if your guitar had a screw come loose, you'd have to send it to the factory for tightening, then...or the warranty would be void. Or you couldn't adjust pedal height. Heck, changing string gages is a "mod, as is moving the hex nuts for a "mod" called "tuning"."

"Adjusting" parts is part of the setup process on ANY new...or old...guitar. Fine-tuning the setup to suit a player's needs is what EVERY good guitar tech does - on any type of guitar. The mods bein performed may the result of an incredible amount of research and testing, or they could be smoke-and-mirrors....but if they are non-invasive and consist of merely adjusting parts, voiding the warranty is not only a ludicrous policy, I doubt Mullen would last 2 minutes in court in a warranty dispute over "adjustments".

If any manufacturer told me, as a tech, I could not do non-invasive adjustments without voiding the warranty, I'd tell 'em where to insert their instruments.

I've NEVER hear of such a "warranty voiding". Well, until now. I that's truly Mullen's policy, I'd love to see the warranty language relating to that. My guess? There's no "written" warranty, just a handshake one. which is fine, except when "voiding" applies. Then as the manufacturer you 1) better have it spelled out in writing, and 2) better have one amazingly talented attorney. And lots of cash.[This message was edited by Jim Sliff on 03 November 2006 at 06:56 AM.]

Curt Langston · Post by **Curt Langston** » 3 Nov 2006 7:22 am

That's ridiculous. your saying if your guitar had a screw come loose,

Not talking about a screw coming loose. We're talking about someone taking a screw driver to a fairly new guitar, and turning screws that may, or may not need turning, and the dissonance that could follow such an action.

Fine-tuning the setup to suit a player's needs is what EVERY good guitar tech does - on any type of guitar.

True. But fine tuning is not the same as torquing down or loosening headstock, neck, or changer screws.

Here is the problem with all this. It is causing a great deal of problems and heart ache.

I can see where it would.

Here is a little story from Mike:
<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Mike Wheeler
Member
From: Columbus, Ohio, USA
posted 22 March 2005 08:49 PM profile send email edit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OK, I happened to be doing some maintenance on my new Fessy last week when I read about this neck screw issue. So, I tightened all the screws to see what would happen. THE TONE AND SUSTAIN WENT TO H$LL!!! GONE!! I was shocked. It sounded like a goose...honk, honk.
Well, of course, I loosened them back up, and guess what....NO HELP!! I was very nervous...what had I done!!!

There were a couple of neck screws I hadn't been able get to, without removing a cross-shaft. So, I put it off, and put it off.....till today. Just couldn't take it any more! Loosened those last two screws and guess what....OK I'll tell you.....THE TONE AND SUSTAIN CAME BACK IN SPADES!!!!

The guitar now has better tone than ever and sustains for forever (well, you know what I mean). I fell in love with my Fessy all over again.

Don't know exactly what happened, but all I did was loosen a bunch of screws and just snug them back in. My guess is that there has to be even tension across the neck. All I know is...it worked!!

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Every day is a Great day,
Mike
(aka Sideman)
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Moral of the story: Don't let just anyone jack with your guitar. You could get all jacked up!

Let those with years of experience, and a proven track record do the work.(see above list)

Heck, I've got a screw driver. Let me give it a whirl.

Of course it will void the warranty, and I would most likely ruin your tone, since I do not know what I am doing!

Don't know exactly what happened,

Thats ok Mike. I would not know what happened either. Thats why we have Bobbe Seymour!

BTW, I do not fine tune my own carburater either. That whole "fuel to air mix" has me baffled.

[This message was edited by Curt Langston on 03 November 2006 at 07:33 AM.]

Kevin Mincke · Post by **Kevin Mincke** » 3 Nov 2006 7:47 am

You guys have waaay too much time on your hands. Duane, do a search for this mod not so long ago as it's quite lengthy.
Just play the da&*$d things!
Oh Robert, you need to sell me that Professional

Fred Shannon · Post by **Fred Shannon** » 3 Nov 2006 7:59 am

Jim I'm sure you're really a hell of a nice guy and I already know you're very intelligent, and probably one of the most meticulous guitar owners I know. But dammit' isn't there anything in the world that you like? Why in the hell are you so damned negative about seemingly every single thing that is posted on this forum. You're getting a lot of folks to the point where they don't even bother to read your posts and that's a shame. You have so much to offer, and there are a lot of us that want to share your knowledge, but wading through all this negative BS from you is just not worth it any more. I, along with several others are sure sorry you don't realize what you're doing to these super topics. Level off some man and enjoy what we have here. Everything is not all bad and Mullen guitars along with any other builder can establish their conditions for waranty and you, being as intelligent as you are, surely know that. Not meant to flame on you but hell man, enuff is enuff, and yes I know I don't have to read your posts, but believe it or not I really enjoy those where you don't gut shot everything. I think I speak for a lot more people than you know or have the where withall to say what I just did.

Phred

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"From Truth, Justice is Born"--Quanah Parker-1904

Bobby Bowman · Post by **Bobby Bowman** » 3 Nov 2006 8:56 am

Thanks Indian. All though it may be pouring water on the duck so to speak. I, like you and probably others, feel that Jim has a lot to offer. BUT, in my opinion, he's is just killing what good he could be to the community with his own persistence of negitivity (which he says he's not a negitive person) and his continual bashing of the various topics of discussion. I think it just may be his nature.
Given enough rope,,,,well, you know the rest.
I kinda' wish it would hurry up and happen.
The priviledge and pleasue of an "open forum" can and does have it's drawbacks from time to time.
BTW, how ya doin' with your "retirement"? Come visit us in the room. Hope all is well, good and happy for you. Take care Indian and God bless.
BB
www.bobbybowman.com

I dunno Phred,,, maybe he's found his "fifteen minutes". If so, good for him.

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If you play 'em, play 'em good!
If you build 'em, build 'em good!
http://www.bobbybowman.com

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 3 Nov 2006 9:12 am

Let me add that I do not recommend any one try what I did...or anything else I may do. I am admittedly, a hopelessly addicted tinkerer...have been all my life.

Knowing that this can be a dangerous, costly and foolish path...I pursue it, nontheless.

P.S. Fred has a valid point, Jim. I'll admit I feel pretty much the same. Less negativity can't hurt anyone.

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 3 Nov 2006 9:17 am

That's ridiculous. your saying if your guitar had a screw come loose, you'd have to send it to the factory for tightening, then...or the warranty would be void.

No Jim, that's not what we're saying.

There's a right way and a wrong way to do everything. If you do it wrong, and screw something up (no pun intended), you simply can't hold the builder liable. I've seen many fine guitars and amps butchered by well-meaning, but rather "ham fisted" owners or repairmen.

Or, to quote Voltaire...

Common sense is not so common.

Fred Jack · Post by **Fred Jack** » 3 Nov 2006 9:19 am

Looks like a lot of loose screws to me.
Call a mechanic, a nuts loose!

Brian Henry · Post by **Brian Henry** » 3 Nov 2006 9:23 am

I use to own a Mullen. It was a perfect guitar just as it came from the factory. If you are a poor player you can tighten and loosen screws all your life, but your playing will still remain poor. The only way to play better and achieve a professional tone is to practice playing your guitar. Tightening and loosening screws only makes you a better screwdriver operator!!

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 3 Nov 2006 10:01 am

This may be a bad time to ask but what is Mullen warranty now? I couldn't find it on there web, most companys have one year and that goes by quick!

Joe Smith · Post by **Joe Smith** » 3 Nov 2006 10:02 am

Well guys I decided to add my 2 cents worth here.
First of all, If you have some kind of mod done to any builder's guitar and it screws it up, you can't expect the builder, Mullen or anybody else to fix it back free of charge.
Also, I have a Mullen RP and It is a great guitar. Mine certainly dosen't any kind of mod. The guitar is perfect just like it is.
Well, I may not have used up my whole 2 cents. I'll save some for another post.

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My playing sounds more like it did before than it does now

Glen E. Lanning · Post by **Glen E. Lanning** » 3 Nov 2006 10:09 am

Joe, I'll use the rest of your 2 cents. I have a Mullen U12 and couldn't be more happy with the sound. I am not a pro, but I like the full, clear sound I get from this steel with the stock pickup and no mods. Oops, i used more than the remaining 2 cents.

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Secretary, MASGA
New Mullen U12 (2004)
Dekley 8/4 (1984)
ShoBud Professional (1970)D10 8/4

[This message was edited by Glen E. Lanning on 03 November 2006 at 10:10 AM.]

Steve Waltz · Post by **Steve Waltz** » 3 Nov 2006 10:37 am

I too hope that Jim just lay out for a while. I have started to read less here because I am sick of having to read the negative posts over and over again on every topic. They can be mean and arrogant. An example is his reply to this topic. It has been pointed out that this mod is not specific to Mullen and so the Mullen people have had to step up to counter balance any negative perceptions about thier guitars. Jim then takes them on for thier warranty statements which may cause them more unneeded negative PR problems or decrease thier sales. That attack is not positve or productive and it could potentially hurt a company that dosen't deserve it.

It's all just getting very old. And yes I know all of the arguments for speaking your mind but it's just not being done right.

Steve

A. J. Schobert · Post by **A. J. Schobert** » 3 Nov 2006 11:15 am

Steve the positive posts are flat boring, this is one post that has been interesting in a long time, Steve keep in mind the sales and production manager of mullen started this thread! and what I see is that they can change there warranty any time as they see fit how does that sit with you? well I will tell you, it sucks! I don't know why any one would mod there guitar but I am more upset that they will mod there warranty.

Paul Norman (RIP) · Post by **Paul Norman (RIP)** » 3 Nov 2006 12:05 pm

If anyone after reading this wants to tighten
screws in their guitar and wrings the head
off level with the wood, please tell me
how much fun it is getting the old screw
out. Sounds like a real mod.

Curt Langston · Post by **Curt Langston** » 3 Nov 2006 12:48 pm

Instead of "Horse Whisperer" its "Steel Whisperer'..........