Fender Custom Quad:Should I resist temptation?

Fred Layman · Post by **Fred Layman** » 5 Jan 2005 5:50 pm

I have a Fender Triple Custom. Recently I bought a single-neck body from a Dual Custom and I have all the Fender parts for it= keyhead, fret board and trapezoid pickup.

I'm toying with the idea of adding the single-neck to the triple-neck for a Custom Quad. All the holes are already drilled for the assembly. Since the Triple Custom is already quite wide, this would probably also involve making a new narrower divider between the present second and third necks to narrow the width of the guitar. If I ever wanted to go back to the triple-neck, I could simply remove the new divider and replace it with the original divider, since no modifications would be made to the present three necks..

This, of course, raises the much debated issue of whether a guitar should be kept as original as possible for collectors' value, or modified for increased playability. Fender guys, give me your thoughts.

Rick Alexander · Post by **Rick Alexander** » 5 Jan 2005 6:01 pm

A Custom Quad - ah the stuff of dreams! Man, if you can do it without damaging the original wood that would be awesome. Of course, the 2 guitars seperately would be more "collectable", but if you can always restore it, what does that matter? It probably would be a blast to play - many tunings at your fingertips . . .

You might have to change your name to "Stretch Armstrong"!

But don't listen to me - let's ask Jody what he thinks - he's THE guy when it comes to Fender Steels! Jody?!?

------------------

Rick Alexander
57 Fender Stringmaster T8, 69 Strat, Rickenbacker BD6
Music Man & Peavey Amps

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 5 Jan 2005 9:19 pm

Fred and Rick...like "Nike Says" JUST DO IT.

Fred..nice meeting you in St Louis and thanks for your vote..dont ask for a re-count

Al Gore

Rick Alexander · Post by **Rick Alexander** » 5 Jan 2005 9:26 pm

There it is Fred - now "git" busy!

Fred Layman · Post by **Fred Layman** » 6 Jan 2005 6:00 pm

Jody, nice to have affirmation from the "Dean" of Fender Steel Guitars. I enjoyed the brief time we had to get acquainted as you were getting ready to leave St. Louis.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 6 Jan 2005 6:30 pm

Fred
Personally, I wouldn't do it. I've *modified* too many guitars with too much regret to attempt anything like what you describe. But that's just me.

Fred Layman · Post by **Fred Layman** » 8 Jan 2005 8:03 pm

Herb, thanks for another voice, one I greatly respect. The alternative would be simply to let the Custom Triple be and refinish the single neck for when I want to have a lighter guitar around. I have the original "diamonds" for the front and back. Or I know where there are a couple of Dual Customs -- could buy one and add a neck. Or tinker less and play more might be the inspired solution. Decisions,decisions...

Fred Layman · Post by **Fred Layman** » 8 Jan 2005 8:07 pm

Herb, thanks for another voice, one I greatly respect. The alternative would be simply to let the Custom Triple be and refinish the single neck for when I want to have a lighter guitar around. I have the original "diamonds" for the front and back. Or I know where there are a couple of Dual Customs -- could buy one and add a neck. Or tinker less and play more might be the inspired solution. Decisions,decisions...

Bob Hickish · Post by **Bob Hickish** » 8 Jan 2005 8:33 pm

Fred
If I could through my two cents in !

I might ask 2 question ? - Is the Steel going to
be a tool of the trade ? Or is it just something you would
like to have ?

My Stringmaster D-8 is not as beautiful as
those we have seen on Ricks post , But it's my work horse !
and it don't always get to play in the best of conditions .

BUT !! If I had another neck to add to mine I Would !
Three would tax my feeble head to the limit .

Bob

Gary Boyett · Post by **Gary Boyett** » 8 Jan 2005 9:23 pm

The fourth neck of a real Quad is considerably thicker than the others. You may run into problems not only reaching that far but the necks may be too close together. Just 2 cents worth and more for you to think about.

Ed Naylor · Post by **Ed Naylor** » 9 Jan 2005 7:19 am

I would not do anything that would alter the original. However you could possibly "ADD" the neck with "Rails etc" that could be attached to the body using the leg sockets as supports. This way you have #4 and it can be removed almost instantly with no visible damage to the original guitar.Just a spur of the moment idea I had. My other motto-WHEN IN DOUBT -DON'T. ED Naylor Steel Guitar Works.

Jim Palenscar · Post by **Jim Palenscar** » 9 Jan 2005 8:02 am

Don't

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 9 Jan 2005 11:55 am

Fred
The more I think about it and what I am reading here,I think Herb and the boys are right. Leave it be.The stretch would be too much to reach the outer neck. Not even an major league first baseman could stretch that far.

Leave it be..Its the way Leo Fender wanted it to be, If Leo thought it was a good idea he would have done one that I asked for as a special and he refused.

Leave it be.

Jody Carver · Post by **Jody Carver** » 9 Jan 2005 2:52 pm

Fred I heard a voice that sounded like Leo.
I looked around my darkened room on this cold and dreary winters night..this is the message from Mr.Fender so far as your adding another neck on to your Custom....A voice came to me as I sat here as the winds were raging and the frozen rain coming down.....the voice said..

FUHGEDDABOUDIT.

I dont think a first baseman could strtech that far...Let it be.

The Ghost of Leo has Spoken

Fred Layman · Post by **Fred Layman** » 10 Jan 2005 11:14 pm

Jody, the "ghost of Fender past" clinches it! I will either look for a Dual Custom and add a neck,or set up the single body that I have for a single-neck.