Aboutpaul wilczynski Expertise Anything concerning building, tuning, theory of construction. Specialist in finishing (40 years' experience); extensive knowledge of Rickenbacker instruments of all vintages. Rckenbacker factory connection on personal level; ONLY licensed Rickenbacker luthier in the world.
Experience Extensive. I build and restore electric and acoustic guitars (steel string and nylon classicals). I build all of Rickenbacker's acoustic instruments in my own shops in San Francisco and Healdsburg, CA.
I write two online columns with a total of over 15,000 posts since January, 2005.
Google my name or my screen name, "jingle_jangle".
Organizations American Guild of Luthiers.
Publications Mostly automotive and hobby (in the past).
Education/Credentials Manage the University Department workshops(Industrial Design) in SF, also have taught and written design and fabrication classes for almost a decade. Have produced online classes, written curricula, syllabi, etc. Run an online forum for my students (500 in number).
Awards and Honors Awards won for product, vehicle, and preschool toy design in the past.
Past/Present Clients Rickenbacker International Corporation, Waterstone Guitars LLC, many Fortune 500 companies before I worked in guitars (I ran a design studio for 22 years). I have hundreds of individual--private party--customers.
Expert: paul wilczynski Date: 8/19/2008 Subject: Neck feels too thick
Question QUESTION: I just bought a PRS SE Custom Semi-Hollow. When I first tried it in the store the action felt really good. However, after playing the first set at a show, I found my hand cramping and had to use my Ibanez. My question is, can I sand the neck down on the PRS to make it a little thinner? Are there do's and don'ts?
Thank you for your Time,
Gary
ANSWER: Hi, Gary:
Sure, you can shave the neck down on the PRS. First, I'd measure the neck of an instrument which has previously been quite comfy for you, and take the PRS neck down to the same profile. If you've done this before, it's a piece of cake, otherwise I'd proceed very carefully on this or turn it over to a pro.
Now, the next question: Does the fact that you'll be trashing the finish on a brand-new PRS bother you? If it does, I'd look to getting a quote from the best luthier in your area on the whole chore. It's money well-spent when it comes to resell or trade-in time.
--Paul
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Paul, first off, thanks for the reply. I don't mind trashing the finish if I end up with a more comfortable neck to play. If I do sand the neck down, does it matter how I seal the exposed wood? If so,will any primer or clear coat paint do? Gary
Answer Best to shave it down with a woodworker's rasp if you have one. Then you can finish it starting with #100 grit sandpaper, and finish with #320. You can spray with clear nitrocellulose and wax once it's dry.
If you don't sdeal it well, the neck will turn gray and dirty. It's the highest-wear area of any guitar by far.
