Deep Thoughts on Mojo / Vibe / Whatever...

[GuitarHack]

Interesting question. Maybe it can be said that a guitar is more than the sum of its parts. Sometimes that mojo is purely a matter of luck: getting a lucky piece of wood, or someone who worked on the neck and really got into, putting his or her soul into it. But consistency requires more than luck; it requires commitment to mojo.

Agreed. I guess my real question is, Is there any science to mojo, or are some designers/builders just blessed with it?

I'm picturing the SLO team testing out a new guitar or bass. All agree that it's not happening with the instrument. Sure, they can easily change the sound, the shape, the materials, and the look, but what we're talking about isn't just performance and appearance. How do you get past making an axe that is more than just a collection of parts?

The guitar I own that started this thread, I have zero complaints with. It is constructed and set up perfectly. I can get most any sound I seek out of it and my rig, within reason. It is beautifully made, and out of the finest materials. The fit and finish are first rate. The balance on the strap is just right, and it stays in tune like a rock. I'm certain the people who built it were having a good day, and poured all kinds of love into it. While it was $3300, I think it is a fair value. But, it is sterile and boring.

Okay, maybe the conclusion is, it's so perfect, that's why it's without soul. That would imply imperfections give a guitar it's vibe. Maybe so, but my 20th Silo is perfect in every way. Everything I said above applies to the 20th as well, except for the sterile and boring part. Ditto my other EBMMs.

When I pick up the boutique guitar, I sort of unconsciously think words like "guitar, work of art, tool, instrument", etc. Nouns, just words for a thing. When I pick up my 20th, the words are "ballsy, soaring, punishing, sweet, musical, aggressive...". Verbs and adjectives and adverbs, words for what it does, and how well it does it. The mindset with which I approach these two guitars is completely different.

Then again, maybe it was just the Elixirs that are on the boutique guitar versus the RPSs on the 20th.

 

[candid_x]

I hear ya, GH. Maybe if it was all rationally explainable it wouldn't be mojo. I mean, mojo does mean magic. But I still think that elements of skill increase the odds of being lucky.

And by skill I don't mean creating a perfect guitar, necessarily. I mean skill in the art of making guitars with mojo.

 

[brentrocks]

Lately, I've really been dwelling on the idea that some guitars have "it", and some don't, and how that comes to pass. I can't precisely define "it", but I bet most folks here know what I mean.

dude, you could not be more right!!!

i used to have a $4000 LP (this was before i bought my first EB) looking back, it was such a waste of $$$$. My Al, Luke and EVH have way more mojo than any of those overpriced gallery guitars.

 

[hbucker]

Absolutely guitars are more than the sum of their parts. It's that extra... whatever that I think becomes the "it" factor. Some have little or none. Others have loads.

The first time I picked up my EVH (the first EBMM guitar I ever touched) I was amazed by that "it" factor.

I also agree that price doesn't necessarily translate to "it"-ness. I believe most of "it" is in the neck but body resonance has a lot to do with it too. Harmonics are another factor. Rounded edges and a broken in feel are another.

I like Les Pauls. I think their history speaks for itself. But more times than not the LP's I pick up in stores (for $2k +) frequently have no "it" factor what so ever. They seem dull, heavy and lifeless. I love my LP but this is one example of price not giving you "it" with consistency.

 

[threeminutesboy]

There are good and bad guitars at all price points, however EBMM seem to be very consistant indeed.

+1 on this one

 

[Pablo]

Roburado, the guitar I was playing was from one of these makers. Like I said, I can't find a single thing wrong with this guitar, but it just doesn't inspire me. All my EBMMs do, not that there's anything wrong with them. And, to add to your point, they have a consistent vibe, they're made in America, and the risk in buying one is zero, since they're all great. EBMM is my brand too.

I had a similar experience playing a Tom Anderson Strat: Great instrument with incredible finish, perfect frets, great sustain etc.... that simply didn't work for me - and I'm a Strat kinda guy.
After that I played a Koa Suhr that absolutely rocked my world... and a 20th Silo at half its price, that sounded better than any guitar I've ever tried.

Cheers

Eske

 

[MN246]

I recently played two PRS Customs at a local shop. One of them "had it" and the other one didn't. These were identical guitars to include model, finish, and options. The first one I played was incredibly resonant, but the second was like holding a dead fish. BTW, I'm not bashing PRS. I played them exclusively for about 10 years which included all of the years that I was most active as a gigging professional.

I've so far never played any Music Man that didn't have that special quality. That's one reason that I'm so psyched about my JP that is on the way.

 

[robelinda2]

well ive played strats all my life, until i played a Luke. then a silo special. then an AL.

whats a strat look like again??????

 

[brokenvail]

You know, I think it's it's about what the players likes as well. I have had some guys say man "I shouldn't let you play my guitar because if I do you'll like it so much that I'll never get it back" After 5 min with it not only was I ready to give it back but I wanted to start a fire. Like many of you I have played two guitars that should be the same and one just kills the other. From what it looks like MM is making dead fish and that sounds great to me. I look forward to have much the same experience that you all have when I get my MM

 

[roburado]

well ive played strats all my life, until i played a Luke. then a silo special. then an AL.

whats a strat look like again??????

Kind of like Silo Specs, but they have these unsightly, huge, fret-marking dots on the fretboard.

 

[robelinda2]

Rob, you are so right about the dots, they are HUUUGE on strats it seems, after playing my balls. I feel like i'm playing a babys toy when im tuning a students guitar and i look down and see these big dots. I love the small EBMM dots. and the martini glasses too!

 

[roburado]

I remember thinking the opposite before I owned any Balls--that the EBMM dots were tiny and the F3nder ones were the right size.

 

[JMB27]

ah, the mojo/vibe question ... yes EBMM does have that special something from the moment you see your guitar to the first notes you play on your guitar to the first time you hear it fired-up thru some cool amp

.... and, yes, other guitar makers have mojo and vibe ... but they seem to sprinkle the mojo here-and-there making it a maddening pursuit to find guitars that not only look good or play good but also sounds good

play-on, eh!

Joel

 

[wired]

I think EBMM guitars "mojo" can be expained in 2 words: Quality Control

And, that oil/wax finish on the necks helps too

 

[GuitarHack]

I think EBMM guitars "mojo" can be expained in 2 words: Quality Control

And, that oil/wax finish on the necks helps too

Wired, I don't think QC covers it, witness my perfect boutique guitar that has no soul.

You may be onto something with the neck...the bare wood feel does make the whole experience seem more personal.

BTW, I held a BFR JP yesterday. Fabulous guitar, but the laquered neck is disorienting.