a Silhouette question

[shadowhunter]

I'm new around here. I've played guitar for about 16 years (only 10 of 'em seriously). I play metal and wannabe progressive rock usually.

Anyways, I have been looking at getting a new guitar for a while and EBMMs are high on the list, especially a Silhouette HSS (love that set up). I have for most of my playing life been a Gibson or Gibsonesgue guitar player. My view was changed by the quality of the Silhouette, Luke and the JP6. I think these are the most amazingly underrated guitars for the price, the exact opposite of all the Gibsons I was really into.

However, the neck finish on an EB is new to me. I have really sweaty hands an I am worried that my hands will make the neck all gummy and gross. I knew someone that had a Stingray neck turn green on them from their sweaty hands (but I don't think he was the best owner the bass could have). Does anyone know if it is this is a true worry? What could I do to avoid this? Do any of you have any recommendations?

Thanks in advance for any help. And I apologize if this is a repeat question, but I honestly couldn't find anything in the search.

 

[Spudmurphy]

Welcome to the Forum Shadow.

I was a Gibson player for 30 years and when I tried an EB neck I realised what I had been missing.

The necks when they leave the factory are treated with a Gun stock oil and wax finish which makes the neck feel raw.

Just wipe it down after every time you play it and always wash your hands before playing.

I give mine an oil treatment about twice a year which is real easy but you need to follow some guidelines on that of which there are many threads on the forum.

You're gonna love the silo and will probably end up getting more 'balls in your arsenal.

 

[candid_x]

Konnichiwa, Shadowhunter.

The Silo neck will require a bit more attention than the typical poly finished necks, especially is you get a maple board model. But it's not difficult to maintain, unless you play it often after a mud wrestling match. Never heard of one turning green, though. The feel and playability of the EB oil finished neck is well worth it. Like Spud said, if you're conscientious to wash your hands and wipe down the neck after playing, it's a piece of cake. I oil/wax treat mine only once a year or so and they always look good. The maple board will show a little play-wear, but it's no big deal.

If you're looking for a new Ball in a HSS, you'll have to go to a 22 fret Silo Special rather than the 24 fret Silo, but you can still find used Silos with HSS configuration.

 

[GuitarHack]

Welcome!

What everyone else has said....realizing I would never readjust to a lacquered neck led me to finally sell my Les Paul, which was my axe for 21 years.

And, my back has been thankful ever since! The Silo (and Axis, and Luke, etc.) all lay waste to the notion that a guitar has to be heavy to have sustain and tone.

 

[shadowhunter]

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the advice. Now I gotta save my money I'm gonna get A white one with a white pearl pickguard and a maple fret board. I wanted a white on white Strat ever since I was a kid and I think that this would be like the 21st century super upgraded version of that. A true super Strat if ya' know what I mean.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

They can get a bit gunky if you don't look after them, but I have only ever re-done the neck on two of my guitars the once, and they feel really nice to play!

 

[Larry]

Get a Luke if you want a strat on steroids

 

[Sub1 Zero]

I have sweaty hands too man, but it doesn't seem to bother my guitars. No worries, grab one and enjoy the greatest guitar you will ever play

 

[TonyEVH5150]

Two words . . . Wonder Wipes.

 

[shadowhunter]

Get a Luke if you want a strat on steroids

I think the Luke is great but the neck profile isn't for me.

 

[TonyEVH5150]

The silo is a strat killer. The Silo is so much of a strat on steriods, it's the Barry Bonds of guitars!!! Awesome tones with the pickup combos, the vintage trem system is the best I've ever used, the neck is fast and slick, and the fret access is unmatched.

The neck profile was rough for me to adjust to, but I have small hands. The neck profile is more like a standard C shape.

 

[lock-ny]

Get the silo special, its such a great versatile guitar and you can change the pups if you want to change the sound at all, as for the neck its fantastic and remember that some people pay top dollar for a green grimy neck -

 

[shadowhunter]

Yeah thats what I want but it's pricy for me. I'm only a teacher so I gotta save up and then I'll get one. I'll probably put a D-sonic in the bridge or maybe Steve's Special or something like that.

 

[the24thfret]

What about a silo vs. silo spec comparison?

 

[Tone?]

What i do to my raw maple necks is the Oil/Birchwoodcasey gunstock wax thing as well.
But i always use steel wool on the neck after my last coat of oil. that makes the neck so so smooth. then i coat it with the wax.

The steel wool does tons to the feel!

After that even if the neck gets dirty it cleans right off like rosewood does.

Do you guys take the necks off the guitar when doing this?

 

[JeffreyB]

Do you guys take the necks off the guitar when doing this?

There is a lot of talk about taking necks off around here...is it just me, or does anyone else feel like it's a bad idea to mess with the neck joint? I realize that in theory, it simply "bolts on", but I would think the more you remove and re-attach the neck, you are messing with the integrity of the of the fit, and eventually the tone could suffer....

 

[shadowhunter]

It's not just you. I think people forget that that even a bolt-on neck still needs to sit correctly and line up well. They have neck shims on some guitars for a reason. I try to leave essential things like the neck and body alone on the guitar. Pick ups, pots and such are one thing, necks or anything wooden is another.

 

[Tim O'Sullivan]

+1. Taking necks off is really a last resort for me.

 

[Tone?]

really, some of the Axis's have shims?? how is that possible?
the neck pocket should be made at a slight slant to make the setup perfect.

I am just against shims on high end instruments as i think they rob some tone/sustain. Ok so it aint that bad sometimes if the shim is done well. lol!

 

[beej]

It's possible because every piece of wood is different (and changes over time) and there aren't any individual height adjustments on a Floyd. So shims are the only way to fix certain problems. Solution? Buy a Super Sport with a vintage trem