Curious, Why did this not happen? The Perfect Y2d...

[vlnbow]

As it states, I am curious why this didn't happen. It show some outstanding aesthetics on a great design.
Not withstanding the "add bridge" switch - one could take it or leave it and use the 5 way.

But the creme pick ups and switch tip tying in the complete picture with the binding. Matching hardware (no black volume and tone) and (what appears to be) beautiful pearl tuner buttons.

To top it off, the logo is "burst" to match. This example shows a well thought out, classy guitar. It is a shame it never made it to production.

 

[beej]

Well most of this is cosmetic- the tuner buttons, switch tip and knobs are easily replaced. The pickups are tougher, though you can replace them (Steve colored his Purple with a marker). Besides the toggle/lever switch change, the production model also has contoured binding so there's not a hard edge around the guitar.

But ultimately, it's the usual answer: It's a prototype of a signature model, so it ultimately becomes what the artist (Steve) wants.

 

[vlnbow]

Yes - it is an Artist guitar - but I guess it comes down to a company's philosophy about what that means and how much "say so" the artist has... Some say "this is the artist's model - his choice of colors etc, that is all you get", verses other companies saying " This is the Artist model, design wise, pick up config, etc..but you can choose any color of pick up and body combination you want etc.".

I just find this to be the most aesthetically pleasing version of the purple sunburst model.

As for changing, you are right. I did a restoration for a customer that wanted his Y2d to look like this model. Easy change until you get to the "half o' humbucker" single coil. This being a smaller than normal single, the pickguard opening would need to be enlarged for a regular single if you wanted to change color . Because having that model pick up made was not going to happen, according to DiMarzio.

He ended up going with bobbin toppers to save money and hassle of the singlecoil. These actually worked quite nice and matched the creme switch tip and binding. Hint: Put them on with the guitar disassembled, then you can lightly heat the vinyl topper on the edges with a lighter. This helps the topper conform the edges (especially the ends) without wrinkles.

 

[fbecir]

Well, we can trust Steve for the sound.
But can we trust him for the aethetic ??? I am not sure, I believe he is color blind !!

 

[uOpt]

Well, we can trust Steve for the sound.
But can we trust him for the aethetic ??? I am not sure, I believe he is color blind !!

Duh

Obviously he ditched the double cream pickups because they sound bad

The putheliane plastic consouse bartho softener compound when exposed to air causes the cream plastic bobbins to hold on to the wire in a way that you have to pair them up with a black coil for mental stability.

 

[banjoplayer]

this is how Steve´s Proto looks now (pic taken by me in 2012)

 

[tommyindelaware]

the single coil was replaced a few years back. this guitar received it's first refret early this year.

 

[beej]

Hey Tommy- has he ever considered stainless steel? Sounds like he goes through frets like crazy. (Wonder how many miles he gets to the fret ...)