Mike Brannon on Onyx Forge:
"This Onyx Forge vintage custom is better than any custom I’ve played of any
age... it's light, well balanced, plays and feels great, authentic looking, and stays
tuned with the vintage machines and neck inserts.
It also has an improved plug connector, triple shielding, Fender vintage pickups,
true nitro lacquer, amber vintage neck that looks and feel perfect. The machine
screws at the neck also allow you to break the guitar down and travel with it in
a suitcase with perfect alignment on re-assembly.
It actually gets better as you
play it...warms up to you...tonally and physically. Low and fast action for Jazz
work. Extra care in the setup of this guitar is a key factor."
Mike Brannon
San Antonio, Texas
Guitarist - Synergy Jazz Quartet
O. Forge Note: Mike bought Serial A4A001, Red Tele® style vintage via eBay.
SEE IT
-----------------------------
Customer Feedback:
From Dan S. on C47, March 2010:
"I am positive that I am not the only person in the world who has purchased numerous
guitars, for one reason or another, of varying quality, searching for something new,
a different sound, a different voice, a different feel. I have a sizeable pile of
guitars, all shapes and sizes, with every pickup combo you can think of. Every one
of them unique, but never quite right. I came to Roy with the hopes of making "The
One". That one guitar that captures everything I love about every instument Ive
played or owned. Throughout the process, Roy was understanding with my vague
references to tone, my lack of knowlege in the technical aspects of guitar
construction. It was truly a collaborative process, with the final result perfection.
First, the guitar is visually stunning. Remember the scene from "Raiders of the
lost Ark", when the Nazis opened the ark and their faces melted off? That happened
to me and a few of my co-workers when I opened the case for the first time. I
left work early to go home and plug it in. This is one of those experiences that
result in the time machine effect. A few hours later, I realized that a few hours
had passed. I pushed this guitar in every way possible, every amp I own ate it up.
I tried it with every pickup combo it has, and every variation was amazing. I've
never owned a guitar with a piezo system. If you get an Onyx Forge without it, you
are making a mistake. Tonally, this guitar has its own particular voice, but its
also a chameleon. Amazing. I've covered the visual and tonal appeal, which are
both amazing, but the one thing that blew my mind the most was the neck. You will
never, ever, EVER, play a guitar that has a neck like an Onyx Forge. Clearly,
Roy is the master. This neck is fast, perfect, the frets are absolutely pristine.
I cannot describe accurately, just how amazing this thing feels. It makes me a
better player, just touching it.
If you have a dream, and have the money, don't fool yourself into buying a brand
name guitar, regardless of its historical importance. Do you want to sound like
someone else? Or do you want to sound like you? Put out the money, and thank
yourself when you get it. I honestly think that Roy could price his work much
higher, and you would still be getting the better end of the deal. You cannot
match his attention to detail anywhere else. He obviously pours his sweat, blood
and heart into every aspect of your guitar, and it shows. I now own my "One".
And once I can talk my wife into another, I'm coming back..."
Dan Satterlee
Okinawa, Japan (U. S. Army Special Forces)
O. Forge Note: (Serial CA9H047) I had a lot of fun building this Jag. This
is the first guitar I've loaded with the Lace Aluminum series pickups, which
are a revolutionary design patented by Jeff Lace (look Ma, no bobbins). The L. R.
Baggs X bridge and Control X piezo preamp also hit the spot as usual. Great
sounding combo.
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"Roy,
We've done it. Again.
The T is a real gem. Beautiful materials, excellent finish and design
details that really make it unique and special. I couldn't be more
pleased with the result. And playability? Are you kidding? This is one of the
most easy and fast necks my delicate hands has ever had the pleasure to meet.
Slim and without any trace of unneccesary friction...(And really straight as well,
due to your carbon fiber rods.)
And the choice of pickups and wiring is also a hit. I really love
Telecasters and have a whole bunch of them. But with this item I get
the shape dear to my heart, but with a new sound. Not the ordinary
twang, that is.
I´ve said it before, but I´ll say it again:
It's a real pleasure to go through the custom process with you. To be
able to bounce ideas off you and get the kind of guitar that's
impossible to buy the usual way. Not the least when one is a card
carrying member of the Lefty persuasion...
Your knowledge and craftmanship is awesome, you never laugh at my
questions or suggestions and the seriousness and professionalism you
show makes Onyx Forge a brand to highly recommend.
Peter Wennö
Gothenburg, Sweden
O. Forge Note: (Serial CA8D037) This is Peter's second Custom. This lefty
T was a first on several fronts; a chambered "F" hole, switched stereo output for
each of the pickups, and a figured Robusta Eucalyptus top. As always, Peter is great fun
to work with in putting a unique instrument together.
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"Roy --
Your work has been getting some compliments after just a day
of posting -- wanted to let you know. Thanks again -- plays like a
dream! Will post to TDPRI and GearPage also, in time.
Norm Cappel
New York, New York
O. Forge Note: (Serial CA8B035) This is a nice little short scale
custom H/H T.
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"Roy,
Let me tell you a story. I'm an old Telecaster guy. I love the twang, the squeal
and the sound of dirty finger nails. I've got a couple of worse for wear Teles from
the 70´s, a Japanese one that I've put a Bigsby and Joe Barden pups on and a Nocaster
'51 Custom from your colleagues on the assembly line (or so it feels) in Corona.
I found you by chance on the net. Saw your work and your tantalizing T-models and
was tempted to order one. But hey...Wouldn't it be nice with another shape and style?
That's when I asked you to do me a Jazzmaster. Sort of. Because collaborating with
you is a constant process, always at least two great alternatives and lots and
lots of intriguing decisions to be made. You're a pro. I'm not. I can string a
guitar up and maybe polish it with a rag - but that's about it. But you're
suggestions and pieces of advice were never condesending. I was never ridiculed
and your patience with my semi-foolish questions was amazing. I had to beg for
your honest opinion on a couple of occasions - and in the end I think
we made it.
The guitar arrived yesterday and I've had trouble leaving it alone
ever since. It's truly a remarkable instrument. One of its kind (at
least for some time I hope).
First of all: I've never seen such high level of material and finish. The quilted
maple is wonderful and I love the super straight and silky neck - the
thick flame maple fretboard and the Goncalo Alves together is truly a
bona fide hit. And I will never regret going for your Rootbeerburst.
The front glows enough to fry a hamburger on it. Even the Grover
tuners feels like state of the art compared to what I'm used to.
It's slim, feels good against the body and has a great tone and sustain.
I would also like to thank you for advising me to go for the Piezo
and L.R. Baggs Preamp. Stereo is of no real technical or professional
use to me, but it sure is fun to fool around with...
Did I say that it plays like a dream? It does. It's easy on the eyes
and even sweeter on the fingers. The feeling is a combination of
smoothness and heavy duty woodwork.
So now she's hanging on the wall (at least when I'm sleeping) among
my other guitars. Like a high society top model/athlete surrounded by
tobacco-chewing cowpokes. Like a slick Lamborghini in a parking lot
full of beat up trucks.
Since I, just like My Bonnie, lies over the ocean, this has made a
big dent in my bank account - thanks to UPS, local tax and the
customs people.But it has been worth every cent, penny and Swedish öre.
With an extremely minor help from yours truly, you've crafted a first
class guitar. Your enthusiasm, constant input, regular updates and blindingly able
hands have made me a very happy man. And as your governor use to say
with a slight accent: I'll be back. This is too fun and rewarding not to repeat(But
don't tell my wife).
Thanks, God bless and keep up the great work!"
Peter Wennö
Gothenburg, Sweden
O. Forge Note: (Serial CA7A022) This lefty JMaster was fun. The only down
side is that I can check the guitar out and set it up fine, but can't really
PLAY it. Peter, like all my other customers, has been a blast to work with. I'm as
happy as he is with the experience of building this project.
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"Roy,
I just wanted to give you a follow up on the double neck Tele that you
built since I have had it now for a few months. I first want to thank you for
making a guitar to the design and specifications that I had always wanted. I
wanted a double neck like this for a long and now that I have it, I am wondering
why I waited so long. I don't know how much more custom a guitar can be since
everything from the wood choice to the pickups to the wiring was exactly what I
was looking for. I also want to thank you for all the design recommendations
that you made throughout the process to ensure not only that the guitar would
play and sound its best, but that I would be satisfied. You have an incredible
amount of knowledge of the intricacies of guitars and I always enjoyed discussing
them with you.
This guitar is one that I will always treasure and enjoy playing.
Despite the body size, the weight and balance of the guitar is perfect and is very,
very comfortable to play. Fret access is not a problem all the way up the necks.
The necks are of the best I've ever played on and I love the curly maple. I can play
this guitar for hours and not have the least bit of discomfort. The finish of the
guitar is first rate. Though double necks are not for all, everyone who has seen
this custom has been incredibly impressed with the look and finish of the guitar.
Most importantly, however, the guitar sounds incredible.
The Twang King pickups coupled the swamp ash body is the perfect marriage for
country and rockabilly tones, but the guitar can hold its own in any musical genre.
The octave neck is awesome and I frequently use it to get a new approach to old
songs. This guitar is a blast to play and I intend to play the hell out of it
for many, many years. This was my first time having a guitar custom built and
you made it a memorable, informative experience. If I convince my wife that I
need another guitar, I will contact you immediately. Again, thanks for all your
great work."
John McLaughlin
Clarksville, TN
O. Forge Note: (Serial CA6D014) John is an officer in the U.S. Army and was
a pleasure to work with, both via Email from the Middle East, or via phone from
Clarksville. This unusual "octave / standard" double neck was finished when John
was still in Iraq, so I held it here and was able to play it once in a while until
he rotated stateside.
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"Comes though those Event 20/20 monitors like a crystal hammer in a silk glove.
Makes me sound much better than I am - or at least it lets me play the way I think
about the way I want it to sound. Couldn't ask for anything more. Not sure if
you can follow me there, but what I am hearing is coming straight out of my head,
leaving nothing out with respect to tone. Percussive power of the piezo gives
amazing dynamics to the pick while staying warm with the neck pickup. Also
some cool overdriven tones with all those harmonics and ridiculous sustain. I'm
going to record some stuff tomorrow. Don't wait to build another one for yourself."
Frank Baker
Laguna Beach, CA
O. Forge Note: (Serial CA6B012) This is Frank's first commissioned custom
from Onyx Forge. He does a lot of recording and wanted as versatile an instrument as
possible. This Piezo / Mag loaded custom does the trick.
SEE AND HEAR IT.
-----------------------------
"All day today I have been playing the Iceman at full blast. The tone is perfect
for playing Toxicity by System Of A Down (my favorite album). The Iceman combines
really well with my Marshall MG50DFX and allows me to play the whole album, sounding
exactly like Daron Malakian.The sustain is endless.The neck profile suits my hands
very well which means my hands are not getting as tired as usual.
Once again, thanks for a job very well done."
Gary O'Sullivan
Dublin, Ireland
O. Forge Note: (Serial CA5L010) Gary's primary concern was getting the desired
tone, as well as having a distinctive guitar based on the Iceman. The OEM Axis pickups
loaded into a Mahogany body did the trick, and that's where the similarities end -
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"I was on a search for the 'perfect guitar'. I tried ALL kinds of production
guitars. I even tried designing and building my own. I found myself frustrated
and without the guitar that I needed. I decided that in order for me to get the
guitar I wanted, I would need to have someone build one for me. I searched all
over and found that some companies wouldn't build my guitar for me and were
terrible in the customer service department. Onyx Forge was literally my last
option. I emailed Roy and had a talk with him. Over the next six months we have
developed a fantastic relationship and he has provided me with the guitar of
my dreams. I think it is best to offer a review that is broken into two
different categories: customer service and the actual instrument itself.
Customer Service - Right from the first time I called Roy, I knew that he was the man that
should build my guitar. He was so patient with me and he answered my
questions in a professional manner. He gave me tons of advice on how to
build the guitar. He never lost his temper nor did he ever act like I was a
second rate customer to him. I have found that there is NO COMPANY that has
the cusotmer service as does Onyx Forge.
The Instrument - AMAZING! That is all I can say. The guitar itself is very
light. The neck is by far the best neck I have every played on. It is fast and
it fits my hand like a glove. The body is beautiful and well sculptured. It is a joy
to look at and play. I have never played ANY guitar that matches the beauty
and sound of this guitar. If you are serious about a custom guitar, I strongly encourage you to check
out Onyx Forge.
PJ Cook,
Taichung, Taiwan
O. Forge Note: (Serial CA5J007) PJ actually did do some of the design on his
guitar. The body and headstock were sized and shaped based on input from him. PJ
also designed a custom inlay at the 12th fret, as well as the design on the the truss
rod cover. This is a true custom guitar in every sense of the term -
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"The Phat T arrived late last night. I found it to be in tune and ready to rock.
The comfort and balance are remarkable. The sound quality and dynamics up and and
down the neck are at a higher level than I expected. This guitar is truly a sound
wave generator at its best. The craftsmanship is also so true that it took me
awhile to appreciate all of the detail that make up this instrument of music.
I thank you so much for the effort put into this - my Phat T."
Mike Raya,
Weaverville, Calif.
O. Forge Note: (Serial A5G006) Mike originally contacted me for a commissioned
custom. After he described what he wanted, I asked if he had seen the Phat T on the For
Sale page. He took a look (and listen) and decided he wanted it. The tonal range of
this configuration never fails to please -
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"I am completely blown away by the sound of the new baritone through my rig.
There is absolutely a NEW sound that is going to make some great tunes. You were
right about the sustain. I am finding some amazing stuff with harmonics and open
strings. What a kick. I still can't decide how I like to set the tone as there
are so many options and each one sends me off into a different vibe. When I stop
grinning I'll get to recording but now I'm having too much fun. This is one
badass guitar. I've never thought seriously about melding twang with Marshall
chugga tone but this thing can do it in spades. Great choice on the pickups -
the coil split and blend is vast. You gotta think of a name for this and trademark
it. Maybe a Nukeocaster or something. Either you have discovered something
amazing or nobody's using this type of guitar in music I am hearing - what an
opportunity to blow some minds! I can't wait to record some tracks with this
thing - I'm already writing some tunes and will certainly forward some samples."
Frank Baker,
Laguna Beach, Calif.
O. Forge Note: Frank bought the first STSG Baritone (Serial A5G008) after seeing the description
on the For Sale page when it was still being built. He caught it in time to order
it finished with custom Emberglow body and headstock. It is equipped with a blend pot
instead of a switch or separate volume pots to control the output of the 2 Seymour
Duncan Cool Rails. His reference to the sustain was my promise to him that it
would meet or exceed the sustain seen in well built set neck and neck through designs -
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"Working with Roy to produce this instrument was an extremely rewarding experience.
It was a perfect balance between my dreams and his knowledge. The result was a
perfect instrument in look, feel and sound. From the beautiful finish to the
singing sustain, it was I everything I asked for in my guitar. Of special interest
to me was the lengths Onyx Forge went to in order to insure noiseless operation.
There is no hum, no buzz etc., even at high gain settings. I have a signature
Strat and a Custom Shop Gibson and the workmanship of my Onyx Forge surpasses
that of either. Thanks a lot Roy!"
Mike Ventura,
Glen Head, New York
O. Forge Note: Mike ordered a cross between his existing Gibson Custom Shop
Tony Iommi model and an SG Supreme. Since this instrument was to be tuned down, we
went to a 25.5" scale to minimize buzz with very low action. Mike plays in a
Black Sabbath tribute band and custom ordered Serial CA5E006 -
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"I've bought from Roy before, but this time around he built a Fat "T" for me.
Hands down this is the best guitar in the whole stable, and I've got a number of
good instruments. The feel, the sound, the playability, it's all amazingly great.
Needless to say, it's gorgeous. The only negative thing I should mention is that
my girlfriend hates it. She knows exactly what my decision will be if it comes to
having to choose between the two of them. Will I buy from Roy again? Looks like
I am already."
Serge Slivinsky,
Flushing, New York
O. Forge Note: Serge missed a bid on an earlier "T" that I had up on eBay.
When he got into defining what he really wanted, it turned into a "Phat T" that's uniquely his -
SEE IT. The
first guitar that he bought from me was a 40th Anniversary Strat refurb that
I did back in late 2003 -
SEE IT.
-----------------------------
"I just received my second Onyx Forge guitar, and I wanted to thank you for the
great job you did on it. It is the red VIP posted on your site. The guitar plays
better than any of my production guitars (Fender, Gibson, ESP). I also purchased
the blue flame top vintage "Tele" style custom posted on your site. I hope to order
another Onyx Forge custom guitar soon."
Sincerely,
Randy Poncé,
Whittier, Calif.
O. Forge Note: Randy ordered the VIP Serial CA4F002 built entirely to his
specifications -
SEE IT.
His blue Tele® style guitar with Custom Shop Nocaster® pickups is A4B003 -
SEE IT
-----------------------------
"This guitar is truly the best playing instrument that I ever have bought, so there´s a
lot of good things to say. When you hold it you really feel that it is a well built
guitar. The arm contour gives a more relaxed picking arm, and the sustain of the
guitar helps make me a better guitarist. Just looking at it puts me in a
good mood. When playing it, the sustain and comfort takes me to new dimensions."
Urban Admér
Stockholm, Sweden
O. Forge Note: Urban bought Serial A4C005; Tele® style, light butterscotch with custom shop
Nocaster® pickups via eBay -
SEE IT.
FENDER®, NOCASTER®, STRAT® ,
TELE® , TELECASTER, ®P. BASS®, BULLET® and J. BASS® are registered trademarks of
Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (FMIC). Onyx Forge is not affiliated with FMIC.
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