to intentionally create a back bow of 7–8
thousandths of an inch. Attached to a swinging hinge
over a belt sander, the back bow is then sanded
off the fretboard according to the desired radius,
and then the truss-rod tension is released. The
process may have its naysayers, but for a company
known for its necks, it certainly helps the company
distinguish itself. Other neck innovations worth
mentioning include the gun-stock-oil-and-wax
treatment that started with the Van Halen guitars
and is now standard on most EBMM models, and
their new “roasted” neck treatment that turns maple
an alluring shade of brown—like a well-done choc-olate-chip cookie. The latter process has a stunning
effects on bird’s-eye maple and other figured woods.
Some other atypical things you’ll notice on the
factory floor:
•The binding process. Instead of gluing and
wrapping plastic binding, they pour it in liq-
uid form into mold-supported body routes
to custom fit each guitar.
•Frets. Plek machines are not used. Fret jobs
take about 45 minutes, because the frets are
These Reflexes in progress show the basswood body’s routed chamber pattern before the guitar’s
mahogany tone block and maple top are assembled.
Sometimes big things REALLY DO come in small packages. The New Gigmaster® Series.
Reduced To The Max
This small-sized amp series offers incredible sound and
possibilities. A perfect choice for the demanding guitarist.
Features: 2 Channels (foot-switchable), 15 Watts, 2 x EL84
power tubes, 1 x ECC 83 preamp tube, Mid Boost (
foot-switchable), FX-Loop, built-in Power Soak (full power, 5
watts, 1 watts, zero power), Line Out (featuring a speaker
simulation).
Available as Gigmaster 15 Head, Combo, and Cabinet.
VELVET DISTRIBUTION
info@velvetdistribution.com
myspace.com/englamps · www.engl-amps.com
