I'm suggesting some new USA models

[Grim]

Ooh, a delrin snob, eh?

I wouldn't say snob, but I just can't get over it for some reason. It's like a nagging thing in the back of my mind ; ("plastic...inlays...plastic...inlays")

Was that "eh?" an underhand Canada reference?

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

I wouldn't say snob, but I just can't get over it for some reason. It's like a nagging thing in the back of my mind ; ("plastic...inlays...plastic...inlays")

Was that "eh?" an underhand Canada reference?

Why would anyone make an "underhand" Canada reference?

You guys are America's hat. Imagine how cold our heads would be without you.

[Hellbat]

I wouldn't say snob, but I just can't get over it for some reason. It's like a nagging thing in the back of my mind ; ("plastic...inlays...plastic...inlays")

Was that "eh?" an underhand Canada reference?

I'm sure he has no idea what you are talking aboot.

[P I K A]

So how bout a limited run?

[wilkinsi]

Why would anyone make an "underhand" Canada reference?

You guys are America's hat. Imagine how cold our heads would be without you.

Considering your Avatar's bald patch, VERY cold

[PowerTube]

So how bout a limited run?

I asked that same question about a year ago. A maple board constitutes a "woodworking change" for some crazy reason known only to Jackson.

[potatohead]

Maple-board, reverse-headstock, speed neck, Ebony inlays... Some color besides Black, Metallic Black, Satin Black, Extra Black, etc.

Oh, how about stainless steel frets? The never wear out. You can shred 'til your dead.

[Grim]

Why would anyone make an "underhand" Canada reference?

You guys are America's hat. Imagine how cold our heads would be without you.

I didn't mean underhand as in a specifically negative reference, but just a little "slipped in" reference.

[Grim]

I asked that same question about a year ago. A maple board constitutes a "woodworking change" for some crazy reason known only to Jackson.

You require A) a rear-inserted truss and B) more maple.

[Brian]

I'm no luthier... but wouldn't wood inlays (ebony) into a fret board be a bad idea given varied climates and expanding/shrinking wood? I guess if it's finished over it wouldn't be.

This thread may be an example why the USA series hasn't seen many changes. What people would like to see as "production models" varies quite greatly.

Stainless Steel frets sound like a great idea. And from what I have heard from players and techs alike is that it should be standard on all high-end guitars these days. Personally, I have never played a guitar with 'em. Is there a particular reason most companies haven't made the apparent "upgrade" on their high-end models?

[MakeAJazzNoiseHere]

I LOVE stainless frets, but they can be tough to work with. You would definitely have to charge more for the labor. The tools are more expensive, too (or they wear your "normal" tools out a lot faster.)

The great thing is, you only have to do it once. I'm willing to pay extra for less maintenance.

[Brian]

Makes sense. I need to get my hands on a guitar with 'em and see what all the fuss is about.

[potatohead]

They're a lot more slippery, take a bit of getting used to. The durability rules for most people, though.

[Chad]

I LOVE stainless frets, but they can be tough to work with. You would definitely have to charge more for the labor. The tools are more expensive, too (or they wear your "normal" tools out a lot faster.)

The great thing is, you only have to do it once. I'm willing to pay extra for less maintenance.

It's all in the fretboard prep work before the frets are installed. Tom Anderson has stated that he's done over 7,000 stainless fret installs and has only gone through ten fret files:

http://andersonforum.com/board/showthread.php?t=7873&page=2&highlight=rise+medium

[Confuse-a-Cat]

You require A) a rear-inserted truss and B) more maple.

You don't necessarily have to make the whole neck and fretboard from one piece of maple though. They could do it in exactly the same way they do ebony boards.