I'm glad someone knows about me and he sent me a pm.
Hi Vincent,
It's Phil here, if you remember, I sent you a PM asking you if you were Vincent Mah.
Anyway, I've been in this forum for a long time, and so have you. I've always seen you posting, and I've also seen and spoken to you in Maestro Guitars. I bought lots of Lyric HG from you guys.
But, I've never reconciled the Maestro Vincent with Gr3y, until recently.
Anyway, I checked out your website and everything, very impressive. I remember reading and replying in the thread whereby you first started out cutting pickguards. And since then when people ask about customing pickguards, we'll always refer them to Gr3y. Haha, but nowadays I'm hardly active in the SOFT forums anymore. It's just different now, but that's another story altogether.
Anyway, nice to meet you. And, guess what. I'm working for Maestro now, just ORDed not long ago, and while waiting for Uni to start, I got a part time job doing retail. Too bad you've left, it'd have been fun.
Lastly, I'm considering getting you to do some jobs for my guitars! There's just so many ideas, I loved the inlay you did. That could work out great on my guitar. And the respraying of the pedal as well, that's good news. I've a CMATmods Deeelay that I love to death but it looks plain ugly with the matted silver coating.
And the Tree of Life is tempting as well, I've Prestige 1570 that might need some sprucing up.
So tempting, eh.
Well, have fun with whatever you're doing now, and congrats on the album launch!
regards,
Phil
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Lion Attack!
Nope it's not another horror scene you'll read on newspaper. Recently i did a nice little modification for someone who have trouble with his floating bridge. The new bridge he fixed on can't do an up wham because of the routed area not big enough. So instead of expanding that routed area, he got me to do a lion claw on it. Lion claw design was originally from Ibanez Jem designed by well known guitarist Steve Vai.
This is how it looks like on a typical Ibanez Jem. Oh yes, that's something i'm working on and you should watch on if you like Ibanez guitars.
This is how it looks like on a typical Ibanez Jem. Oh yes, that's something i'm working on and you should watch on if you like Ibanez guitars.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
To Fret or Not To Fret?
I noticed that my work comes in some fashion. If you've been following my work you'll realize a pattern i'm sure! Hmz. haha. Anyway here's some fret work.
First up, a rosewood fingerboard that's pretty old and worn. Owner wish to get back the feel of jumbo frets instead of jumbo flats. So upon removing all the old frets, i realized the dirty and worn board. Took the initiative to restore it back to glory.
Next up, Remember the black vine of life on a maple board? Yup, i've completed it's fretwork. Sorry to the owner for the delay, my band have quite some activities lately. Anyway dealing with maple is always tricky as they need extra care always. Anything wrong will result in an almost irreversible move. Masking tapes are called upon for this case.
Here's a close up of the fret edges :)
And the neck picture splitting into 4.
First up, a rosewood fingerboard that's pretty old and worn. Owner wish to get back the feel of jumbo frets instead of jumbo flats. So upon removing all the old frets, i realized the dirty and worn board. Took the initiative to restore it back to glory.
Next up, Remember the black vine of life on a maple board? Yup, i've completed it's fretwork. Sorry to the owner for the delay, my band have quite some activities lately. Anyway dealing with maple is always tricky as they need extra care always. Anything wrong will result in an almost irreversible move. Masking tapes are called upon for this case.
Here's a close up of the fret edges :)
And the neck picture splitting into 4.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Bigsby B5 Installation
I'm glad i got to do this, again. I did it quite a while ago without taking any pictures! Now here comes another piece. This time round, a cij fender tele with a B5 with authentic Fender logo! Now that's cool.
Vine of Life
i have to praise that Steve Vai really created a very nice vine design for fingerboard. Recently i'm working on this "black and white" vine of life. This is not the first time i'm doing such inlay and i'm feeling the blessing from a cnc machine this time! These pieces you see are cnc cut and routed. I used to think CNC are like perfections, i am wrong. These are actually incurately routed on the fingerboard which resulted me doing more routing in order to let the pieces fit in. Nevertheless check out the pictures of the almost complete fingerboard.
Next step, clear coat and fretting! Fyi, this actually belongs to the b/w swirl jem body i've posted earlier on. The fingerboard was originally a normal maple fingerboard with black plastic dots and i swapped a new maple fingerboard on it.
Next step, clear coat and fretting! Fyi, this actually belongs to the b/w swirl jem body i've posted earlier on. The fingerboard was originally a normal maple fingerboard with black plastic dots and i swapped a new maple fingerboard on it.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
It's all about inlays
Recently i was tasked to do a very special truss rod cover. I'm glad that it made a break through for Gr3y Custom Shop as it was the first time i did such things. So guys and girls! Anything you feel that i can do for you, don't hesitate.
Another great news for Gr3y Custom Shop is that i've managed to reduced the size of inlay i can handle! What does this mean? I'm able to do real small inlays for your sweet guitar :) Recently my friend Errik had his 21st birthday. To get a guitarist a present, it got to be related! Why? Majority will go for t-shirts, chocolates, jewellery etc.. those are plain boring to me. So somehow during a certain morning the thought of doing a real unique inlay for him came into my mind.
This inlay is 1.5cm wide. Made of Gold Mother of pearl and is ready to inlay into any fingerboard.
Another great news for Gr3y Custom Shop is that i've managed to reduced the size of inlay i can handle! What does this mean? I'm able to do real small inlays for your sweet guitar :) Recently my friend Errik had his 21st birthday. To get a guitarist a present, it got to be related! Why? Majority will go for t-shirts, chocolates, jewellery etc.. those are plain boring to me. So somehow during a certain morning the thought of doing a real unique inlay for him came into my mind.This inlay is 1.5cm wide. Made of Gold Mother of pearl and is ready to inlay into any fingerboard.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
A New Adventure
So i was called upon to do this very interesting new thing for customizing a guitar. Make a guess.
Materials here are Mahogany and High grade Abalone shell
Remember the "marble" ? Alright, it's not a marble but a swirl jem. I'm glad that i helped in the process of glossing up this babe! Next step? I'm going to help this little monster get entangled in black vines! Keep a look out :D
Monday, November 10, 2008
Testimonials
I have nothing to say but your job is top notch. I'm very pleased and happy with the workmanship. Furthermore what impressed me was your regular updates and pics on the status of the job which I say is really service oriented. Not many people will take that step into giving regular updates u noe. Keep up the good work and I might just have another work for you in the coming future.
Regards,
Razi (owner of custom JPM fingerboard)
Razi (owner of custom JPM fingerboard)
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Clear Coating a Marble
Service fee: $250
I was pleased to be tasked to gloss up this little jem.
This thing needs no futher introduction or a full body picture. I'm not going to post full body pictures unless the owner agrees.
The owner bought this body from the states and it came unfinished. So instead of paying usd$200 for them to clear coat, he got me to take over this task.
Please do not start emailing me about swirl finish...... yet... :D
Regarding the JPM fingerboard, here's the picture of the completed job
I was pleased to be tasked to gloss up this little jem.
This thing needs no futher introduction or a full body picture. I'm not going to post full body pictures unless the owner agrees.
The owner bought this body from the states and it came unfinished. So instead of paying usd$200 for them to clear coat, he got me to take over this task.
Please do not start emailing me about swirl finish...... yet... :D
Regarding the JPM fingerboard, here's the picture of the completed job
Friday, October 31, 2008
Two 85% Completed Projects
These 2 have been with me for quite a while. I'm sorry to keep all others waiting when i am focusing on these 2 baby :)
Razi's JPM Fingerboard
When Razi sent me his old fingerboard, it was an old rotten rosewood with greenish frets. At 1 look, nobody will wish to play on it. So after discussion, Razi decides to change the rosewood fingerboard and get the Ibanez JPM style inlays done.
These are done with high grade Mother of Pearl and a highly figured rosewood fingerboard. I'm left with oiling the board before sending it back to him. Nope, i'm not assigned to do fretting on this job.
Neo's JM Black Strat
Gr3y Custom Shop #10
Neo was the first guy that approached me with high interest of my JM Strat. After trying out my piece, he decided to get me do one for him. Throughout the journey, i'm constantly updating him with photos of the process etc. This gave him a piece of mind and i'm sure he sure trust i'm not out to con or something :)
I'm awaiting for his pickups to arrive before i'll setup everything. Also, i've not get the hardwares tarnished as of this stage.
Razi's JPM Fingerboard
When Razi sent me his old fingerboard, it was an old rotten rosewood with greenish frets. At 1 look, nobody will wish to play on it. So after discussion, Razi decides to change the rosewood fingerboard and get the Ibanez JPM style inlays done.
These are done with high grade Mother of Pearl and a highly figured rosewood fingerboard. I'm left with oiling the board before sending it back to him. Nope, i'm not assigned to do fretting on this job.
Neo's JM Black Strat
Gr3y Custom Shop #10
Neo was the first guy that approached me with high interest of my JM Strat. After trying out my piece, he decided to get me do one for him. Throughout the journey, i'm constantly updating him with photos of the process etc. This gave him a piece of mind and i'm sure he sure trust i'm not out to con or something :)
I'm awaiting for his pickups to arrive before i'll setup everything. Also, i've not get the hardwares tarnished as of this stage.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
FAQ
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Do you do *insert work type*
A: Just ask me! There are too many types of possible modification or creations i can list. Most of the stuff i've done are not stated in this blog site and i'm not intending to list the full list. Basically i do almost any modification, repair and building of string instruments. That would include violin family too.
Q: What do you not do?
A: Quite alot too.. Stainless steel refretting.. carbon fibre neck building.. basically those that i ain't rich enough to afford all those expensive materials and machines :)
Q: How old are you?
A: I've served my NS and quit my 2yrs routine job. So i guess i'm younger then 30 but older then 20! (this answer will save me a couple of years :) )
Q: Are you really trained to be a luthier?
A: I would not say i'm a luthier. No. I've not mastered all the arts of guitar making/modifying/repairing. Still i was trained by some highly respectable Singapore luthiers for 2years. Also, before i started any proper learning, i was already experimenting with guitar modifying since 6years ago. I would say, alot of the things i'm doing are lessons i've learnt online and topped with alot of wallet burning sessions.
Q: Can we learn together?
A: Yes we can.The online forums are great places for all sharing and learning to take place! I do post what i've learnt and done in mini tutorials in a few forums before too! Let's keep this learning healthy!
Q: Can i borrow a certain tool from you?
A: Can i borrow your girlfriend out for a night?
Q: Where do you get your supplies from?
A: My stuff range from China, Japan, USA and also from some local distributors. If you need to know the source of any parts, i'm glad to answer right away.
Q: How can i ensure China products are up to standard?
A: I will show you a photo of the product before you are satisfied with it. I'm never easy going for the distributor when it comes to choosing the right piece!
Q: Why is it that you only use the highest grade shells for inlay?
A: You want to pay the same amount of workmanship fee for a cheap material? com'on!
Q: How long does inlaying takes?
A: As fast as 2days to as long as 2 months. Depends. It'll take at least 24 hours for the glue-in process. Keep that in mind.
Q: How do i get my ideas to be made by you?
A: I prefer alot of photos. If you don't have a photo, drawing is good too but most of the drawings i received are way too generalized. Please be very specific in order for me to reproduce the idea in your head.
Q: How long does a paint job takes?
A: Depends! Singapore is well known for rain as we all know and those who knows a thing or 2 about painting would know the no painting during rainy days rule. I follow that strictly. I don't have the ability to afford a thermal system in my house to keep the right degree of humidity in my room.
Q: Is there any color you can't do?
A: Yes! Chrome, Gold-Chrome, Black-Chrome, Swirl, a couple of old Fender colors, some musicman special colors and etc.
Q: Do you do repairs?
A: Yes, almost any sort of string instrument repair. Email me. ;)
Q: I was looking for a certain decal but it is not available anywhere. Can you help?
A: Certainly, i'm able to recreate your damaged decal as well as doing up a full custom artwork for a brand new decal.
Q: What if i find the work no satisfactory?
A: This by right have no right or wrong if you agree with me. But still we all have some common sense. If the issue is not big and i can make it back on track, i will do the extra work foc. We'll both end up happy. If the issue is big, i'll probably compensate you a little by giving you a good discount depending on situation. It is impossible for me to pay you unless i've damaged something beyond repairation.
Q: What if you damage a part of my instrument?
A: If it's repairable, i'll fix it foc. If it's non repairable, i'll replace 1 for you foc. I can't say i will guarantee that i can be 100% sure your instrument will not get damages but i will say i normally do take alot of care for my customer's instruments. But to prove that i damage your stuff, the only way is that you have a before photograph with all information intact so that you proof that it's perfectly fine just before you send to me. I'll normally take a picture of the item when it first reach my house too :)
Q: What if you exceed the number of days you are supposed to get my instrument done?
A: I'll normally try not to let that happen. If there is anything that got in the way and i have to delay the submission, i'll normally notify early. If i can't do it in time for urgent cases, i'll refer to my respectable luthiery mentors for a fast remedy. In anycase, I will not say " Sorry i think i can't do it for you anymore and please come collect your stuff and find your own solutions "
Q: Is there any warranty?
A: Depends on nature of the product. I'll normally offer a 7-21days warranty on stuff i repair/modified and those full custom projects i'll normally offer 1 year of limited warranty for servicing and etc.
Q: Can i bring something i tried D.I.Y and failed to you?
A: Yes why not. But i will have to access to the real thing before i can tell you what i can offer. There is not 100% guarantee.
Q: Why do i go to you?
A: Well i don't really say "hey come to me for the best deal!" Infact, some of my deals are not neccessary the best in terms of price but the amount of customers that trusted me is not a joke. Do ask around if you are not confident about getting your stuff done by me. Email me if you need to know some questions. I'll be glad to answer them for you.
Q: Can i come to visit the place you do all these stuff?
A: I only allow customer to come try something because they wish to see some evidence or something before they make the decision. I don't allow "factory educational visits". Why? Am i trying to hide something? NO, it's the house my family stays in for goodness sake. Thanks.
Q: Can i pay by installments?
A: I accept no installments. For project less then $700, i'll only start working once i receives the full payment. For project more then $700, i'll start work once i received 50% of the full deal or as per agreed between the customer and I.
Q: How do i pay you?
A: I accept bank transfer for Posb, OCBC, Uob. I also accept straight cash upon first meet up.
Q: How do i send my item to you?
A: I normally meet at the entrance to Mac Donalds opposite Ang Mo Kio Hub(my favourite meet up place! haha.. all my customers knows that!). I do sometimes meet people at City Hall Mrt. Please discuss this with me as i work from home.
Q: Hi i'm not from Singapore, can i get something done by you?
A: Yes you can but you'll have to pay for shipping etc. Email me for more info.
Q: Do you do *insert work type*
A: Just ask me! There are too many types of possible modification or creations i can list. Most of the stuff i've done are not stated in this blog site and i'm not intending to list the full list. Basically i do almost any modification, repair and building of string instruments. That would include violin family too.
Q: What do you not do?
A: Quite alot too.. Stainless steel refretting.. carbon fibre neck building.. basically those that i ain't rich enough to afford all those expensive materials and machines :)
Q: How old are you?
A: I've served my NS and quit my 2yrs routine job. So i guess i'm younger then 30 but older then 20! (this answer will save me a couple of years :) )
Q: Are you really trained to be a luthier?
A: I would not say i'm a luthier. No. I've not mastered all the arts of guitar making/modifying/repairing. Still i was trained by some highly respectable Singapore luthiers for 2years. Also, before i started any proper learning, i was already experimenting with guitar modifying since 6years ago. I would say, alot of the things i'm doing are lessons i've learnt online and topped with alot of wallet burning sessions.
Q: Can we learn together?
A: Yes we can.The online forums are great places for all sharing and learning to take place! I do post what i've learnt and done in mini tutorials in a few forums before too! Let's keep this learning healthy!
Q: Can i borrow a certain tool from you?
A: Can i borrow your girlfriend out for a night?
Q: Where do you get your supplies from?
A: My stuff range from China, Japan, USA and also from some local distributors. If you need to know the source of any parts, i'm glad to answer right away.
Q: How can i ensure China products are up to standard?
A: I will show you a photo of the product before you are satisfied with it. I'm never easy going for the distributor when it comes to choosing the right piece!
Q: Why is it that you only use the highest grade shells for inlay?
A: You want to pay the same amount of workmanship fee for a cheap material? com'on!
Q: How long does inlaying takes?
A: As fast as 2days to as long as 2 months. Depends. It'll take at least 24 hours for the glue-in process. Keep that in mind.
Q: How do i get my ideas to be made by you?
A: I prefer alot of photos. If you don't have a photo, drawing is good too but most of the drawings i received are way too generalized. Please be very specific in order for me to reproduce the idea in your head.
Q: How long does a paint job takes?
A: Depends! Singapore is well known for rain as we all know and those who knows a thing or 2 about painting would know the no painting during rainy days rule. I follow that strictly. I don't have the ability to afford a thermal system in my house to keep the right degree of humidity in my room.
Q: Is there any color you can't do?
A: Yes! Chrome, Gold-Chrome, Black-Chrome, Swirl, a couple of old Fender colors, some musicman special colors and etc.
Q: Do you do repairs?
A: Yes, almost any sort of string instrument repair. Email me. ;)
Q: I was looking for a certain decal but it is not available anywhere. Can you help?
A: Certainly, i'm able to recreate your damaged decal as well as doing up a full custom artwork for a brand new decal.
Q: What if i find the work no satisfactory?
A: This by right have no right or wrong if you agree with me. But still we all have some common sense. If the issue is not big and i can make it back on track, i will do the extra work foc. We'll both end up happy. If the issue is big, i'll probably compensate you a little by giving you a good discount depending on situation. It is impossible for me to pay you unless i've damaged something beyond repairation.
Q: What if you damage a part of my instrument?
A: If it's repairable, i'll fix it foc. If it's non repairable, i'll replace 1 for you foc. I can't say i will guarantee that i can be 100% sure your instrument will not get damages but i will say i normally do take alot of care for my customer's instruments. But to prove that i damage your stuff, the only way is that you have a before photograph with all information intact so that you proof that it's perfectly fine just before you send to me. I'll normally take a picture of the item when it first reach my house too :)
Q: What if you exceed the number of days you are supposed to get my instrument done?
A: I'll normally try not to let that happen. If there is anything that got in the way and i have to delay the submission, i'll normally notify early. If i can't do it in time for urgent cases, i'll refer to my respectable luthiery mentors for a fast remedy. In anycase, I will not say " Sorry i think i can't do it for you anymore and please come collect your stuff and find your own solutions "
Q: Is there any warranty?
A: Depends on nature of the product. I'll normally offer a 7-21days warranty on stuff i repair/modified and those full custom projects i'll normally offer 1 year of limited warranty for servicing and etc.
Q: Can i bring something i tried D.I.Y and failed to you?
A: Yes why not. But i will have to access to the real thing before i can tell you what i can offer. There is not 100% guarantee.
Q: Why do i go to you?
A: Well i don't really say "hey come to me for the best deal!" Infact, some of my deals are not neccessary the best in terms of price but the amount of customers that trusted me is not a joke. Do ask around if you are not confident about getting your stuff done by me. Email me if you need to know some questions. I'll be glad to answer them for you.
Q: Can i come to visit the place you do all these stuff?
A: I only allow customer to come try something because they wish to see some evidence or something before they make the decision. I don't allow "factory educational visits". Why? Am i trying to hide something? NO, it's the house my family stays in for goodness sake. Thanks.
Q: Can i pay by installments?
A: I accept no installments. For project less then $700, i'll only start working once i receives the full payment. For project more then $700, i'll start work once i received 50% of the full deal or as per agreed between the customer and I.
Q: How do i pay you?
A: I accept bank transfer for Posb, OCBC, Uob. I also accept straight cash upon first meet up.
Q: How do i send my item to you?
A: I normally meet at the entrance to Mac Donalds opposite Ang Mo Kio Hub(my favourite meet up place! haha.. all my customers knows that!). I do sometimes meet people at City Hall Mrt. Please discuss this with me as i work from home.
Q: Hi i'm not from Singapore, can i get something done by you?
A: Yes you can but you'll have to pay for shipping etc. Email me for more info.
Gr3y JM Strat no.2
Seeing double? Finally the second JM Black Strat is near completion. This is the #10 fully Gr3y Custom Guitar. Customer requested the color to be more blackish as per JM. Mine is alot more brownish. More close up pictures will come when it's completed. :)
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Trying to be funny?
Customized Waterslide Decal
Price: $ASK
Yes recently i've got this request from a friend to make him this custom decal. If you are looking for customized decals or some really rare decals you can't find or even anything. I'm glad to announce i'm able to make them in high quality and mail to your door for your convenience :)
Application of decal service available too!
Price: $ASK
Yes recently i've got this request from a friend to make him this custom decal. If you are looking for customized decals or some really rare decals you can't find or even anything. I'm glad to announce i'm able to make them in high quality and mail to your door for your convenience :)
Application of decal service available too!
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