Buc McMaster Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 I bought a set of Imperials about a month ago and have been debating with myself whether to have them installed or not. The butterbean Waverly machines are very nice, but somehow the tiny little buttons looked strange on the big headstock.... personal thing, I'm sure. The Imperials require a larger bushing hole so going back to the Waverlys would not be a simple swap out. The Imperials also weigh about 4oz more, adding headstock weight and changing the felt balance of the guitar. So, as I said, I have been discussing the pros and cons in my head for a few weeks...... Took the plunge. Just picked up the guitar from the shop this afternoon so I'm withholding judgement for now. First impressions..... I like the larger, round collar on the bushing, looks better with the large headstock, as do the much larger buttons. So far, so good. Blistered four fingers this morning wrapping rope for a swing for the wife so playing with any gusto will have to wait a few days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLiveSoundGuy Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 Much nicer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jannusguy Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 I LIKE'EM! very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonCarlos Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 Good choice. Nice touch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayla Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 I much prefer the look of the Imperials, FWIW. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonCarlos Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 ...how about a few more photos and show the overall guitar, and also the back of the headstock as well. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bender 4 Life Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 Are they the "Super" Roto Imperials with 18/1 gear ratio? If so, you'll also notice you're spending more time playing, and less time re-tuning. :- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jchabalk Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 i don't really like the imperials but looking at them here i think i like 'em! i think i like 'em a lot! (now trim up those strings!! :- ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballcorner Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 I love butterbeans so much, both aesthetically and for their functional feel on the fingers, that it is difficult for me to appreciate the new Imperials, but I am always happy when anyone takes a step to personalize a guitar as you have done here. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWilson Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 It's hard to imaging doing anything that would make that guitar look better but the new tuners look great. I think the Western Classic is one of the best looking guitars ever made. Very classy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayla Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 I'll echo TWilson here and say that the Western Classic is one very fine looking guitar. Personally, on an aesthetic level I prefer it to the standard SJ200s. One question on the pickguard: is it black, or a dark tortoise? I can't tell. Also, if you would be so kind, could you post just a close up of it (i.e. the guard)? My J-100 came with no guard attached, but with the standard guard in the case. I don't care much for it, and so am always keeping my eyes open for other options. The Western Classic one is a possibility, provided I could get one (and in tortoise-color, not black for my particular guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buc McMaster Posted May 10, 2009 Author Share Posted May 10, 2009 One question on the pickguard: is it black' date=' or a dark tortoise? I can't tell. Also, if you would be so kind, could you post just a close up of it (i.e. the guard)?[/quote'] The pickguard is tortoise.......dark and reddish in color. It's also bound white-black-white all the way around.....quite unusual for pickguards these days though it was not uncommon in the 30s and 40s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWilson Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 I wonder how that would look on my SJ-200 'burst? The price might be prohibitive if they cost as much as a new SJ-200 guard. ( I'm thinking a couple hundred bucks!) Anyway, it sure looks great on yours!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayla Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 The pickguard is tortoise.......dark and reddish in color. It's also bound white-black-white all the way around.....quite unusual for pickguards these days though it was not uncommon in the 30s and 40s. Oh, that's nice! Out of curiousity, should anyone know, can you just order a Gibson pickguard from a Gibson dealer? From Gibson itself? That one's a beauty! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acousticat Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 Oh' date=' that's nice! Out of curiousity, should anyone know, can you just order a Gibson pickguard from a Gibson dealer? From Gibson itself? That one's a beauty![/quote'] Jayla Yes, you can order one from a authorized Gibson dealer. No,you can't order one from Gibson directly. Also, you may have to have one ( Pre-War Western Classic ) in order to purchase one from a dealer. They will need a serial number to verified you own one. I'm not 100% sure on that, but thats has been the usually way. :P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayla Posted May 10, 2009 Share Posted May 10, 2009 Also' date=' you may have to have one ( Pre-War Western Classic ) in order to purchase one from a dealer. They will need a serial number to verified you own one. I'm not 100% sure on that, but thats has been the usually way. [/quote'] Well, I might be willing to spend around $100 to get the pickguard in question, but I wouldn't be willing to spend $5k+ for it! I'll ask and see what I hear back. I could live w/out (and have, for 4 years), but it sure is purdy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwolf Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 If I'm not mistaken, the photos I've seen of Ray Whitley's original (supposedly the first/prototype SJ-200) showed it to have Imperials. I think the guitar looks much better, and more period correct with the replacement tuners. I like the Imperial look on some, though not all models. The Imperials look like they absolutely belong on the Western Classic. Icing on the cake, big improvement, looks perfect--awesome, awesome guitar. Lucky guy!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MR GIBS Posted May 11, 2009 Share Posted May 11, 2009 You did well. Grover Imperials are the best for this big headstock (personal opinion). Your guitar looks now much better than before (another personal opinion). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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