Set neck Vs. Bolt on

[Matthew O'Regan]

I am getting the impression this is one of those questions that really shouldnt be asked, but always does anyway... Basically, I love Explorers. Theres just something about those massive slabs of pointy mahogany. However, I would appreciate any feedback you could give me on the two possibilities I have narrowed my selection down to:
1) A Gibson Explorer - not much to explain there, just a normal '76 Explorer. A set neck.
2) A Warmoth Explorer - This means I get my choice of just about everything imaginable on the guitar EXCEPT it must be a bolt on neck... I take consolation in realising it wouldnt need the novelty-size pickguard Gibson puts on them. It also means I could get the 12th fret and up scalloped (cause Im the type of sicko that likes that), but most importantly of all it means I can get my grubby hands on a Kenneth Lawrence style headstock without parting with $7000.
So, any thoughts would be appreciated. Please bear in mind however that I like gain far too much to be concerned with a slight difference in tone, Id be putting my Dimarzio X2N in it anyway (An output of 510mV! More a land-clearing device than a mere pickup). Sustain is my main concern.

Thanks,
Matt

[Lordathestrings]

The X2N actually sounds pretty good when you dial it back. Anyway, I think you'd find guitar collectors were stalking you with violent intent if you showed up in public with that mod done to an original mid-seventies Gibbo. PonyOne summed up the choices between neck-through-body and bolt-on necks pretty well in >this thread (http://www.guitartricks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13813)< if you're interested.

I'd say get Warmoth to build exactly what you want and be happy with your new-axe-based "land clearing device". :cool:

[Andrew Sa]

to be honest dude, it sounds like you have already made up your mind...and it seems that you want the Warmoth a bit more than the Gibson...and I agree...for that sort of money, you should get exactly what you want...and if you are gonna have to mod the guitar (in any way) it is clearly not exactly what you want. Personally, I think I would go for Gibson...probably because I love set necks...but it is un fortunate that the neck is finished on most set neck guitars...but with lots and lots of play, those necks break in nicely!

[Matthew O'Regan]

Oh, sorry, let me just clear something up... When I said '76 Explorer I meant "'76 Explorer" not an actual 1976 Explorer. I am not so insensitive as to take to the fretboard of a vintage collectable guitar with a file. Also please dont think I am some ignorant distortion-jockey because I have a X2N - I inherited it. I do love it though, it has REAL rails (like the ones trains run on). The fact I have to mount it about a centimetre from the strings doesnt bother me. Thanks for your feedback guys... I havent decided completely. Obviously Id love the Warmoth option - but theres something so wrong about a bolt on neck explorer... Perhaps I will have to scour ebay for a pre-lawsuit ESP explorer.

[Lordathestrings]

... Perhaps I will have to scour ebay for a pre-lawsuit ESP explorer.You might also consider a late-70's to mid 80's Washburn Stage series. I have an original A-20CS that I play a lot, and a re-issue A-10 that I really like the sound of, but will probably sell because of the FR trem system.