NGD Frank Brothers Arcade One

chris78

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ypr3ievumx362mqozb2pk/IMG_1748.jpeg?rlkey=4mabjc7o9d34hyxmm81skq3o5&raw=1
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/veythbzikj8s4qtsb5q67/IMG_1768.jpeg?rlkey=2wyb9cejb9w4yvb3vy0xqbcck&raw=1
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lndxeb6m4644mcgmuafrr/IMG_1769.jpeg?rlkey=wqsmpxasn5qjm54cx5mxtu1ar&raw=1
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7tqdtrc0z2xmwklncb24u/IMG_1770.jpeg?rlkey=xdu8x9q6f088z9e1p0v4dji9z&raw=1
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nqzpvas66q9xjtx5tvt0j/IMG_1777.jpeg?rlkey=515mbtt0cllezm3ive6a2yr2j&raw=1

I ordered this shortly after seeing @Castro’s rather stunning signature that unfortunately he’s now having to sell. Wait time about 3 months from Canada. The paint is faded lake placid blue - the first time I believe they’ve used it. Pickups are sunbear’s magical firebird pickups. 

I’m sure the photos speak for themselves, but the ordering process with Tim Frank is awesome - he calls you personally from Canada, goes through specs, suggestions and thoughts before building it. The pics above are theirs and he’s genuinely passionate and enthusiastic about what they do.
After an hour or so, the neck is a play and forget it shape - a slightly palm full of medium c if that makes sense. Fretwork and setup are immaculate and the guitar was in tune from Canada. Sound wise, it just loves drive, dirt and fuzz. I’ve been enjoying a heavier side of Britpop play on it.
Full pics here. https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/uqjk42iam38p2djgo65hh/h?rlkey=ndnayfr15tuub71alj2hubcp5&dl=0

Alex2678

Alex2678

Very slick. Paint is a lovely shade. Body looks pretty slim, is it fairly lightweight?

chris78

Alex2678 said:

Very slick. Paint is a lovely shade. Body looks pretty slim, is it fairly lightweight?

7 lbs 2 1/2 oz and yeah, it’s slim 

TheMarlin

I like that! 

Very cool design!

Winny_Pooh

Stunning

Neilybob

Adore the colour. Enjoy 

Alex2678

Are the pickups firebird-ish?

chris78

Alex2678 said:

Are the pickups firebird-ish?

Neil Ivison uses them in his Dakota. They’re spot on

bacchanalian

That is lovely.
What fretwire did you go for? They seem to like the conical 'heavy' wire I had on an Anderson and it was excellent.

chris78

bacchanalian said:

That is lovely.
What fretwire did you go for? They seem to like the conical 'heavy' wire I had on an Anderson and it was excellent.

I think it’s jescar 51108. It doesn’t feel particularly large even though they’re listed as jumbo

spir4L

Such a gorgeous thing  Happy NGD! 

What does it sound like? I am not familiar with the pickups!

chris78

spir4L said:

Such a gorgeous thing  Happy NGD! 

What does it sound like? I am not familiar with the pickups!

Firebirds are humbuckers that sound like fat singlecoils 

bacchanalian

chris78 said:

bacchanalian said:

That is lovely.
What fretwire did you go for? They seem to like the conical 'heavy' wire I had on an Anderson and it was excellent.

I think it’s jescar 51108. It doesn’t feel particularly large even though they’re listed as jumbo

Thanks. Yes I think those are the frets that Anderson and Suhr describe as Heavy.

One of the most dibs-worthy NGDs I have seen in a while

thebreeze

Congrats and enjoy.  The colour doesn't look a million miles from the duck egg blue, was that intentional?

Castro

Absolutely gorgeous Chris, many congratulations

Offset

That's truly sublime.  Hints of EBMM Albert Lee/Mariposa about it, which for me is A Very Good Thing.  Love the colour and pretty much everything about it.

A very HNGD to you, you lucky swine!

Musicman20

Nice! Agreed there is a Musicman meets Trent guitars vibe which is a great thing!

chris78

thebreeze said:

Congrats and enjoy.  The colour doesn't look a million miles from the duck egg blue, was that intentional?

No it wasn't intention and yes it does. I actually put them up against my duck egg Fenders last night and it's close. This is actually slightly greener.
The idea was a faded to green lake placid, which to be honest, it isn't to my eyes. It's cool though and I'm happy with it. 

Dumodal

Best colour ever, enjoy it man!

Benm39

That's lovely,  as is the signature Castro has up for sale. Stunning