Hello my new friends,

I'm going to do my best to answer your first batch of questions to the best of my ability. I must say that it is INCREDIBLE that you all have thought enough of my work to have taken such an interest. Thank you so very much!

I'll answer the questions in the order that they have been posted. If my answers pose new questions, please remember them, as I will post a new Q&A soon. It's really so much easier for me to have them all grouped into one area here...I can read all of your inquiries at once. Given my time constraints, it's harder for me to read thru all of the various postings and address all the various points that are raised, although I want to!!! This Q&A is convenient!


Question - Chris T I'll go first here. I am a little confused about your mini-humbuckers Terry. What is the difference between wide-field and narrow-field? I just purchased one of your Royals and I was looking towards a mini-humbucker guitar as my next purchase since I don't have one. I really LOVE the sound of the old Gibson Firebirds with the mini-hums.Which one of yours comes closest to that tone if any? I don't really want a mini-hum that attempts to duplicate a P-90 tone-that's why I got the Royal! Thanks!

Terry's Response:
Chris, I understand your confusion re my mini humbuckers. Descriptions and names are now standardised. Currently, I offer 3 models of mini's...they all LOOK the same, but the innards are different. They are...

A) TCM Narrowfield Minihumbucker. Two models that are separately voiced for neck and bridge positions. They have a sticker on the bottom that reads either "N2"(neck) or "B1" (bridge).Medium output, beautiful clear tone with slightly notched mids and a tight bass and sparkling top end. Very musical and rich in clean mode, withstands higher gain settings very well, in that the McInturff articulated tone is still happening. In this respect the pickups do resemble the old Firebird pickups, and to a degree the '70's Gibson minis too. In a 3 pu gtr with a TCM Single coil in the middle the tone in positions 2&4 on the 5-way sound really good, to my ears at least, especially if the Narrowfields are not split in these positions. The Narrowfield DOES split well in these positions, however, if an especially "pingy" tone is required.

B) TCM P-900. One model for both neck and bridge positions. Combines the tight bass of the Narrowfield with a good bit of the midrange "honk" we associate with a P-90. The tone does lean towards the trad P-90 tone, but is not intended to be a replica of it in all respects. This has been a popular pickup for me. Normally, there is no sticker or stamped number on the base of the pickup. The P-900 works great in both positions....I REALLY like it on a Monarch in the bridge position with a TCM Single coil in the neck and middle positions.

Thank you, Chris!

Question - Kevin Hackenfort What about an all mahogany Taurus (polaris style) guitar? Can the T90's be special ordered on a Polaris? I want to order a special guitar, I called and spoke with Tracy this week, most of my idea's are not possible. But maybe one of these or a combo is?

Terry's Response: Kevin, your idea of an all mahogany, flat-top Taurus gtr is an excellent one! This type of input is a blessing to me, keep them coming. It is something that has been anticipated. The whole idea of design ideas from you all is great. The only problem is that, perhaps, some of them may or may not be already in the works for future products. Unfortunately, I am in a somewhat competitive line of work, and although I hate to say it, I cant comment but so much on these ideas, as to do so may give an inkling on what I'll be releasing in the future. Having said that, I certainly will listen, seriously, to all of the design ideas that all of you send my way. Kevin, T-90's can be special ordered on the Polaris at this time, and this works VERY well, indeed. There will be a custom pickup upcharge for this sort of thing, but it is relatively modest. I do appreciate your questions, Kevin!

Question - lotus Two questions:
1) I love the Royal and also kind of dig the Empress. But I don't use a trem and *really* don't like tune-o-matics (comfort issue). Any chance I can get a Mann wraparound tail bridge installed on either of those models?

2) I currently play 2 PRS guitars with wide-fats. I really love that profile, and it's really comfortable for me. I was considering a C22 Soapbar, but they simply refuse to make it with a wide-fat (for some bizzarre, unstated reason). Are any of your neck profiles similar in shape to the PRS wide-fat?

Terry's Response: Hello, Lotus! At this time, there are no plans to feature additional Mann-Made USA products on my gtrs, for reasons that have nothing to do with quality and the like. This MAY change....but I will have to wait a bit and see. There have been concerns. Therefor, I cant offer a gtr with the wraparound bridge that you mention.I'm sorry!
As for your love of the PRS Wide-Fat necks, I'll have to do a bit of research, since to be honest, I do not know what they feel like, or what the dimensions are. I cant say if any of my neck profiles feel similiar, since I've paid no attention as of yet to this particular neck shape. But, I will. Thanks, Lotus. I'll look into it. Be good!

Question - Eric Bannan Neck/Setup Questions

1. Are the necks on my Royal and Glory Standard the same ?

2. I am still tweaking the setup on my Glory. When I measure height of the bridge and tail piece on Glory vs. Royal the Glory's tail piece and bridge is higher relative to the Royals. However, the strings are the same height at the 14th fret.
I also notice a much steeper angle of the strings between the bridge and the tailpiece on the Glory.

I guess my goal would be less string tention on the Glory to make it play more like the Royal.
Any suggestion ?

Terry's Response: Eric, since I dont have access to the production records for your particular gtrs at this moment, I cant honestly say if your necks are the same on your two TCM gtrs.They could be "standard", "'57" or "Clapton"(ie, copy of the neck that I made last year for Eric). But, you'd be the best judge of that! But, this does raise an important point....the point being that my gtrs are about as "handmade" as you can get. In other words, if you order two of my '57 necks, for instance, I can GUARANTEE that the overall neck dimensions will always be within .010" consistent, in terms of center-to-center thickness. Now, since every neck is hand carved, there will be variations, to a degree, in the way that the overall neck profile is shaped.

These variations are not only related to the personal style of the craftsmen involved in neck carving...Keith McMurtrey, Dave Tebbins, or your's truly...but also are related to the fact that, since the necks are truly shaped by hand, and are NOT robotically shaped by computerized CNC machines, the grain characteristics of each neck is taken into account by the artists involved, and the neck is carved in order to make the best of this incredible material that we have the honor to work with. So, while the overall thickness can be maintained, by hand, to within that .010" spec (and this is no mean feat!!!), the shoulders of each neck will be just a tad bit different....for the reasons stated above.

This level of individual treatment extends to such things as the top carve as well. We'll carve for maximum effect.
The argument can be made that it would be best if every gtr neck and top was identical...as would be produced by computerised CNC routing centers such as the Fidal, Haas, and many others.My appreciation for handwork is probably an artifact of my repair and musician experiences. I REALLY LOVE the subtle differences that handwork produces. Going the computerised path would be more profitable. Oh, well.I know ALOT of great players and, without exception, these players will gladly play any number of necks that are in the same ballpark...the ballpark being measured in thousands of an inch!This is what we produce, time after time.But, you can feel the subtle differences.

For sure, "handmade" is NOT always better...unless the hands in question are world-class.In this case, "handmade" is ALWAYS better....ALWAYS.But, those hands have to be good, and be consistent.
I'm terribly proud of my team here. It's awfully headstrong to say this but..my team here is the best that I've ever worked with, and I've worked with a fair number of builders, and have seen alot of gtrs. I've worked on or built well over 30,000 gtrs at this point. I don't know about you, but I think that the minor variations, gtr to gtr, are incredibly cool and valuable. If you have more than one of my gtrs, you will know that each one has it's own personality. Provided that a high standard of excellence is common to all of the gtrs, these little variations, to me, add a human-like quality to the instruments that it hard to describe. Just like people, you will have your everyday TCM favorites...and also those TCM gtrs that will shine when you are foxed for a great, different approach.

As for your questions about the Glory vs Royal setup...go ahead and experiment with the stop tail height. The basic rule is (and this is the beauty of the separate bridge/tpc setup) is that the higher the stop tpc is, the looser the string tension. You won't want to lower the tpc so much that the strings dig into the rear edge of the bridge....its best that they barely touch, or clear the back of the bridge....and UP from there, within reason.The radical setup is by stringing from the FRONT of the tpc, wrapping the strings over the top of the tpc for the least angle, and therefor the least string tension.

This is where the one pc stoptail design fails, especially if it has intonatable saddles...you dont want the back-angle to get too slight, but is often is on these designs.
Eric, thanks so much, and it was great to see you at the xmas party...also, your CD is very good indeed!!

Question - Dave Tang I've fired this question via email to you and Tracy before, but you were busy at the end of the last millienium! Anyway, here goes again: (I'm sure most of us here are curious about this too!)

Why the solid black back on some colors? Wouldn't it nice to show off the mahogany back, even if it's in a natural color?

Also, why don't you make more '57 neck curve available on your stock guitars? I would love to pickup one used or available at a dealer without custom ordering.

Terry's Response: Dave,I agree that transparent colors on the mahogany back and neck are often preferable. First, tho, I'd like to say that I love the contrast between the black back and the stained top for some of the stains...altho for other colors a complementary trans color looks better. In this area, R&D continues.

Here's the challenge for me...the limitations that confront me. Ready? Let's go!

First, mahogany presents the artist with a red/brown natural color. This is a help when a red or brown is desired, but is a real problem when, say, a blue is called for. To turn mahogany an even blue is challenge, for the reds and yellows in the wood make the blue greenish, unless I shoot a blue dark enough to overcome the reddish wood. This will look almost black from a distance.

Another problem is that, unlike my esteemed competitors in this biz, I'm NOT willing to use certain oil or alcohol soluable analine dyes, leather shoe dyes(!!!), and the like in my lacquer.Really big names are using this junk in their finishes. While these dyes will yield really HOT colors in the short term, over time these colors will fade with exposure to light. I dont want my work to look funny 3-8 years from now. Believe me, almost 100% of the hot purples, blues, violets,greens, and many other colors you're seeing on other grts right now are going to look mighty funny in the future, unless the gtr has been kept in the case....the WORST place for a TCM gtr!!! I want my gtrs to be played!!!

Anyone that knows me is aware that I'm of a quasi scientific frame of mind, and this has led me over the years into a real study of finish chemistry, finish colorants,stain techniques,finish delivery systems, and the like.

There's a WHOLE LOT of trade secrets in this subject, and all that I can say for now is that I hear your suggestions, and have been working along these lines for years. I'm REALLY close to having a complete line of the most fade resistant, most transparent colors in the industry, as well as a host of proprietary ways of applying these dyes, etc, in a production environment. Some of the avenues I'm persuing are unique, and cant be discussed in too much detail.
The end result will be, I think, the brightest, most transparent and lightfast colors in the biz.
Dave, as for the availability of my '57 neck, well, it is up to the dealer to order the gtr with this neck. The '57 neck is readily available to the dealer at no extra charge. Let 'em know that you want it!!!!
Dave, thanks so much for helping to make this forum possible, and for your questions too!!!

Question - Fred I saw a beautiful used Glory in natural Korina. Had this huge "rolling" darker tone (maybe it was a large knot or flame) in the finish toward the bottom of the face. It was gorgeous. Have you done much in Korina, or was that a custom order? Also, can you explain the tonal variances that Korina will provide versus your normal tone woods?

This guitar was real unique. Thought about buying it, but I am certain my wife will come back to you and Tracy with another order or two in the very near future; after all, she told me she already has the next six planned out.... She also digs the look of the Taurus.

Thank you.

Terry's Response: Fred,it is so good to see that you have posted comments on this site! You see, folks, that Fred is an INCREDIBLY knowledgable fellow from the Chicago area...incredibly knowledgable in the fields of all kinds of music gear, gtrs, amps and the like, as well as in areas such as high finance and other heady subjects. !!!! Fred has it goin' on...
Fred, I LOVE Korina wood, and would use it regularly, except for the fact that Korina wood of my quality requirements is ALMOST unobtainable. It is generally of HORRIBLE quality. Some companies are offering "Korina" wood gtrs that are actually made of the similiar looking, but inferior sounding asian Limewood, and other impostors.
Some companies, such as Hamer, do occasionally offer real Korina gtrs, but they can afford to reject 80-90% of the wood. I do not have that kind of money to throw away. My company is not under the umbrella of a huge military aerospace corporation such as Kaman Aerospace, ie Ovation and Hamer.
This is not to say that Ive given up on Korina entirely. Im looking at a new source, and will offer the wood as it becomes rarely available...at my standards at least.
Korina is very much like mahogany, but is lighter weight, a bit coarser in grain structure, and has a bit of a notch in the midrange compared to mahogany.
Thanks Fred!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Question - Felipe Nacif I would like to know what are your plans on new guitars, since you have the Taurus now, are you making new models, like a bigger body Royal (jazz box) or a strat-like guitar with lighter woods. I mean, these are not suggestions, I just would like to hear you thoughts, if possible. Thanks a lot.

Terry's Response: Felipe, I cannot thank you enough for your incredible support. It makes me feel bad that I cant answer your question better. I do have new products in progress, and Im really excited about them!!! Unfortunately, this is not something I can talk about. I want these new gtrs to be a surprise!!! So very sorry.......thanks for EVERYTHING!!!

Question - Jake What's your policy and thoughts on using alternative woods ("alternative" meaning non-standard)? We've heard about your not wanting to use korina (explain please), but what about woods like koa, walnut, ash and even perhaps cedar and spruce (I've seen figured cedar tops on limited edition PRS' and they were gorgeous, but of course I never got to plug them in)? Have you tried any of these previously and would you consider using them on request?

Terry's Response: Jake, look at my message to Fred visa-vi Korina. I do love the stuff. As for the woods you've mentioned, I've used them all, and more. Every wood you've mentioned has merit, and can be used. The use of these woods at this time should be discussed in person on an individual basis.It's very likely that some combination of these woods could be used to bring forth one of a kind, personalised gtrs. This brings up an important point or two. First, I am very resistant to building any gtr that has no tonal merit, and which would be for looks or collectibility only. I cannot tell you how many projects I've turned down for this reason... literally tens of thousands of dollars worth of custom gtrs. Therefor, there are massive numbers of attractive woods out there that I will not use, because the end result would not be a really good musical tool. Granted, I'm willing to get into heavy ornamentation, but if the gtr wouldnt sound GREAT thru the amp, I wont build it.From a strictly biz standpoint, this may not be the wisest approach, but it is my approach just the same.

Another consideration is environmental concerns. It is for this reason that I WILL NOT use Brazilian Rosewood, or any wood from Madagascar. I know that many bulders are using this stuff, and it IS great wood, but it has blood on it. Guitars are NOT as important as Lemurs, to use but one example.

Please, all of you, BOYCOTT ANY NEW GUITAR THAT FEATURES BRAZILIAN OR MADAGASCAR ROSEWOOD!!!!!!!!
NO EXCEPTIONS!! ASK BUILDERS WHY THEY ARE USING THESE ENDANGERED WOODS...IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE( and in some cases illegal) TO THE MAX!!!!!!!AND, THE BUILDERS KNOW IT..............

Having said that, I'm willing to discuss various other woods on a custom basis. I've worked with them all.We'll use them if the end result will sound excellent.

Jake, great questions, thank you!!!

Question - Eric Bannan Can you build a Royal or Glory with a matte or non glossy finish on the neck and still have the beautiful gloss finish on the body ? My Taylor Acoustic has a matte finish neck and a glossy body. I like this a lot. What are other options for neck finishes ? I would like to have a factory upgrade of the tuning machines to the locking type on my Glory. Is this doable

Terry's Response: Eric, since my gtrs have set mahogany necks, a satin finish on the neck is not practical. However, if you will call me, I have an idea for you. If I built screwed-on necks, such as your Taylor or a Strat, a satin neck would be no problem. However, I have NO plans on building a gtr that has a neck that is screwed onto the body. As for modding your Glory for Sperzel tuners, it could be done, but the holes in the hdsk would have to be doweled and redrilled, since the hole size for a Sperzel is .012" smaller than your current Grovers. Thanks again, Eric.......!!

Question - Joe69 Have you ever considered building a guitar with an offset soft V neck(more wood for the bass side, less for the treble side) with compound radious? Why and why not? I got a guitar with that type of neck and plays better than any other guitar I ever owned or played. Thanks in advance for your insights.

Terry's Response: Joe, Ive built necks such as you've mentioned, and I do like them! Some of the necks we make here pay attention to the offset carve, in a mild way...and, custom neck carves of this style are easily available from me. Joe, I've built SO MANY compound radius necks, and I do appreciate the advantages.I dont do them at this time, because the main advantage to a compound radius fbd is completely overcome by a constant radius fbd that is accurate to within .005" of a 12" radius fbd along its entire lenghth, in my opinion. In the case of a gtr with a fixed bridge of 12" radius, for example, the compound fbd radius would only exactly match the arch of the bridge at a VERY limited spot on the neck. It's a matter of taste, of course, but I LOVE the feel of a true 12" radius arch. Very few folks have ever felt one, because factory specs are generally so sloppy. For instance, a Gibson tune o matic bridge is fixed at a 12" radius, but Les Paul necks are all over the place, from 9" to 14" in my experience, and this is common. The fbd never matches the bridge. When the radius matches the bridge to within .005", as on my gtrs, low, fast, thought-free fretting is the norm. Compound radii are really cool, but factory slop gave birth to them. In my opinion, the best setup requires that the fbd radius match the bridge. Again, VERY few folks have ever played on an accurate fretboard.
Joe, GREAT questions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Question - Kevin Hackenfort Can a guitar be ordered with figured mahogany? As you know I am looking for a very special guitar - something that is very different.

Terry's Response: Kevin, guitars can be ordered with just about any wood that sounds great, subject to availability and practicality. Im excited about the possibility of working with you in order to build something VERY special!!!
Please call me soon, your friend, Terry mc

Question - George B. Is there a way to lock down the Mann trem bridge on my Empress? I hardly use it, but when bending a string with other strings ringing, it obviously pulls those other notes out of tune. I also want to improve the action on the Empress to the same degree as I have it on my Polaris and Glory, and it seems that locking down the trem would help that (right now it is a little high for my taste). Thanks, George (F.O.G. - Philly)

Terry's Response: George,blocking a floating vibe bridge such as mine is a simple matter for any decent repair luthier. It will involve the installment of two blocks of wood that will act to immobilise the vibe bridge's inertia block. I reccomend that you seek out the best repairperson in Philly to do this. It will not cost much at all. Just be sure to hire a really good person to work on my baby!! Thanks for everything, and it was good to meet you last November!!!!!

Terry's Closing statement:
Well, did I do OK? I'm looking forward to answering more of your inquiries. If possible, save the goodies until I post another Q&A...that way, I can tend to them all at once.

To me, the most important thing that I said this time was concerning the endangered Brazilian and Madagascar Rosewoods. While it is true that these can be purchased here in the USA, for now at least, take my word for it would you?
PLEASE, PLEASE do not buy ANY new gtr that features these woods.

Thanks so very much!

Terry C. McInturff