So I'm in Berkeley the other day...

[Ilikewater]

and I tell my friend I am on a quest to find a baritone guitar. I don't want one of these hellcats or mushok firewood guitars that so many seem to be content with. After all, I am a man of taste or I wouldn't be on this forum, no? My friend says there is this crazy guy named Fat Dog who constructs frankenguitars out of old Danelectro parts, and sells them pretty cheap. Danelectro in recent (read: last 30) years has fallen off to say the least, but he is telling me this guy is legit. He starts spouting off about Taj Mahal this and Mark Knopfler that, and I'm skeptical.

I have to see this for myself, so we make the drive over to Subway Guitars. (sorry couldn't make an image for this in the thread here because its too tall)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos- ... 0312_n.jpg

That's Fat Dog on the phone there, and this matching car (also belonging to Fat Dog) is parked directly across the street.



I am starting to believe this is the best thing I have ever seen. I play a load of junky turd guitars. Every harmony, vanguard, airline, danelectro, jc penny montgomery ward atrocity you can think up is in there. Beat to hell and fun to play. The shop looks like an episode of Hoarders, but I couldn't have been more happy.

Then I talk to Fat Dog, and if I had to try and nail down his character I would have to say Bukowski without the alcohollism. He is a clever dirty old man who is set in his ways, obviously knows what he likes, and is exceptionally knowledgeable about blues especially his hero: Howlin' Wolf.

He was pretty busy the first day, but I decided to go back the next day and order a "Jizzblaster" from him. He is using a piece of black walnut with an old 60's danelectro baritone/bass neck 4/2 head. I'm getting a P90 in the neck and a minihumbucker in the bridge. reverse polarity push/pull. 3 way selector. It will be tuned to A, and he is doing it all for 700. Most of his guitars are around 400-500, but I wanted some extras. I have to wait a couple weeks, but I'm interested to see what he comes up with.

Oh! and on top of that he tells me "if you don't like it, if it doesn't inspire you, I'll take it back. Give you your money back."

I've read reviews about him, heard stories good and bad, but his guarantee stands. That is good enough for me. I'll share pics and thoughts once it is in my hands.

Anyone have experience with Subway Gutiars or Fat Dog? I'd like to know what you guys think.

here are some "Jizzblaster" examples from Fat Dog:

[elreydlp]

Fat Dog has a very good reputation for honesty and integrity-and crustiness!

[paologregorio]

And his guitar descriptions are always quite witty.

[jingle_jangle]

He's been around for yonks, and is on a lot of touring musicians' schedules. Has the occasional collectible Rick.

[jps]

and I tell my friend I am on a quest to find a baritone guitar. I don't want one of these hellcats or mushok firewood guitars that so many seem to be content with. After all, I am a man of taste or I wouldn't be on this forum, no?

So, did you search for a Veillette-Citron Shark?

VC Shark Baritone Guitar.jpg

Or check out Joe Veillette's current offerings?

[Ilikewater]

Never heard of Veillette's guitars, but that smoke finish is lovely. Taste is something I have in abundance. The bankroll to supply the delicious meal? Not so much.

[wints]

He used to have a old webpage that was very interesting. If I had put two and two together I would have put my head in there last week when in SF.

So, did you search for a Veillette-Citron Shark?

I don't know about the guitars, but finding a V-C bass is difficult, especially as one of the leading collectors here is very into them as well...

[jps]

Yeah, I don't thing V-C made too many basses, so either Joe's or Harvey's basses would be the next second best thing, after a Martin Keith bass, of course.

[Ilikewater]

I got the Bari a couple weeks ago, and I have been playing the funk out of it. Its tuned A to A, the neck is super straight due to the dual steel bars running down it, and, despite a little mail tumbling, she was ready to go right out the box. Here are a few pics:

check out that custom tailpiece!



the neck was an old 60's neck, possibly danelectro. I'm not exactly sure.







I may try to get better pictures, but, for now, I'm going to keep playing! The body is thin, but the guitar feels substantial. Ended up going with a polarity switch like my 481 because the push/pull wouldn't work for some reason or another, but I think I prefer it. Come to find out the black walnut was from an old tree chopped down the street, so I'm keeping it green.

Let me know what you think.