Have you ever PLEK'd your Guild?

PittPastor

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Just was reading about the PLEK machine. Some guys swear by it. Some think its a huge waste of money. I was just wondering if anyone on here had ever had their Guild PLEK'd and what they though about it's play-ability afterwards...?

http://www.plek.com/en_US/produkte/plek-fur-gitarristen/

There are some company's that PLEK every guitar (Martin, Gibson -- supposedly). Some only do it for the high end. And a lot of guys take it to a "Plek" center like SF Guitar Center:

http://sfguitarworks.com/the-plek/

Anyone do it?
 

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If the LP Special l just bought was plekked, it didn't work. I had to do a complete setup after l unpacked it.
 

MLBob

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When Abe Wechter jumped into the guitar market and was doing his production overseas, all his guitars were Plecked here in the US at his Ft. Wayne facility. Have to say that the three that passed through my hands (2 acoustic & 1 electric) were beautifully set-up. Still have one of the acoustics as a "travel" guitar, and gave one to one of my sons. Sold the electric as it was not being played. Seems like a sound thing to do, but I understand that the machine is a pretty big investment.

I see where there's a maker in Central Ohio (Granville) who has a Plek machine and offers the service.

Bob
 

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Maybe if I needed a re-fret job, otherwise I wouldn't have it done because my guitars don't have any of those issues.
 

Rich Cohen

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Just was reading about the PLEK machine. Some guys swear by it. Some think its a huge waste of money. I was just wondering if anyone on here had ever had their Guild PLEK'd and what they though about it's play-ability afterwards...?

http://www.plek.com/en_US/produkte/plek-fur-gitarristen/

There are some company's that PLEK every guitar (Martin, Gibson -- supposedly). Some only do it for the high end. And a lot of guys take it to a "Plek" center like SF Guitar Center:

http://sfguitarworks.com/the-plek/

Anyone do it?

No, but I hug them everyday. No kidding. Many cultures' musicians relate to their instruments and music generally as if they are a manifestation of God, or, whatever you think is the origin of the universe and its contents. Carefully observe a musician from India just before he or she approaches the stage platform and their instrument. They will either touch their forehead to the surface of the stage, or the platform they'll be sitting on, as well as touch the instrument, then their forehead and/or heart. Also, a singer, whose song mentions the song's composer, will at the moment the composer's name is mentioned in the song, he/she will pinch their earlobe in recognition and respect for the composer.
 

chazmo

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I think Steve's report above is the first negative review I've heard about the Plek process. But there you go. Hearing that, I wouldn't do it. My luthier has done all kinds of setup work on some of my guitars, and I've never had any complaints. Maybe this process helps less experienced techs.
 

PittPastor

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If the LP Special l just bought was plekked, it didn't work. I had to do a complete setup after l unpacked it.

I have heard some things about Gibson's Plek'ing. Some folks are saying that they are doing it wrong. IDK. Seems silly to put that kind of money into a machine and then not train the techs how to use it right. But, IDK one way or the other.
 

steve488

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I suspect the reality is that the PLEK machine has certain capability, but in order to maximize that, the operator also has to have a certain level of ability and knowledge. Owning a saw and a hammer does not make one a carpenter any more than owning a $4000 guitar makes one a great player. I suspect when used correctly, the machine eliminates some level of variation that a "human" craftsman could not easily do, and it does if quicker. That amount of variation may be incremental and difficult to distinguish. I do not believe anything I own (or will ever own) would see such an activity, but for a pro or semi-pro.... could be beneficial.
 

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I suspect that it was given a cursory set up, but the trussrod had barely any tension on it. Who knows, you know? We're talking about a two year old guitar that lived in a warehouse until l bought it a couple of weeks ago.
 

Rayk

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From a conversation yrs back pleking was the hot new thing, at first The mechines were few and far between I’m thing it was German guy that came up with it ?
Anyway at that time exact specs had to be had for each Guitar if the numbers were off you’d get something pleked you didn’t want but at that time they weren’t doing personal guitars because of said spec issues st least that’s what they told me .
I’m sure things have changed in that area .
I’ve seen CNC mechines mess up so a Plek is no different but their were just one guitar at a time back then and was not an overly fast process not enough for production runs but maybe there’s more of dem thangs grinding fret boards these days lol
One last thing though the Guitar is pleked it does not mean it’s a perfect set up for everyone just the manufacture.

Whecter Guitars is what got interested in the Pleking . I always wanted one but it never happened .

I have had the pleasure to speak with Abraham Wechter and Herson Rosenbloom they are great folks it was sad to see them close up shop .

Disclaimer ; Incase any info of proof and fact backing from the above is requested I deny all knowledge of the above and swear my account has been sacked ! Err no no no that’s hacked , yeah hacked !

Please enjoy your day 😁
 

adorshki

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20110511-145320.BMP
 

GuildFS4612CE

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I've seen the PLEK in operation at NAMM a number of times...like any other machine, it is a tool, requiring an experienced operator for the best results...it assists a good luthier...does not replace him/her...it is fun to watch in action, tho. :applouse:
 

marcellis

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Just was reading about the PLEK machine. Some guys swear by it. Some think its a huge waste of money. I was just wondering if anyone on here had ever had their Guild PLEK'd and what they though about it's play-ability afterwards...?

http://www.plek.com/en_US/produkte/plek-fur-gitarristen/

There are some company's that PLEK every guitar (Martin, Gibson -- supposedly). Some only do it for the high end. And a lot of guys take it to a "Plek" center like SF Guitar Center:

http://sfguitarworks.com/the-plek/

Anyone do it?

I am impressed with the results of PLEK on my Gibbys. Of course, it all depends on who is
operating the machine. Maybe SF GC has good operators. But there's no way I would trust a PLEK
operation from a GC.

The machines I've heard cost $250K. My Gibsons are all better for having been PLEK'd.
Some people don't like the results.

PLEK is yet one more reason why I will never again buy a guitar from China or Korea.
 

fronobulax

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Owning a saw and a hammer does not make one a carpenter any more than owning a $4000 guitar makes one a great player.

Blasphemy. You will be visited shortly and escorted to an indoctrination center.

Collings PLEKs all of their new instruments. My vague recollection - some LTGers met in Austin and were graciously given a tour - is that it was a machine that when properly set up and used, did a job better, faster and cheaper than a human. Collings seemed like the kind of operation where the people PLEKing would have been trained and experienced.

PLEK is yet one more reason why I will never again buy a guitar from China or Korea.

I'll put words into Marc's mouth and answer PittPastor's question. First he did say that he has had PLEKed Gibsons and prefers them to non-PLEKed. Second, he did have a very bad experience with Inspector 11 and a MIK Starfire (I believe). Finally, I believe, and perhaps he does too, that no Chinese or Korean manufacturer has invested in the technology. Since he likes PLEK, can't get it with MIC or MIK and is wary of MIK in general you get his declaration.
 

PittPastor

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Since he likes PLEK, can't get it with MIC or MIK and is wary of MIK in general you get his declaration.

OK, so you can get a guitar off the shop floor in USA PLEK'd but not from China or Korea? And that makes sense. Only it seems precious few USA vendors are PLEKing. And, as far as I can tell, Guild is not one of them.
 
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