WestCreek JX-20 (Part 2) : Specs and improvements!

[@greggaedeke2386]

Good stuff! Between Westcreek and your knowledge of setups, you've inspired me to set up a workshop to be able to make these needed modifications. Keep the videos coming! Much appreciated.

[@j-man9457]

Oh sweet man! Congrats.... Working out issues like these is fun and it's great to share guitar shenanigans with others hahaha! Thanks and all the best!

[@pasteye1671]

The ball ends of old strings make great string tree spacers - and result in less waste!

[@j-man9457]

Great idea man! That's the stuff I like! Thanks for the tip! 😁

[@rogergeoffrion3723]

Another great video J-Man! Thank you so much for part 2 and the knowledge that comes with it. Looking forward to part 3. May God bless you.

[@j-man9457]

Thank you. Once WestCreek irons out these QC issues, these will be super nice guitars for sure!😃

[@johnjolly9519]

I hope WestCreek makes some changes based on your feedback & 2BM as well. It will be interesting to see what a later version looks like. Looking forward to the next video.

[@j-man9457]

Thanks buddy! Uploading now hahaha!

[@robertholtom9345]

Good review regarding all the problems that you found out regarding the manufacture's mistakes when taking the Strat apart. Myself I might be leery of buying one of these, however their Revenge Guitar I would and perhaps their West Creek Racer guitar, SG Style seemed to be much better. It's always interesting to find out these things regarding the guitars construction from the plant where they build these and put them together. I am learning more just from watching your videos. The same goes with another channel called, Scar my Guitar, Shawn is the name of the guy that runs that channel, you probably already have seen and heard about that channel also, Rock ON!

[@j-man9457]

Thanks... Yes sir I'm subscribed to Shawn hahaha This Strat style guitar is Westcreek's first attempt at a fender style. QC issues are to be expected for a first run. Their Gibson copies are fantastic! 😃

[@bluwng]

Technical note for a six screw vibrato bridge plate: mechanically ( based on physics) the plate wants to pivot at the center of the screw hole so ideally the front bevel should run down the center of the screw hole. Result, the bridge will not slide up and down and you don’t need the PRS type screws. Leo screwed up all his bridge plate bevel begin behind the screws, I think he did it to give the bridge more room to move but the result is now we have to pivot points and that is why it gets weird and slides. If you have the configuration in scenario 1 you can float the entire bridge off the body, I’m talking the front plate not just the back end , now you can do deep crazy dives if the sustain block allows it ( this is why a thin block is better for floating vs a big fat intrusive block also no law of physics supports that a giant mass improves tone).

[@j-man9457]

Good to know... I don't use a trem so I like my bridges flat to the body. I don't know about trek blocks but I do know my ears heard a substantial difference when I swapped out the tiny block on my Strat for a big brass one. But again I'm looking for articulation, chime and attack or spank, for lack of a better word haha...🤔

[@guitarzan0515]

Super Cool!! Looks like pretty good bones. Way to use old washers for the neck holes!! Your gonna be putting the Big 5 out of business if you keep this up💥💪💪👍

[@j-man9457]

Hahaha no worries there. Lol Those tuner washers worked perfectly!

[@markturner5996]

Great content and information-Thanks!!

[@Buffrt66]

That guitar looks awesome. Nice components and all. I too like rebuilding inexpensive guitars to better quality.

[@j-man9457]

Right on! It's satisfying when it all comes together isn't it? Rock on and thanks for stopping by!

[@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow]

While modifying a guitar might seem appealing, it’s important to consider the overall value. Would the cost of modifications exceed the price of a decent $400 guitar that already includes these enhancements? Over time, could these modifications turn into a financial sinkhole? One significant concern is the expense of the necessary tools to address any issues. For instance, replacing subpar neck screws with quality ones from a reputable hardware store could cost around $10-$15 for a box. Sure, we could attempt to find four screws at a local hardware store, but then we’re faced with the question of whether they carry the right size. Moreover, the cost of fretboard tools can add up quickly, presenting another financial hurdle. So, while the idea of customizing a guitar may be enticing, it’s crucial to weigh these considerations carefully.

[@j-man9457]

@@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow 100% I've been doing this for years so I have most of the tools I need for what I'm comfortable doing. Any 400$ guitar will need work as well. A CV tele for example here in PEI are almost 700$ after taxes. They come with cheap hardware ceramic pickups, cheap box switch and more often than not a poor set up and I level frets... They all need something as none of these guitars are built for the player hahaha they are built for sales. It's up to the player to make it his! That's what I do😁

[@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow]

@@j-man9457 i guess it works out for you, but in my case ,I can't possibly do any of those repairs as you had done in this series... In summary, I think most people such as my self who only play guitar for hobby purposes are not tech guys, so it's not feasible... in all honestly, i find this to be morally irresponsible for any manufacture to pump out such a product that is lack luster. Would we give a car manufacture a pass for producing a car that we have to fine tune ,& fix the issues that should have been addressed at the plant? it's just not acceptable. to have to drive at our own risk cause the breaks used are cheapo pads. that we have to upgrade out of the factory.. In my case I own guitars, but I lucked out, because I bought them from the music store ,& the used department, so before I bought them I took a friend along to inspect them ,& I have an understanding of how things are supposed to be.. In my opinion the on line guitar companies have runed the guitar sector. I don't think a respectable guitar ,or music store that is reputable will carry such a defective product.. the on lines direct to consumer ruined it.. personally after watching your channel & many other channels that show case those cheapo's I would never ever buy anything on line.. I have fender guitars & Yamaha's that I bought in the store that don't have those major issues like the cheapos have & they are around that 400 to 600 dollar USD range.. I just don't trust any of those off brand looking guitars from Amazon or some on line store I have a few pianos they came fully functional from Yamaha no need to fix anything unlike those cheapo guitars. Anyway enough of that. your series is pretty good.. good ,mind opener..

[@j-man9457]

@@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow I understand... WestCreek sent me this for that very reason. Identify the issues so they can rectify them for the customer when the 2nd run of these come out!

[@RazielTheArchangel]

@J-MAN - Your intuitive mechanical skills are truly next level. Were you a submarine mechanic in another life? I really enjoy watching your tear downs and mods. I am learning to play bass and intend to tear down and mod my Stingray Stirling Ray 4HH Sub Series Bass Guitar and improve/modify it. Your use of copper tape indicates to me that you have a deep intuitive understanding of the nature of sound wave propagation. I haven’t seen a better guitar teardown and mod channel than your’s. Great work.

[@j-man9457]

What? Wow! Thanks so much, you're too kind man... There are a lot of great channels out there for sure, and I'm just happy to get the chance to share some findings and information. 😊 Your Stingray project will be a great learning experience and a fun one. Nothing better than to rebuild an instrument and have it be better than it was when you first received it... Plus once you're done, it's a bass built specifically for you and you can't beat that!😉👍 Thanks for your kind comment and for checking out the channel! P.S: I'd love to work on a submarine hahaha! Not sure I'd take it under water once I'm done though, so I'll just stick with guitars for now hahaha!

[@RazielTheArchangel]

@@j-man9457 You are a very humble man that tells it like it is without verbally abusing the maker of a product. Your candor and empathy speaks volumes.

[@j-man9457]

@@RazielTheArchangel thanks man, much appreciated. There's enough hate in the world without me needing to spread more. Not what I or this channel is about! However I can't lie and say something is good when it isn't... It just is what it is haha. Thanks again!

[@cataclysmicconverter]

@@RazielTheArchangel Concur. The profane screaming angst gets old fast on other channels.

[@jerrymccabejr]

Very nice work!!

[@j-man9457]

Thanks brother! Not sure if the work is nice, but I hope that it will be functional hahaha!

[@bluwng]

Squier has good quality control, the quality process goes with design no matter where or by whom they are built.

[@j-man9457]

No doubt... First kick at a Style for this Gibson copy company. A few things to iron out for sure but not a bad first swing of the bat! Haha

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

I've had my neck off and on at least more than 10 times at this point working on mine. Now the other thing that's different is that mine has shielding paint underneath the pickguard. My neck pocket was a little bit better than yours and I did not have to send it. I also had the same shim in the neck and after playing shim sham who's got the right level shim I turned out I don't have a shim anymore

[@AnnoyingCritic-is7rp]

Censtar has stainless steel frets - supposedly, as do the Firefly's, some of whom look like the other type of West Creek guitars.

[@j-man9457]

@@AnnoyingCritic-is7rp never heard of them. Not sure I can get those here in Canada🤔

[@birdman316]

part2 in the books! cant wait fer part3! o ya in pt3 pleeez do a "tap test" to let us hear which coil stays on when ya pull the pot up.....8 outta 10 reviewers dont show ya this....me n you can be 9 and 10 hahaha!!

[@j-man9457]

Hahaha will do!

[@calbrockocat8728]

What an odd problem with the neck ferrules! Sweet fix though. I don't know why Fendery guitars have a lot of issues from the affordable guitar makers while their Gibsonesque models usually don't. Could it be a simplicity thing? Hmmmm. Fun and interesting video, J!

[@j-man9457]

I think it's just factory workers not being familiar with the new design and specs ... CNC programming blunders, set up knowledge or there lack of etc... 🤔

[@TechnoRiff]

Yup - sure looks like some Westcreek product manager decided to "Ship them!" without adequate Q/C. For my Double Trouble, I believe I bought from their first run batch, and had to go thru 3 of them before settling on one that I could deal with. After I gave them a detailed Amazon review (that I also direct messaged to them) that went through all of the issues I had, I advised them to improve their Q/C, especially on a new release. Not sure if this influenced them, but I noticed that suddenly the DTs were no longer available. After several months, they are now available again - hopefully they've improved their process as I do really want Westcreek to continue succeeding!

[@j-man9457]

Cool man! It's all we can do. They should take the advice of the people who actually buy their products and actually play them... It's free info for them and it would save them a bunch of returns in the future!

[@TechnoRiff]

@@j-man9457 Amen to that! In a lot of your vids, you're doing free consulting for them! Amazon Prime makes returns risk-free, cost free in most cases, and relatively easy; it's now part of the online biz model - the stores come to you!

[@johngoodman9380]

J-MAN in your opinion which $200.-ish guitar is the best buy? Considering quality control, features, quality of hardware, setup and etc. Subscribed!

[@j-man9457]

are we talking Canadian $200? Here in Canada, of the guitars I reviewed, the WestCreek DC and the WestCreek Racer were two of the guitars at that price point requiring the least amount of setting up. I was impressed with both! Also at just under 200 would be the Toastar guitars. Hate the name but really impressive build quality and fit and finish, and with lots of accessories that actually are useful hahaha... I have bought other 200 or sub 200 dollar guitars, but they were of extremely poor quality, requiring a lot of work and upgrades: Groove, Michael Kelly, Ammoon, just to name a few!

[@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow]

@johngoodman9380 I hate to admit this, but it holds true , you know like in the car industry ,the best cars are made in Japan & Germany? & a Toyota made in Japan is better built in my opinion then say built in Mexico, you want a good Toyota that will go 400,000 miles with basic care, buy one made in Japan. why I say this is, because the Japanese people have a better work ethic then say the people in other south east Asian nations ,so you will never ever get a higher quality built car out of China compared with Japan. we are talking about the state of mind. it's not just about cheaper labor in China it's about a mind set which is lacking in China, so why do you think so many of those off brand cheapo guitars out of China look like our American brands, but are lacking in the mind set? because they don't respect the work ethic at all.. The people who built the guitar & their mind set matters.. are the workers in China happy? no, China is a commie nation that does not promote workers rights.. so we get a crappy built product with less skilled labor in my opinion. sorry, dude, if we want the best we have to seek out the best mind sets for our guitars much like cars.. it's the people.. & the same thing goes for E bikes made in China & owned by a Chinese company, if you asked me can I get a good E bike made in China for 200 USD ish I would say in my opinion NO you can't Most those E bikes in my opinion are crappy & the batteries are junk.

[@j-man9457]

Yup I totally agree for the most part. However I don't like painting everyone with the same brush... There are people who take pride in their work all over the world. Unfortunately not everyone who works for Fender and Gibson likes their job or does it well. I've worked on brand name guitars that were an embarrassment to the name. I like the fact that west creek didn't send me a refined unit. Their factory workers are not guitar players. WESTCREEK wants customer input so they can improve their brand. Their Gibson copies that they are known for are incredible... If they get these Styles dialed in, they will have a fantastic option available for people who cannot afford the super high prices of the Brand name companies... I'm curious to see where this goes!😃 Cheers!

[@johngoodman9380]

@@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShowI certainly agreed with your Toyota logic since my wife and I have owned eight between us. I own a Stratocaster and a Les Paul, but don't want to pay the price for another. On the fence as to whether to purchase a WestCreek or other China made guitar which are being talked about so much. Guess I'll wait a little longer and get more opinions since the guitars seem to get only better with time. Thanks for the well thought out reply.

[@bluwng]

Low saddles are good for tremolo tuning stability and shims are not natural part of the design they tend to create a hump in that area.

[@j-man9457]

Yeah but I play Teles! Hahaha I like to avoid shims when I can for sure...

[@stephanpeters3875]

Amazon weight is weight with packaging. I work at Amazon. Amazon uses this weight to QA, kind-of. If you order this guitar, it gets picked from its warehouse location, moved to pack where a tracking label is applied, then moved to a scale where the item is weighed (including box) against the tracking label (it's a label that starts with sp) to make sure you aren't getting a mislabeled coffee pot with a guitar label on it. Yes, that happens. If it passes weight, it ships.

[@j-man9457]

Hey awesome man! Thanks for the info! 😊

[@SouthFLSteve]

I heard you mention Musi at the beginning of this video and wondering why. I've noticed some similarities between Musi and WestCreek guitars and I've wondered if the two brands are related. Do you have any information on this subject? TIA

[@j-man9457]

@@SouthFLSteve hey yeah, they are sister companies. 2 seperate divisions butt the same finance department.

[@Vern859]

Nice! I just want to mention that if you sanded the neck pocket just a bit to smooth it, then you will need a shim cause you removed a little bit of material. Unless i miss understood something? Also, are these guitars on Amazon??? What is the price range for them?

[@j-man9457]

Here in Canada these are $299 on Amazon. There was a poly bump at the back of the neck pocket so I'm hoping now that it's gone it will give the neck the proper angle without a shim...

[@zuperdee]

Overall, NOT that bad so far-the sloppy neck pocket and the ferrule/screw issues are unfortunate, but easily fixable. I seem to recall that those Michael Kellys you showed a while back were FAR worse though, and far more expensive than this one to boot! 😂 I hope Westcreek will fix the issues you found in their future production runs, the way Musi has done with theirs-some of their latest models look AMAZINGLY good!

[@j-man9457]

Yup for sure! The name on the headstock doesn't make a guitar oblivious to QC issues... Those MK guitars were 4 years apart in production date and pretty much had all of the same issues! I will be sending these videos to WestCreek. A few tweaks and these will be killer axes!

[@Krullmatic]

What's the radius of the neck?

[@j-man9457]

Not 100% sure but I think it's a 12°radius!

[@mts982]

do you work on viewers guitars?

[@j-man9457]

Yup! Depends what's wrong... I don't get into body or neck repairs and or refinishing... Mostly just set ups and mods. Check out the 1982 Strat I fixed up for one of my viewers right here in PEI hahaha turned out great and that thing rocks!

[@mts982]

@@j-man9457 good to know.

[@spookshilljoe7376]

I got it now

[@ReVeRbx-fe5wr]

You know you can move the string trees back further to change the break angle

[@zuperdee]

Unfortunately, I think in this particular case, raising the string trees with shims is preferable, because the strings should also not be traveling at an upward angle towards the tuning pegs, which looks to be the case here. In this case, I think moving the string trees back would only exacerbate the excessive upward angle on the tuning peg side, thus increasing the potential for tuning instability there.

[@j-man9457]

Yup but I rather use the holes that are already in the headstock as opposed to drilling more.😉

[@riverrail]

I can tell the singles were alnico magnets by the way they were cut. If it was ceramic, they would have been plated.

[@j-man9457]

Yup!

[@spookshilljoe7376]

No sound

[@j-man9457]

Really? Must be only on your end... Everything seems fine on my end🤔🤔🤔

[@chadking7465]

you didn't assess the intonation problem. Pretty sure its the nut.

[@j-man9457]

There is no intonation problem... I only set the intonation in part 3 when I finished reassembly and final set up. Nothing wrong with the nut either except the B & G strings were a little high...

[@cataclysmicconverter]

From my experience and reading others', most of the strings on these imports are D'addario knock offs. There are increasing counterfeit string brands coming out of China. They do Ernie Ball as well.

[@j-man9457]

That would make sense... The strings on this blackened my finger tips hahaha!

[@cataclysmicconverter]

@@j-man9457 Yeah, there are videos out there comparing the packaging of fakes vs. the real thing.

[@kennethhoneycutt4513]

That's why I don't really like buying. These sheep are guitars because I'm not equipped to equipped to make modifications as you are. Between between you and scar my guitar. I have Learned too. Go for a little more expensive guitars like epiphone

[@j-man9457]

Trust me... Having fixed a bunch of my friends guitars... Epiphone, Gibson, Squire, Fender, Sire, Ibanez etc... all have their own issues... I have yet to see a perfect guitar!😉

[@johnpike5836]

in your monologue it sounds like You Dont Care about much? But it also seems that most people send these sub standards back ie (4 friggin' videos and counting?) But the truth is; 99% of those who order this sub standard crap, would Never purchase a real Fender Strat!

[@j-man9457]

I'm just trying to stay neutral. I have both fenders and budget. The work and set ups are generally pretty similar. The big difference is fender put their Strat out 60 years ago, and WestCreek 1st run was 60 days ago... Not bad at all for a first attempt at a different S-Style!

[@johnpike5836]

@@j-man9457 oh shut up...

[@j-man9457]

@@johnpike5836 hahahaha!ohhhh I hit a nerve I guess! It's ok if you think brand name guitars are without flaws... You're not alone. Fender loves you guys lol! I like options, and I love to see what other companies have to offer at a fraction of the price... Let's agree to disagree 😄 Cheers man!

[@johnpike5836]

@@j-man9457 you did ! 4 videos of repairs ?? what would be the dollar value of that much work? encouraging purchasers to believe that all this work can be done with a handful of assorted tools. This notion that Im a regular guy and Im so honest is pathetic. Yer just Another flake in a long list of youtube clowns. alas who hit whos nerve 1st ?

[@donniejean]

@@j-man9457Wow you are teaching me alot! I have a huge collection that would bankrupt most people! Yet they’re LP’s, so different style. However, I saw this same guitar on Amazon and just took a shot since of the price point, and I can send it back. But I may keep it now, just to dig in and do some learning! Rock on!

[@spooky3120]

Just STOP.

[@j-man9457]

Just stop what?