Probett Rocket
The Rocket project started here!
My aim was to make something new from some things old. Not just to do what has been done before but to take elements of some of my favourite designs and combine them into something interesting, exciting and new.
I've combined elements from various 1950s solid body guitars with the aim of retaining a cohesive and functional design. It had to look right and it has to sound right.
The overall aesthetic is heavily influenced by the the Epiphone Wilshire and Crestwood. This was my “launch pad”. The foundation on which I worked. The comfort of the Fullerton designed slab models is hard to beat so I tried not to stray too far from that. Early `50s lower edge contours for seated playing with late `50s contours for comfort.
The Mk II version of the Rocket uses a full width tenon that provides massive contact area which gives unbeatable rigidity and vibration transfer. Both critical elements in making an instrument that both sounds and feels “right”.
Available with either a pivoting vibrato or adjustable wraparound bridge and with a range of pickup and aesthetic options.
Rocket Specs
Body
1 piece Mahogany
Options
Spanish Cedar
Alder
Swamp Ash
Old Growth Honduran Mahogany (When available)
Neck
1 piece Mahogany
One piece Maple
Scale length
24.625”
Options
25.5”
Neck Joint
Full width tenon with stepped heel
Fretboard
12" radius East Indian Rosewood with dot inlays
Options
Single ply "Royallite" binding
Vintage trapezoid inlays
Nut
43mm bone
Other widths on request
Headstock
Stepped S/T design
Options
Reverse Headstock
S design only
T design only
Neck carve
22.5mm - 24.5mm (.885” - .965”) Soft V
Options
22.5mm - 24.5mm (.885” - .965”) Medium C
21.5mm - 22.5mm (.846” - .925”) Slim C
23.25mm - 25.4mm (.915” - 1.00”) Large soft V
Fretwire
Jescar Nickel silver
Fret size: 51100, 55095, 57110.
Options
Stainless steel
Bridge
2 post Gotoh vibrato
Options
ABM adjustable wraparound bridge
Tuners
Gotoh Vintage Kluson style
Pickups
2 x Humbucker or P90
Options
1 Pickup
3 Pickups
Any combination of Humbuckers, Mini Humbuckers or P90s. Others possible, please ask
Controls
Tele plate 1 vol / 1 tone / 3 or 5 way blade switch
Options
Reversed Tele plate
2 volume, 2 tone controls with 3 way toggle switch
Finish
Gloss Nitrocellulose lacquer
(Various translucent, solid or metallic colours)
Options
Aged Nitrocellulose lacquer
"Bare Bones" open pore finish