Custom Strat? Yes please

MikeM · 2011-08-10T11:08:35+00:00

Hey guys Some of you might know that I have been planning a strat build /assembly. Ever since I got my current #1 I've been wanting to upgrade my little Squier, but as I planned it out, I realised a whole new build would be a better bet. I've always been fond of the plain, classy black Strat, perhaps influenced by Clapton or Hendrix? To give you guys a sneak of what's being planned - as this will take some time to come together as I overshot my whole budget with just the body and neck... It's going to be a traditional late 50's style strat, finished in REAL nitro (Not the stuff that's labeled as nitro locally), one piece flamed maple neck, Gotoh height adjustable locking tuners - Kluson style, Callaham hardware pretty much all round, Kinman Woodstocks. After much hunting, battling and waiting, I have found an AMAZING guy to do the body for me. Marc Rutters, some of you might know him from his handmade tele parts? I've yet to deal with someone who is this helpful or thorough. He picked me a cool 3.7lb one piece ash blank, and was very helpful with finding me numerous options of flame to go on top. Yep, flame top strat 8) It's going to be top routed, and have a white pickguard, so hopefully it will be relatively subtle AND sexy as anythign. Now, most guys would build it, and just send it off right? Marc is building me 2 bodies, and I will be picking whichever I prefer out of the 2. Seriously, how cool is that? He is charging me a little more (+- $50?) than USACG, but he sorted me out in 3 days, whereas I had to beg with USACG for 2 months+ to even get a photo of some maple. I'm not saying USACG is a bad company to deal with, they're just more of a mass production workshop instead of a 1 on 1 luthier. Anyway, cutting to the chase.. Enjoy the first installment of pics ?

Reinhard

Sheesh man, that is going to be hot!

MikeM

Wizard

What I'm trying to teach myself, is that if I'm struggling to decide between options ... after doing all the homework ... then they are all good.
Then a coin helps.

MikeM

Thankfully I haven't had a really tough time deciding on anything on this guitar yet. I suppose it's cause I have something very specific in mind already.

Flatsawn goodness ?

Norman86

Very nice Mike!
What kind of finish are you going for on the neck?

MikeM

I'm going to have a very light tint on it.. Not much happening in front, and then the back will be dyed/sanded to make the flame pop. I don't like too much happening on a fretboard, however some bling on the back of the neck is always awesome ?

Norman86

Awesome! I cant wait to see the final product!!
And you probably cant wait to get hold of her, nevermind see her finished!!

She's gonna be one hell of a looker ?

MikeM

nicovlogg

Except for the obvious fact that strat headstocks aren't sexy, this is pretty sexy. ?

MikeM

Last one for another long while

ezietsman

Damn that's a sweet-looking neck. Me like.

AlanRatcliffe

That is a sweet neck Mike! Just the kind of flame I like for a neck.

MikeM

Cant wait to get my hand around it. It quite a chunky C/U back contour, with more body on the treble side of the neck.

Not sure if anyone noticed, but the fretboard wasn't treated to bring the flame out as much as the headstock and back of the neck. Think it will be a real stunner in person, without looking toooo bling with all the flame ?

racman

This is going to be a stunning guitar Mike!

What PuPs are you planning on using?

MikeM

Have had some wound for me.. Custom stagger, A5, non-RWRP for better in-between tones. 6.3k neck, 7.1k bridge. The middle is 5.8k in pos 2 and 4, but when it's on it's own in the middle position, a extra winding of AWG43 is tapped in and takes it to 7.5k which will make iot about as hot as the bridge but with a bit more in the midrange.

MikeM

Gearhead

Do you really want that pickguard to be in the way of all the beautiful mapleness?

makepeace

??? ?

Trubore

WOW! I would love to do something like this! Nice stuff, very very pretty indeed!

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