Custom project

Mannemarak

Was wondering if you guys reckon it would be worth it to buy a cheap Wharfedale strat copy at a pawn shop for about R800 and then totally re-doing the finish, installing new pickups etc.
I have the option to do it but is it worth it compared to buying the body and neck from Stewmac and doing it that way?

guidothepimmp

I don't know man..

A polished turd is still a turd underneath all that shine if you get me..

If you looking for a polished player, I guess buying the parts would stand you in better stead, but it is pricier..

Check out warmoth too..

Psean

Maybe check this thread out:
http://www.guitarforum.co.za/setup-mods-and-repair/cheapy-strat-copy-refinish-customization-project/

guidothepimmp

Mannemarak,

On a serious note;

The price of quality components is pretty steep, as an example, I'm in the process of 2 custom builds so the price on hardware that is decent is quite high.. Example

Pups - R1500 - R2500 for a decent strat set
Tone knobs and pup switch - prob about R65 per pot, R150 switch
Bridge - R1000
Tuners - R600

So just on these parts you're looking at approx R3k - R4k

Imho, not worth spending the cash on a wharfedale. You can get a much better base guitar to start with where you don't need to change tuners, bridge etc..

Leaving things like pups for upgrading

More or less work out similar pricing

Kirfew

If you have the money and confidence you should definitely look at Warmoth, Musikraft, USACG etc, my number 1 is a Warmoth and I love it to bits!

Attila

I agree with Guido, if you are going to buy seconds, it will be in your interest to look carefully at the installed components.

Execu Pawn Blackheath has a number of good candidates for a "custom" job, for example she has a Yamaha Pacifica with Schaller bridge and tuners , of course you will only know what the pickups and electronics are once you open up - these are great guitars - I think it was going for 1200 SA Rands and there are plenty others to choose from.

my 2c worth

V8

Yeah, like the gents are saying - depends on what you are looking for?

A polished strat will set you back, I've got about 9k in mine and I reckon it was worth it - but I wanted a strat to play.

Currently I'm looking for a project to test my -ahem- building skills on and use some of the spares from my strat , so looking around for a Cort/Yamaha/Aria strat copy with a decent body, neck (frets) and butchered electrics to project around on. Passed on a Cort strat copy @ 1k that my mate bought and restored - looked like ****, but it was lovely once he'd done with it.

AlanRatcliffe

guidothepimmp wrote: Imho, not worth spending the cash on a wharfedale. You can get a much better base guitar to start with where you don't need to change tuners, bridge etc..

+1. A parts guitar always works out fairly expensive, so unless you want to do it properly and spend a lot of money (Warmoth, USA Custom, Callaham, etc.), rather find a fixer upper with a nice neck and body and take it from there. Also not a train smash if you make any mistakes (and you probably will).

Attila wrote: she has a Yamaha Pacifica with Schaller bridge and tuners , of course you will only know what the pickups and electronics are once you open up - these are great guitars - I think it was going for 1200 SA Rands

+1 - that would be an excellent project guitar, even if the pickups and wiring aren't great.