strat building advice

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

Alright, I think you guys gave me the bug of wanting to build my own Strat.

Elvis gave me the idea for the color scheme. I want a deep purple body, gold hardware, and a pearloid pickguard.

Couple of questions:

1. How will the quality of this guitar stand up to a Fender-created Strat?

2. Is it hard for someone who has never done this sort of thing before?

3. Can someone please help me pick out good parts, with a list of all I need?

4. Maybe tips here and there?

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I was going to go towards this (influenced by Cato on the pickups):

I am just hypothesizing right now... if you guys know of something better, or cheaper that will do the job the same, lemme know! Or remind me if I am forgetting something trivial.


Body - http://cgi.ebay.com/Strat-swampash-body-nitro_W0QQitemZ160142379201QQihZ006QQcategoryZ4140 6QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$68

Neck - http://cgi.ebay.com/STRAT-NECK-MAPLE-EBONY-FENDER-LIC-STRATOCASTER-NEW_W0QQitemZ220133848420QQihZ012QQcategoryZ41423Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$114

Pickups - http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Fender-Strat-VINTAGE-NOISELESS-PICKUP-SET-0992115_W0QQitemZ150145357184QQihZ005QQcategoryZ41 428QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$134.50

Bridge - http://cgi.ebay.com/GOLD-TREMOLO-BRIDGE-FOR-FENDER-STRAT-TREM-2-POINT-NEW_W0QQitemZ290144067565QQihZ019QQcategoryZ41407Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$31.35

Pickguard - http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Strat-S-S-H-Guitar-Gold-Pearloid-Pickguard_W0QQitemZ270148842115QQihZ017QQcategoryZ 41424QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$26

Tuners - http://cgi.ebay.com/MINI-PEARL-GOLD-Tuners-6-Line-for-Fender-Strat-Tele-Jax_W0QQitemZ110152306811QQihZ001QQcategoryZ41423Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$34


Back plate - http://cgi.ebay.com/Gold-Pearloid-Strat-Guitar-Backplate-Cover-Back-Plate_W0QQitemZ270148842399QQihZ017QQcategoryZ8585 6QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$12

Jack plate - http://cgi.ebay.com/Guitar-Parts-GOLD-Boat-JACK-PLATE-Strat-STRATOCASTER_W0QQitemZ160141535470QQihZ006QQcatego ryZ47076QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$8

Neck plate - http://cgi.ebay.com/GOLD-STRAT-OR-TELE-NECK-PLATE-FOR-FENDER-GUITAR-NEW_W0QQitemZ290143036680QQihZ019QQcategoryZ41423Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$11

Strap buttons - http://cgi.ebay.com/Gold-Guitar-Strap-Buttons-Vintage-Strat-Style_W0QQitemZ280137853393QQihZ018QQcategoryZ4707 6QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

$11

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

Volume knobs.

http://i21.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/77/d6/2b83_2.JPG - 2 bucks

This all comes out to around 450.

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

For finishes, I like that really high-shine look.

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

And I know the pickguard is for fat strats, I was just putting a color idea up there.

[jhale667]

Get a body and neck from Warmoth (http://www.warmoth.com) or Musikraft (http://www.musikraft.com) , don't mess around with any no-name shite off Ebay.
At least you'll know the countours and routing tolerances are exact and all your parts are guaranteed to fit correctly.
If you do it right, it will rival any store-bought guitar out there, for waaaaay less money.

And I'm the guy with the purple strat with the pearloid pickguard, not Elvis. ;)

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

Originally posted by jhale667

And I'm the guy with the purple strat with the pearloid pickguard, not Elvis. ;)

There is a post where Elvis is talking about how cool a gold and purple strat was.

I got the pearloid idea from you :D

I am freaking LOST, dude. What kind of paint?

HELP!

[jhale667]

Originally posted by MERRYKISSMASS2U
There is a post where Elvis is talking about how cool a gold and purple strat was.

I got the pearloid idea from you :D

I am freaking LOST, dude. What kind of paint?

HELP!

Really? I seem to recall a post where he said he didn't like my purple one because it wasn't a "traditional" color or something...:confused:

Actually, if you don't want to paint it yourself, check out Warmoth's showcase section - They probably have both painted and dyed ones up...:D
Mine's purple dye.:killer:

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/jhale667/strat.jpg

[indeedido]

reverse headstock, awesome. I love that. The purple dye is cool too. What kind of pickups did you put in it?

I agree about warmoth. Do not just buy some junk off of ebay. You can get an awesome new body from Warmoth for pretty cheap and get it the way you want it. Same with the neck. Just go over there and cost it out. They also have an area with stuff they are trying to move for cheaper too

[jhale667]

Originally posted by indeedido
reverse headstock, awesome. I love that. The purple dye is cool too. What kind of pickups did you put in it?

I agree about warmoth. Do not just buy some junk off of ebay. You can get an awesome new body from Warmoth for pretty cheap and get it the way you want it. Same with the neck. Just go over there and cost it out. They also have an area with stuff they are trying to move for cheaper too

Thanks. Both of my 'traditional' Strats have Dimarzio Virtual Vintage pickups in them...and I love them.
I have 2 guitars that are Warmoth parts entirely, and the neck on that one is by them as well. Great stuff.
My next one is going to be Musikraft parts though...

[nobodys home]

Just buy a kit from Carvin . it comes with everything you'll need http://www.carvin.com/products/group.php?CID=KBN

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

nobody[']s home:

Thanks for the advice. I'll check it out.

I don't know if I am going to do this project right away.... I did just get a freakin' jackson soloist!

The kits are great there, but I really want it EXACTLY as I envision it. Purple body, gold hardware, gold pearloid pickguard, purple pickups.

[jhale667]

Originally posted by nobodys home
Just buy a kit from Carvin . it comes with everything you'll need http://www.carvin.com/products/group.php?CID=KBN

Where does "I want to build a STRAT" equate 'Carvin kit' to you, doofus? :D

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

My heart really craves this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-JACKSON-RANDY-RHOADS-24-FRET-LIMITED-RUN_W0QQitemZ250146013433QQihZ015QQcategoryZ33044Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

God knows what the reserve is, though :rolleyes:

[jhale667]

Originally posted by MERRYKISSMASS2U
My heart really craves this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-JACKSON-RANDY-RHOADS-24-FRET-LIMITED-RUN_W0QQitemZ250146013433QQihZ015QQcategoryZ33044Q QssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

God knows what the reserve is, though :rolleyes:

Probably around a G easily.
I don't know, a 24-fret Rhoads SOUNDS like a good idea, but looking at those pics,
the neck seems too long, or the body too small, or something...:confused:

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

I got really lucky when I found my Soloist (around $2300 retail) for $1200 new in a shop.

Never again :(


You really can't improve on it.

[nobodys home]

Originally posted by MERRYKISSMASS2U
nobody[']s home:

Thanks for the advice. I'll check it out.

I don't know if I am going to do this project right away.... I did just get a freakin' jackson soloist!

The kits are great there, but I really want it EXACTLY as I envision it. Purple body, gold hardware, gold pearloid pickguard, purple pickups.


you can get the kits with gold hardware and pearloid pickguards and such. you could always just order one from them. here are examples of their bolt guitars which is what the kit guitars are :

http://www.carvin.com/gallery/guitargallery.php?ItemNumber=BOLT


http://www.carvinmuseum.com/isa/images/full/boltt-swampash-88867.jpg

or a high end bolt

http://www.carvinmuseum.com/isa/images/full/bolt-greenquilt-89035.jpg

they also make the bolts in purple as well

[jhale667]

That still looks like a wannabe Strat...

[nobodys home]

Originally posted by jhale667
That still looks like a wannabe Strat...

yet the quality is better then a fender. how much would a fender with a quilted maple top cost? that would have to be a custom shop from them where as everything from carvin is custom. a lot of people use their stuff:

http://www.carvin.com/news.php

but to each his own i guess.

[jhale667]

Still, he stated he wanted to make a STRAT, not some goofy-looking parody of one.

Whereas if he went with Warmoth or Musikraft, the parts ARE higher quality than Fender, but LOOK identical because they are licensed replacement parts manufacturers.
Pay attention. ;)

[nobodys home]

Originally posted by jhale667
Still, he stated he wanted to make a STRAT, not some goofy-looking parody of one.

Whereas if he went with Warmoth or Musikraft, the parts ARE higher quality than Fender, but LOOK identical because they are licensed replacement parts manufacturers.
Pay attention. ;)

fender can licensed what ever they want that doesn't mean anything. still if all that matters to someone is a label then good ahead and use warmoth or whatever but when it comes to sound i'll go with carvin 10 out of 10

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

Originally posted by nobodys home
i'll go with carvin 10 out of 10

Where do you work?


:D

[jhale667]

Originally posted by nobodys home
fender can licensed what ever they want that doesn't mean anything. still if all that matters to someone is a label then good ahead and use warmoth or whatever but when it comes to sound i'll go with carvin 10 out of 10

Now you're just being a complete moron. :rolleyes:

[nobodys home]

Originally posted by jhale667
Now you're just being a complete moron. :rolleyes:


call me what you want but before you talk about things you should know what you're talking about. warmoth isn't licensed or affiliated with fender

http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/bodies/strat.cfm?fuseaction=strat_standard


Copyright© 2006 Warmoth Guitar Products Inc. All Rights Reserved Warmoth Guitar Products Inc.

STRAT® , TELE® , P. BASS® , and J. BASS® are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (FMIC).

Warmoth Guitar Products, Inc. is not affiliated with, nor do we obtain any components from FMIC.

[jhale667]

Originally posted by nobodys home
call me what you want but before you talk about things you should know what you're talking about. warmoth isn't licensed or affiliated with fender

http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/bodies/strat.cfm?fuseaction=strat_standard


Copyright© 2006 Warmoth Guitar Products Inc. All Rights Reserved Warmoth Guitar Products Inc.

STRAT® , TELE® , P. BASS® , and J. BASS® are registered trademarks of Fender Musical Instruments Corp. (FMIC).

Warmoth Guitar Products, Inc. is not affiliated with, nor do we obtain any components from FMIC.


Look Toolio,
If they're not a licensed parts manufacturer, why do all the parts I own have "LICENSED BY FENDER' stamped on them, you idiot? Posting their disclaimer doesn't disprove my point.
Nice try, but obviously you don't understand the CONCEPT of a 'Fender-LICENSED' product.
So let me spell it out for you:
Both Warmoth AND Musikraft have the clearance to make parts using the correct contours and headstock designs, UNLIKE CARVIN. So shut the fuck up already, and quit trying to argue...I've been building guitars for over twenty years, so YEAH I know what the fuck I'm talking about, unlike YOU. Ever had conversations with the guys at the Fender custom shop? I have. They are fully aware of Warmoth, and actually complimented me on one of my Warmoth builds.
Can you say the same about one of your little Carvin wannabes? Didn't think so....

[nobodys home]

Everyone is aware or warmoth and everyone is aware of carvin putting parts you bought together doesn't equal building a guitar that's just assembling it. Building a guitar is when you take the raw wood,cut,joint,plane,cut, carve,rout etc which is what I've done and have been complemented on my work. licensed doesn't mean anything about quality. fender licenses everythingand carvin quality is far better then anything those "licensed" companies ever produced. But if we applied your rules here everything made with "licensed" parts could be called a strat or if it was made with gibson "licensed" parts be called Les Paul but no one would ever call them a strat or les paul unless they were made by fender or gibson proper. The word "strat" refers to the shape or a guitar not it's maker other wise what would this guitar be called?:
http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/pics/large/S500_Pearl-White_full.jpg like i said if you're stuck on what something is labeled go ahead and use it but in terms of quality carvin makes warmoth look like a joke.

[nobodys home]

Everyone is aware or warmoth and everyone is aware of carvin putting parts you bought together doesn't equal building a guitar that's just assembling it. Building a guitar is when you take the raw wood,cut,joint,plane,cut, carve,rout etc which is what I've done and have been complemented on my work. licensed doesn't mean anything about quality. fender licenses everything and carvin quality is far better then anything those "licensed" companies ever produced. But if we applied your rules here everything made with fender "licensed" parts could be called a strat or if it was made with gibson "licensed" parts be called Les Paul but no one would ever call them a real "strat" or "les paul" unless they were made by fender or gibson proper would they? The word "strat" refers to the shape or a guitar not it's maker other wise what would this guitar be called?:
http://www.glguitars.com/instruments/pics/large/S500_Pearl-White_full.jpg which brings us back to the point of "strat" building advice unless your using fender parts with the name fender on the head stock followed by statocaster you really can't call it a "strat" licensed parts or not. everything else is a "strat"shaped guitar. like i said if you're stuck on what something is labeled go ahead and use it but in terms of quality carvin makes warmoth look like a joke.

[jhale667]

Originally posted by nobodys home
.....but in terms of quality carvin makes warmoth look like a joke.

ABSOLUTELY 100% WRONG. I've compared both (and others), you dolt....Warmoth makes some of the best parts on the market. Better than Allparts, Mighty Mite, and even your precious Carvin....geez you really are thick, aren't you?

Also, building DOES refer to assembly...those that fabricate their own parts are referred to as LUTHIERS. And to answer your (double-posted) question: It's a G&L ASAT...and still closer than a Carvin.

[jhale667]

But let's break it down even further for our hockey-helmeted newbie friend :D :

If MERRY goes with Warmoth or Musikraft, he will end up with a guitar that looks similar to THIS:

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/jhale667/Number4sunburst.jpg


...Pretty much indistinguishable from a Fender, but of higher quality wood and workmanship. Correct body contours, headstock shape, etc.
If he goes with Carvin, he will have one of those quasi-pseudo strat things YOU keep posting. Which was the point you keep missing anyway.
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h217/jhale667/translator.jpg

Are we clear now?

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

Bottom line is is that I wanted a REAL strat.

I tried to be nice by saying that Carvin had interesting products. Now, I am just going to tell you to shut the fuck up.

The King of Muff knows exactly what I am looking for.


How the HELL can you say Warmoth isn't Fender licensed, yet the Carvins have some cheap imitation headstock?



PUH-LEEZ.

[smaz]

While we're on the subject of guitar parts, where's the best place to get a replacement Jazz Bass pickguard from? Standard model, new so not a classic style or whatever. Looking for some different colours / designs to jazz it up, so to speak :D (Pref UK site / cheap overseas delivery :) )

[Nitro Express]

Carvin is a good company and I've done business with them lots of times but I don't like their necks. Not that the quality is bad but I don't like the profile. With Warmoth I can have them make me what I want. The drawback is Warmoth is not cheap.

My advice for a person doing this for the first time is to order a prefinished body and neck from Stewart Macdonald. They are a large luthier supply house and their Strat parts are good and inexpensive. They sell Mighty Mite stuff and it's always been a bargain.

[Nitro Express]

I've used both these bodies and necks and have been real happy but I like a 9.5 radiouse.

stewart-macdonald.com

[Nitro Express]

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Bodies,_necks,_wood.html

[jhale667]

I like Mighty Mite bodies, though the contours are a little off...not so into their necks. I prefer 1 3/4" nut widths with the compound 10-16" radius fretboard. :D

[Nitro Express]

I slap Mighty Mite parts together and toss them around. I abuse them and use them. Pick them up by the wiggle stick and shake them like I'm a dog that just caught a cat. LOL!

[Nitro Express]

All I want is a one piece swamp ash body. An original Floyd Rose hard down on the body. A Seymour Duncan 59 at the bridge. Medium jumbo frets on a 9.5 rad neck with the neck almost straight with a tad of relief in it. .009 guage strings and Schaller tuners and Dunlop strap locks with a Dimarzio strap.

[jhale667]

Originally posted by Nitro Express
All I want is a one piece swamp ash body. An original Floyd Rose hard down on the body. A Seymour Duncan 59 at the bridge. Medium jumbo frets on a 9.5 rad neck with the neck almost straight with a tad of relief in it. .009 guage strings and Schaller tuners and Dunlop strap locks with a Dimarzio strap.

My next one is going to be a 1-piece ash body. It's going to have an Original Floyd as well, but I'll be recessing it and modifying it with a brass 'Big Block', and possibly a Tremsetter (I have a couple laying around) ;)
Going with a Duncan Custom Custom in the bridge position & probably a Dimarzio Virtual vintage in the neck. Doing the compound radius, Jumbo frets, either Schaller of Gotoh tuners..
I'm using .10-.52s these days..

I'm convinced that 1-piece bodies are the shit. Both of my guitars that are 1-piece (one Ash, one Koa) sound better than my others, even acoustically...:cool: :cool:

[MERRYKISSMASS2U]

Originally posted by jhale667


And I'm the guy with the purple strat with the pearloid pickguard, not Elvis. ;)

http://www.rotharmy.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1174006#post1174006