Build ideal guitar or buy and mod?

[waltschwarzkopf]

Hi guys,
After looking and playing and reading about many different models of many brands and price ranges, I’ve come to the conclusion that I need to build my own in order to have exactly what I want. The question is: Is it cheaper/better/easier to buy a guitar and mod it to my needs or is it best to buy the parts and assemble it myself? I feel confident with electronics and putting the parts together and I have the tools for that, but I wouldn’t dare to make the body/neck from scratch nor I have the tools to do so.
Here are some specs of what I have in mind. I would really appreciate your comments on the subject, about the quality of the parts that I want to order and if there is a model that comes very close to what I want/need.

• Mahogany Tele chambered body with flame maple top (Warmoth custom $500)
• Mahogany neck large Strat CBS headstock, with black ebony fretboard no inlays, 22 jumbo frets, 24 ¾” scale length (Warmoth custom $350)
• HSH configuration (zebra humbuckers), PTB circuit and coil splits (no price shown as this will be the same if I buy parts or mod an existing model, unless the model comes with good HSH pickups)
• Fixed bridge with strings through body, Hipshot 6-string Ibby HM ($120-160)
• Graph Tech Ratio tuners ($100)
• 9-46 D Addario nickel wound strings (no price, this is no biggie and will have to be changed frequently)
• Strat-style input jack (this is a must for me, I don’t like the side jack ala Tele or LP)
• Single-ply black Music-Man-Silhouette-style pickguard
• All black hardware and pickups
• Natural wood colour body and headstock, custom decal with name and model from my “own brand”

Just with a simple estimation of the main parts, we are over $1100. I have not found any models with those specs. Of course, in-stock Warmoth neck/bodies are cheaper, but not exactly what I want; and if I’m going to buy a custom part I might as well get what I want. For an existing guitar, that is another story.

Here is a picture of the closest I could find on the net, use your imagination for the rest

Cheers,
Walter

P.S. If you live in Zürich and want to get together and jam, send me a PM.

 

[ICTGoober]

Re: Build ideal guitar or buy and mod?

Modding or building - it all works out about the same when it comes time to empty the wallet.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Build ideal guitar or buy and mod?

With those specs you may as well build. Also factor in the cost of a fret dress and setup if you aren't fully capable of doing it.


And if in the future you plan to mod, keep a plastic container with all the original parts for when you sell the guitar. No one pays for mods someone else did, you may as well return to stock and use the parts on a different guitar.

 

[thebingopete]

Re: Build ideal guitar or buy and mod?

Sounds like custom orders are the ideal choice for you. Particularly the body and PG. You could find a comparable quality neck for a little less, but best to order them together and have them make sure of the fit before shipping out to you. As for your choice of bridge and tuners it's all about what you know to be a good product and feel is best to suit your needs. My opinion on non performance parts is they're not worth paying a lot for, things like strap buttons, knobs, neck plates, and stuff. Not worth paying $15 for a neck plate just because it's got the big F on the label when I can get one for $5 or less that does the same thing. Really, those are the things I like to buy from Chinese eBay sellers. And the occasional dirt cheap set of pups for fun if the specs​are on point.

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[2ndhandband]

Re: Build ideal guitar or buy and mod?

Some stuff you almost have to build. I want an Explorer with three P90s. Gibson has only done that once, back in the mid 80s. They did it well; it has a super versatile wiring scheme that leaves me wondering why they can't do that all the time. But I don't really wanna buy a 30 year old gibson that was only produced for a year and start drilling holes in it... and I want a vibrola. So I'm going to build.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Build ideal guitar or buy and mod?

Some reason we are not considering a combo?

Buy something close / Warmoth the rest???

 

[Adieu]

Re: Build ideal guitar or buy and mod?

See if Carvin could make it for you.

Most reasonable custom shop prices afaik

 

[waltschwarzkopf]

Re: Build ideal guitar or buy and mod?

See if Carvin could make it for you.

Most reasonable custom shop prices afaik

Carvin? Ok, I'll check it out, thanks for the tip.


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[CountFeedback]

Re: Build ideal guitar or buy and mod?

I say find something close to what you want and mod it.
You can spend $$$$$$ on a custom build and it may never feel right for you and if you sell it to fund trying something else you'll never get half the money back out of it.
Unless you're ok with having it be an on going money pit till you've switched out bodys and necks and other bits till you find the right combo.

 

[kramersteen]

Re: Build ideal guitar or buy and mod?

You think this is hard you should try working out how to build my dream guitars hehe.

Just find something and mod it. Do as much of the work yourself it will make for a better sounding and feeling guitar in the end.