Callaham/Strat

[JacksonMIA]

If nothing unexpected comes up, I hope to build/buy a vintage style strat in the next year or so (hopefully sooner!). I had originally planned on building one at least partially from scratch, but my strat GAS is just too great to put it off long enough to get the necessary practice in for building a decent guitar - especially that one piece neck. So I figure my options are to build or buy.

What I'm leaning towards now is building one from a USACG body and neck and Callaham parts. While browsing Callaham's site, I got to looking closely at their guitars. I might change a few of the specs if I ordered a fully customized strat, but I think I can handle theirs. What I'm wondering is if it would be worth the extra money for their guitar.

I'm one of those people that if I pay $1k+ for a guitar I don't want to have to change anything except maybe the pickups. I know there are some builders out there that can build a killer strat - probably for less money than callaham - but I'd still probably want to change the bridge and maybe some other parts.

I mainly want to hear from those who might have played a Callaham guitar, but I'm open to other opinions. Is Callaham (or maybe another company) worth the extra money above a USACG? I want something very close to vintage, but it doesn't have to be exact. I have to have a maple fingerboard, though I think most people offer it. I'm also very hesitant to drop a lot of money on something I haven't played.

Thanks in advance, guys.

 

[Curly]

Re: Callaham/Strat

I have an ash strat I made from USACG parts and Callaham hardware:
http://www.bluestheater.net/strat54-5.html

if you consider a Callaham guitar, you might want to inquire about the lead time. I think he had quite a backlog at one time.

 

[dani]

Re: Callaham/Strat

i may not have played a callaham, but had lots of experience with tommy and usacg.

imo, their products and customer service are one of the best, if not the best out there. wood and quality of production way surpasses many similar guitars you can find on the streets.

what's more important is that usacg allows you to custom everything to your specs at an affordable price. that said, i reckon your first route of usacg body/neck and callaham parts should be the way to go.

just my .02.
dani

p.s. since you are at it, check out www.detempleguitars.com.

 

[JacksonMIA]

Re: Callaham/Strat

Curly, that's almost exactly what I'm looking for, actually.

p.s. since you are at it, check out www.detempleguitars.com.

:baby: :32: :why: