Re: epi studio..i bought one used.
its loads cheaper to change electronics and stuff out rather than get a new guitar. A lot of people here do it
I would give you more fun. I would also give you more customized to taste. I cant give you cheaper though. Not saying hes needs to do other than what hes done, but from a cost standpoint, unless its just the fun you are after, sometimes you are just better off getting what you want in the guitar to begin with. The upgrade stuff adds up in a hurry. Also depends on the quality of parts you are upgrading with, but lets assume good quality name brand stuff. Just for comparison.
He paid 280 for the guitar
130 bucks for SD pickups
70 bucks for tuners
116 bucks for bridge/tailpiece
70 bucks for electronics, pots, wire, switch, jack etc.
40 bucks knobs
approx 10-75 bucks for a new nut depending on self install or having a tech do it.
total - $781
In comparison, lets go with our old friend the Agile. Good to go. Brand new $570
You dont get the ability to pick exactly what you want unless you custom order, but you do get alot more extras like ebony board and binding an epi studio wouldnt have. Theres even a couple hundred bucks room for some upgrade fun here. Swap the graphite nut for bone, add a switchcraft toggle etc.
Chrome hardware, including die-cast Grover tuners with 18-1 turning ratio for ultra fine tuning (Model 102-18N)
Two EMG Pickups(81/85).
The AL-3100 features D'addario strings installed at the factory and a professionally cut Graph Tech graphite nut
Graph Tech NVS2 Reso Max bridge with String Saver graphite saddles.
Or used. LTD ec-1000ctm. Good to go $575 BIN on the bay. Couple hundred room if you want to take out the emgs for a set of duncans. These typically come with ESP locking tuners and Ton Pros locking bridges.
