Explorer kit build... only one question

[Surgeon]

So, building pedals is fun and all and I'll keep at it as long as I find interesting projects. However, spring is finally coming along, slowly but still. So, I've decided that spending more time in the garage huffing sawdust should be more fun than being in the basement huffing solder fumes when it's nice and warm outside.

Ordered another nice kit (same brand I used to build my telecaster) and decided to go and make an explorer...stained finish, polished-barewood neck, etc...

Only one thing is unclear in my mind: 1 or two pick-ups?

I'm gonna do the same as I did with the tele: replace most of the hardware (excluding tuners and bridge) with pieces I make from scrap-metal. Therefore, making a bigger pick-guard to cover the neck pick-up slot isn't a big deal.

I've never owned an explorer... thinking a single-pick-up one would look killer, there's just something about it in my mind...

What are your thoughts?

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

Good idea. One pickup means no selector switch down at the pointy end of the pickguard.

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

Exactly... one of the plusses definitely.

However, I might miss the versatility of 2 pick-ups...

 

[agentzero12]

Explorer kit build... only one question

I use my neck pup a lot, so my vote is 2.

 

[CTN]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

I'd only get a 1 pickup guitar if I intended to do nothing but rock out with it.

cock out is optional.

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

Who did you get the kit from???

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

I prefer single pickup guitars, so I'd probably go for an Explorer Jr. myself. Basically this:


...but with the shape of an Explorer.

 

[Stratovarious]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

^ They make those, but with a damn silly headstock.

If it had the hockeystick it would be my next acquisition

 

[Surgeon]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

Thanks for your opinions fellas. Still on the fence.

Lastmcgee: I got it from 3gmusicandsound, who carry the solomusicgear kits. They have a warehouse in Canada so I save a bunch compared to similar kits that come from the US since I don't pay any custom duties.

It's basswood instead of mahogany but the tele kit was very nice so I don't mind. Actually, just the neck/fretwork was worth the price of the kit so I'm fairly confident that this kit will be quite nice too.

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

Thanks for your opinions fellas. Still on the fence.

Lastmcgee: I got it from 3gmusicandsound, who carry the solomusicgear kits. They have a warehouse in Canada so I save a bunch compared to similar kits that come from the US since I don't pay any custom duties.

It's basswood instead of mahogany but the tele kit was very nice so I don't mind. Actually, just the neck/fretwork was worth the price of the kit so I'm fairly confident that this kit will be quite nice too.

I was pumped about this place but they don't offer a single kit in left handed

 

[925SS]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

I was pumped about this place but they don't offer a single kit in left handed

Don't know if you'd be interested, but

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIY-Electri...345?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item23296c4b29

 

[Mr 9finger]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

Don't know if you'd be interested, but

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DIY-Electri...345?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item23296c4b29

Thanks for the heads up! I ordered one of those last week! Should be here Thursday!

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

2 p/ups

.02

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

Thanks for the heads up! I ordered one of those last week! Should be here Thursday!

I'm buying one too broseph!

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

^ They make those, but with a damn silly headstock.

If it had the hockeystick it would be my next acquisition

They're also made of maple, down-scaled, thin-bodied, have funky looking pickguards, and have a humbucker instead of a single coil. I like them fine, but they're no comparison to what I'd have in mind for an Explorer Junior build.

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

They're also made of maple, down-scaled, thin-bodied, have funky looking pickguards, and have a humbucker instead of a single coil. I like them fine, but they're no comparison to what I'd have in mind for an Explorer Junior build.

Ever just think of grabbing one of the newer Gibby explorer jrs? You can find them used under 300 bills....

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

Ever just think of grabbing one of the newer Gibby explorer jrs? You can find them used under 300 bills....

Nope

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

Ever just think of grabbing one of the newer Gibby explorer jrs? You can find them used under 300 bills....

What guitars are you talking about?

 

[LatsMcGee]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

What guitars are you talking about?

Gibson has some Explorer, V, and few other jr models available now at some very low prices, I've seen the Explorers go pretty light on my local CL, Pretty solid guitars too....some come with a duncan designed pup others come with a Gibson HB....Ebay em! I think you'd be pleasently surprised at the cost factor....

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Explorer kit build... only one question

Gibson has some Explorer, V, and few other jr models available now at some very low prices, I've seen the Explorers go pretty light on my local CL, Pretty solid guitars too....some come with a duncan designed pup others come with a Gibson HB....Ebay em! I think you'd be pleasently surprised at the cost factor....

You're talking about the Melody Makers. Those are the very guitars Stratovarious and I were talking about above.