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shogunlegend
Guest
how much does it typically cost you to build one of those custom strats or superstrats? i've seen a lot of warmoth customs here in the forums, but i'm thinking they cost as much as fender. who can enlighten me?
mrturtle_91
New member
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
I think it can get pretty expensive. I was calculating prices from Warmoth's site, and for all the parts I was well over $1000.
I think it can get pretty expensive. I was calculating prices from Warmoth's site, and for all the parts I was well over $1000.
MikeS
Bengalsologist
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
The projects assembled from parts made by companies like Warmoth and USACG can cost you anywhere from ~$800 to $2000 depending on how fancy you get and what options you choose. I haven't yet worked with USACG, but in my experiences with Warmoth you can expect, at the very least, MIA Fender quality that can be had for the about the same price. Often times the quality is better than that of MIA Fender. IMO, of course.
The down fall is that if you don't like what you put together you won't have nearly the resale value of a brand like Fender. So long as you order exactly what you want there's no reason why you shouldn't end with a guitar that is dollar for dollar as good of a guitar as you'll find.
The projects assembled from parts made by companies like Warmoth and USACG can cost you anywhere from ~$800 to $2000 depending on how fancy you get and what options you choose. I haven't yet worked with USACG, but in my experiences with Warmoth you can expect, at the very least, MIA Fender quality that can be had for the about the same price. Often times the quality is better than that of MIA Fender. IMO, of course.
The down fall is that if you don't like what you put together you won't have nearly the resale value of a brand like Fender. So long as you order exactly what you want there's no reason why you shouldn't end with a guitar that is dollar for dollar as good of a guitar as you'll find.
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shogunlegend
Guest
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
who is usagc? are they better than warmoth? is warmoth the best?
who is usagc? are they better than warmoth? is warmoth the best?
MikeS
Bengalsologist
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
www.usacustomguitars.com
A company formed from former Warmoth employees. Search the forums here, there's a ton of talk about both companies, the pros and cons of each, and so forth.
www.usacustomguitars.com
A company formed from former Warmoth employees. Search the forums here, there's a ton of talk about both companies, the pros and cons of each, and so forth.
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MartinSixStringCustoms
Guest
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
This thread is worthless without details of what you want to build exactly
This thread is worthless without details of what you want to build exactly
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shogunlegend
Guest
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
i don't care to build one right now, i just want to learn more about it.
i don't care to build one right now, i just want to learn more about it.
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shogunlegend
Guest
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
thanks, i'm going to check them out
thanks, i'm going to check them out
ParameterMan
New member
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
In my experience, a Warmoth project with premium hardware runs about $1100 - $1600. The finished project ends up nicer than most Fender CS stuff I've played.
In my experience, a Warmoth project with premium hardware runs about $1100 - $1600. The finished project ends up nicer than most Fender CS stuff I've played.
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Skarekrough
Guest
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
I think the thread is worthless because I wouldn't call picking from a list of options making something "custom."
To me "custom" means something built specifically to your specs and your exact description with an eye to matching the components together.
I won't even begin to adress the importance of the fit and finish and what's involved in really hand-crafting a custom instrument.
Picking components from Warmoth or USACG is kind of like buying a SCION and getting to schoose what color the body panels are and what graphic is on them; yes you do get to choose the color but you're confined to a certain shape you have no say about.
This thread is worthless without details of what you want to build exactly
I think the thread is worthless because I wouldn't call picking from a list of options making something "custom."
To me "custom" means something built specifically to your specs and your exact description with an eye to matching the components together.
I won't even begin to adress the importance of the fit and finish and what's involved in really hand-crafting a custom instrument.
Picking components from Warmoth or USACG is kind of like buying a SCION and getting to schoose what color the body panels are and what graphic is on them; yes you do get to choose the color but you're confined to a certain shape you have no say about.
Gearjoneser
Gear Ho
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
Sometimes, I like to search Ebay's accessories, and click on bodies, necks, bridges. If you're patient and snipe auctions, you can build something good for a decent price. I like to look at US Fender necks that came off guitars, so the nuts are already cut. Then, add one of those to the rest of the parts, and it's all setup, and no luthier-level assembly. As long as you can setup a guitar, it'll fall into place easily.
Sometimes, I like to search Ebay's accessories, and click on bodies, necks, bridges. If you're patient and snipe auctions, you can build something good for a decent price. I like to look at US Fender necks that came off guitars, so the nuts are already cut. Then, add one of those to the rest of the parts, and it's all setup, and no luthier-level assembly. As long as you can setup a guitar, it'll fall into place easily.
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shogunlegend
Guest
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
your reply is worthless. for the average person, "custom" at best is an assembly of parts that ARE to your specifications. unless you have money to burn to actually get handcrafted parts made by major manufacturers or even more expensive local craftsmen, you will have to assemble a guitar. is that the best you have to contribute is a put-down to my thread, or do you actually have something worthwhile to contribute to the subject matter?
your reply is worthless. for the average person, "custom" at best is an assembly of parts that ARE to your specifications. unless you have money to burn to actually get handcrafted parts made by major manufacturers or even more expensive local craftsmen, you will have to assemble a guitar. is that the best you have to contribute is a put-down to my thread, or do you actually have something worthwhile to contribute to the subject matter?
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Skarekrough
Guest
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
Yes I do...and yes I did.
If you're going to go all-out and have something made than don't pansy around and actually get to doing it right the first time.
eBay and pawn shops are littered with "custom" builds that turned out to be something that didn't work out for the end player for whatever reason. Often times it's because the quality is nowhere what they thought it would be when compared to a "real" custom shop.
When you have something assembled for you, you're married to the thing.
Whether it's a Warmoth or a USACG or a Carvin or a Fender CS or a local luthier you're putting your money into a bet for the price of the depreciation of that instrument (which is MUCH larger than typical) that you will never ever part with it.
And most times it's a fools bet as the player walks away to do something else years later. And while the Warmoth is a lower price than a luthier one-off the odds are less will be interested in it due to the market just being rife with them and the distinct difference in quality.
So, have fun pissing away your money. When you get bored because it wasn't anwyeher near the quality you thought it would and start unloading the thing for pennies on the dollar and can't get anyone to buy it and you get to parting it out on eBay or in The Trading Post let me know so I can take that time and remind you about the smart-aleck remark you made when you were putting it together.
Yes I do...and yes I did.
If you're going to go all-out and have something made than don't pansy around and actually get to doing it right the first time.
eBay and pawn shops are littered with "custom" builds that turned out to be something that didn't work out for the end player for whatever reason. Often times it's because the quality is nowhere what they thought it would be when compared to a "real" custom shop.
When you have something assembled for you, you're married to the thing.
Whether it's a Warmoth or a USACG or a Carvin or a Fender CS or a local luthier you're putting your money into a bet for the price of the depreciation of that instrument (which is MUCH larger than typical) that you will never ever part with it.
And most times it's a fools bet as the player walks away to do something else years later. And while the Warmoth is a lower price than a luthier one-off the odds are less will be interested in it due to the market just being rife with them and the distinct difference in quality.
So, have fun pissing away your money. When you get bored because it wasn't anwyeher near the quality you thought it would and start unloading the thing for pennies on the dollar and can't get anyone to buy it and you get to parting it out on eBay or in The Trading Post let me know so I can take that time and remind you about the smart-aleck remark you made when you were putting it together.
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MartinSixStringCustoms
Guest
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
Not to start an arument, but Skarey is right on the money bro. The is a huge difference between a parts guitar and a custom build. He pointed out some sound advice. I own a custom guitar and its not just picking out which tuners and pickups you want. There are alot of factors to consider, which is why I made the statement that the thread was worthless without details of what you want to do.
Consider neck profile, scale length, neck thru or bolt on, wood type for thr body and neck, bridge type, electronics, color etc....Get the point?
Not to start an arument, but Skarey is right on the money bro. The is a huge difference between a parts guitar and a custom build. He pointed out some sound advice. I own a custom guitar and its not just picking out which tuners and pickups you want. There are alot of factors to consider, which is why I made the statement that the thread was worthless without details of what you want to do.
Consider neck profile, scale length, neck thru or bolt on, wood type for thr body and neck, bridge type, electronics, color etc....Get the point?
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shogunlegend
Guest
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
i hear him, and i appreciate his input, but i have two american deluxe strats and didn't pay more than 950 each brand new. the fact is: if you want something done right, do it yourself. as far as i'm concerned, fender american quality or up is fine for me. i don't want to spend 5,000 on some custom build when i'm just as happy with my own build.
i hear him, and i appreciate his input, but i have two american deluxe strats and didn't pay more than 950 each brand new. the fact is: if you want something done right, do it yourself. as far as i'm concerned, fender american quality or up is fine for me. i don't want to spend 5,000 on some custom build when i'm just as happy with my own build.
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MartinSixStringCustoms
Guest
Re: how much do you spend on a custom guitar?
Thats cool. Just for kicks, check out GMW Guitarworks. Their work is outstanding.
Thats cool. Just for kicks, check out GMW Guitarworks. Their work is outstanding.
