how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

[Jr_vw2]

So I have been gathering parts piece by piece to build exactly what I want and I am at a tipping point on being able to justify the whole thing. So here is my delima. I tend to go through guitars like water Im always looking for that next best thing. The build that I am planning I would really love to do a custom paint job on it, but the paint job alone would be about $500. So the whole build with the parts and specs that I want would end up being about $1,600. That is using a name brand neck and aftermarket body also. My biggest concern is that if I ever decide to sell it, it will be worth next to nothing because its a parts guitar. and im not one to screw someone over and try to push it off as a production guitar or a custom shop guitar.

here is my parts list:
Charvel USA neck $300
KnE body $150
Custom paint $500
pickups $175
Floyd rose $200
USA charvel Neck plate $150
misc. $100


so how much have you put into a partscaster?

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

You spent 150$ on a neck plate??? That's a typo, right?

 

[Jr_vw2]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

You spent 150$ on a neck plate??? That's a typo, right?

Lol no I have not spent that yet. I have not purchased everything on the list yet. But yes if you want a USA charvel neck plate that's what you would have to spend.

 

[devastone]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

Make sure the KNE body works with the Charvel neck, most aftermarket bodies don't work with them.

Yes, that is a lot for a build guitar, especially if you don't see yourself keeping it for a long time.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

Lol no I have not spent that yet. I have not purchased everything on the list yet. But yes if you want a USA charvel neck plate that's what you would have to spend.

****, I'm going to sell the neck plate off my US Charvel on ebay then and replace it with a cheap blank one. It's not like the plate matters in any way to the sound or play-ability of the guitar.

 

[Jr_vw2]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

Make sure the KNE body works with the Charvel neck, most aftermarket bodies don't work with them.

Yes, that is a lot for a build guitar, especially if you don't see yourself keeping it for a long time.

Yes I ordered the body speced for the charvel neck. Ur good looking out.

I would like to think that I would keep it for a long time. But i know myself. Lol. But putting that much $$ into a build might force me to keep it. Lol.

 

[Jr_vw2]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

****, I'm going to sell the neck plate off my US Charvel on ebay then and replace it with a cheap blank one. It's not like the plate matters in any way to the sound or play-ability of the guitar.

Yeah I still dont know that I can drop that much just for cosmetics. Its strictly on the "want" list. Lol.

 

[Old Guy]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

I'm building an LP type kit guitar. The guitar kit itself was about $240 because I upgraded the pots and switches, and another about $200 for all the supplies needed to finish and build the guitar.

 

[superpete]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

$1600 isn't too much for a guitar made to your exact specs with highest quality parts. But it's way too much for a partscaster you're thinking about flipping.

 

[ErikH]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

My SG Jr came out to be between $700-$800 when all was said and done. That did not include my time, only parts and supplies (paint, sandpaper, sanding sealer). Was worth it for me. It came out great.

Yesterday I bought a painted showcase body from Warmoth, a pickguard, tremolo, jack plate, jack, knobs and screws for around $400. I already have a neck and when I got that almost 10 years ago it was $157. Locking tuners around $60.

I've never sold any that I've built entirely complete. I've sold a few bodies and such either fully loaded or parted all out. I'm hoping this Strat body will be the last I have to get for this neck. The first Strat was a MIM body and it sounded OK but I had to move stuff fast to pay for some car repairs. The Tele body I had on it for the last 5 years has been nice but balance on Tele's sucks and I don't like sticky straps. I move around too much. My first Frankenstrat balances perfectly so it's back to a Strat body for this one.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

How much does a USA Charvel cost? Seems like a used Dinky, Soloist, or whatever the hell the Charvel version is called that has already depreciated might be a better idea.

You’ll probably spend close to the same, but wind up with a guitar that was built by a pro. Many people who build partscasters discount the experience of the guy at Fender, Jackson, or wherever.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

How much does a USA Charvel cost? Seems like a used Dinky, Soloist, or whatever the hell the Charvel version is called that has already depreciated might be a better idea.

I bought my US made Charvel So Cal for 650$. Canadian. That's like under 100$ American.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

I bought my US made Charvel So Cal for 650$. Canadian. That's like under 100$ American.

While I think you meant $1000, that’s exactly my point. Bet it’s nicer than the average parts caster, too.

 

[Gtrjunior]

how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

I bought my US made Charvel So Cal for 650$. Canadian. That's like under 100$ American.

That’s a damn good price for a US Charvel. Congrats!
I think the mexi-made got for 7-800 new.

 

[Dave Locher]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

If you're building The One then price is secondary. But if you tend to love'em and leave'em then stop!
The best way to sell a partscaster is in pieces - they are typically worth more in parts than you can sell the whole guitar for as one.

I will say this, though: people change. I used to go through cars and guitars at a pretty fast rate, and then somewhere along the line I just...stopped. I haven't sold a guitar in years and I've had the same cars (the kustom AND the daily driver) for years. This happened around the time I got married as well. I honestly don't know if I got married because I was changing, or if getting married changed my mentality, or if being married shifted my focus away from constantly looking for the next guitar or old car, or if I just found the right guitars, the right woman, and the right cars?? Probably some odd mix of all of that plus life simply drawing more and more of my energy and attention away from shallower pursuits.

My point being, if you really love the guitar it might stick around. But the problem with building them (from parts or from scratch) is you don't know if you will love it until it is all finished!

I will say, though, that $150 for a neck plate seems like an awful lot. Consider a custom-engraved one for $20ish instead? But if that 2x3 piece of metal makes you happy then you do you.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

If you are digging the charvel
Why not just let the custom shop paint you one
Same price

At the end of the day it's still a charvel

 

[Jr_vw2]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

If you are digging the charvel
Why not just let the custom shop paint you one
Same price

At the end of the day it's still a charvel

Because a charvel custom shop special order would be more than double what I would have in this build.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

****, I'm going to sell the neck plate off my US Charvel on ebay then and replace it with a cheap blank one. It's not like the plate matters in any way to the sound or play-ability of the guitar.

Better sell the paint while you’re at it. That’s worth $500!

 

[Taz Rules]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

Save yourself $400 and just buy $100 worth of paint and materials, then read some of the diy threads(or just ask) and finish it yourself.

 

[Jr_vw2]

Re: how much have you put into a parts guitar build?

Save yourself $400 and just buy $100 worth of paint and materials, then read some of the diy threads(or just ask) and finish it yourself.

If I just wanted a solid color I would be all over that. But I want a graphic design and I am no artist. I can barely write my name.