ratherdashing
Kablamminator
It's difficult getting the guitar you want when you're a lefty. Sometimes the only realistic option is to buy parts, either new or used, and assemble it. This is the dilemma I am currently facing.
Basically, I want a 50's Strat in a light solid color, like white, surf green, seafoam green, or sonic blue. You know ... a nifty Fifties color! I'm probably going to put in some Classic Stack Plusses or Kinmans, a 5-way switch, and some interesting wiring, but other than that I'm aiming for '57 specs. Most importantly, I want the soft V neck with 7.25" radius maple board. I refuse to compromise on that.
I am willing to let go of my 2000 Am Std in order to get it, and I'd ideally like to keep the cost within the same ballpark. If I have to spend more, so be it ... I'll just wait until the funds are available.
The options I foresee working are presented in the poll. Here's a bit of a better description:
1. Wait for a MIJ 50's Reissue: I know for a fact that Fender Japan made or currently makes the exact lefty guitar I want. I believe it was made in white and sonic blue. The trouble is I never see them for sale - probably because they're awesome. Also, now that the reputation of the MIJ stuff has increased, I will probably have to spend over $1k for one of these.
2. Refinish the body of a MIA '57 RI: This is pretty much exactly what I'm looking for, except for the body color. The only color available in left hand is two-tone sunburst, which I have an intense hatred for. I'm open to this possibility, but the thought of refinishing a $1,400 guitar makes me a bit queasy. On that note, they're pretty expensive.
3. Buy a '57 RI and replace the body: Similar to the above, but not quite as radical. The big problem I see here is that there is no guarantee I'll find a used body that I'll like, which means I'm going to take a hit on the sale.
4. Buy a Strat in the color I want and replace the neck: This seems to be a lot smarter and cheaper (especially if I get an MIM Standard or a Hwy 1) than the above options. Selling the neck I swap out will be **** near impossible though. Who is going to want an MIM Standard neck?
5. Buy two Strats, swap the necks, and sell the other one: a la Eric Clapton. This is risky for two reasons: it's a huge up-front cost, and a big gamble that someone will want the Strat made from my reject parts.
6. Go 100% parts (Warmoth, USACG): The benefit here is that I will get the exact guitar I want. The drawback is that it will cost a lot more than some of the above options, and take a lot more time to get together. Resale value will also be compromised.
Let me know your thoughts. Again, keep in mind this is a left-handed guitar, so before you post, make sure the solution you describe will work for a left-handed guitar.
Thanks.
Basically, I want a 50's Strat in a light solid color, like white, surf green, seafoam green, or sonic blue. You know ... a nifty Fifties color! I'm probably going to put in some Classic Stack Plusses or Kinmans, a 5-way switch, and some interesting wiring, but other than that I'm aiming for '57 specs. Most importantly, I want the soft V neck with 7.25" radius maple board. I refuse to compromise on that.
I am willing to let go of my 2000 Am Std in order to get it, and I'd ideally like to keep the cost within the same ballpark. If I have to spend more, so be it ... I'll just wait until the funds are available.
The options I foresee working are presented in the poll. Here's a bit of a better description:
1. Wait for a MIJ 50's Reissue: I know for a fact that Fender Japan made or currently makes the exact lefty guitar I want. I believe it was made in white and sonic blue. The trouble is I never see them for sale - probably because they're awesome. Also, now that the reputation of the MIJ stuff has increased, I will probably have to spend over $1k for one of these.
2. Refinish the body of a MIA '57 RI: This is pretty much exactly what I'm looking for, except for the body color. The only color available in left hand is two-tone sunburst, which I have an intense hatred for. I'm open to this possibility, but the thought of refinishing a $1,400 guitar makes me a bit queasy. On that note, they're pretty expensive.
3. Buy a '57 RI and replace the body: Similar to the above, but not quite as radical. The big problem I see here is that there is no guarantee I'll find a used body that I'll like, which means I'm going to take a hit on the sale.
4. Buy a Strat in the color I want and replace the neck: This seems to be a lot smarter and cheaper (especially if I get an MIM Standard or a Hwy 1) than the above options. Selling the neck I swap out will be **** near impossible though. Who is going to want an MIM Standard neck?
5. Buy two Strats, swap the necks, and sell the other one: a la Eric Clapton. This is risky for two reasons: it's a huge up-front cost, and a big gamble that someone will want the Strat made from my reject parts.
6. Go 100% parts (Warmoth, USACG): The benefit here is that I will get the exact guitar I want. The drawback is that it will cost a lot more than some of the above options, and take a lot more time to get together. Resale value will also be compromised.
Let me know your thoughts. Again, keep in mind this is a left-handed guitar, so before you post, make sure the solution you describe will work for a left-handed guitar.
Thanks.
. Funny thing is they usually have TX Specials in them. But you need lefty- so yeah prolly tougher to find.
