MkIII Renegade
New member
I can't call it a true build since I'm just assembling parts, so I'll call it a quest since I had to work hard to decide on the right parts to buy.
I've had an Yngwie J. Malmsteen Strat on my backburner for years, but finally played one this year, and knew the time was here to get my own. Problem is, they've never made one in my favorite Strat color: Seafoam Green. Yes, there are some rare early Japanese YJMs in Surf Green with maple boards, but they don't have the same Viking Sword sized giant frets that new ones have (Dunlop Super Jumbo), or the deeper scallops, or the bullet truss rod adjustment when the guitar is still assembled. So I decided to build one!
Picked up an alder Modern Strat body from Warmoth, and then got a Fender Vintage 6-hole trem and other correct hardware. Next was a loaded pickguard with Duncan Fury set and 5-way switch (since I love 2 and 4 for cleans) from Sigler Music. I've never been decisive or frugal when it comes to leather straps, so I bought both of the ones that I was considering, which complement the finish nicely. I'm leaning toward the lighter brown one as best for this guitar, what do you guys think?
The true work of art is the mighty genuine YJM neck. I searched ebay until I found one with particularly nice chocolatey patterns in the rosewood. It is so delicious in person; it looks like a chocolate bar mated with a mint. Makes me want to eat it!
I have a feeling this photogenic babe is going to be another co #1 for me (again......I am not decisive :knockedou ).
If you've never played an Yngwie Strat, let me just say that the feel and sound are very, very special, especially for fast alt-picking high in the upper register. It contributes to an naturally loud unamplified single note volume, and the feel is total liberation....
I'm going to start with some of favorite strings for bolt-on guitars---Rotosound Orange 9-46. I think these will be fantastic for this guitar! Not quite as bright as some strings I've used, although they feel very slinky and have superior tuning stability. Any other recommendations for strings? I know Yngwie uses Fender 8-48, although I'm not sure if 8s are for me....maybe after I adjust my heavy touch somewhat....
Very excited to get it going and start recording over the long Thanksgiving break. Hopefully the weather will be appropriately cold and windy to set the mood. I'll have to spend some time in the woods and breath in some of the cold air first before retreating to my basement recording cave.
I am already planning for a stablemate for this one soon, which will be an Yngwie Sonic Blue with maple fretboard and Dimarzios. When I first started playing as a young pup in the late '80s, I remember thinking "why does Yngwie play those old fashioned/obsolete Strats when he could get a Jackson Soloist??". :18: Ahhh the foolishness of youth, I TOTALLY understand the attraction now....
I've had an Yngwie J. Malmsteen Strat on my backburner for years, but finally played one this year, and knew the time was here to get my own. Problem is, they've never made one in my favorite Strat color: Seafoam Green. Yes, there are some rare early Japanese YJMs in Surf Green with maple boards, but they don't have the same Viking Sword sized giant frets that new ones have (Dunlop Super Jumbo), or the deeper scallops, or the bullet truss rod adjustment when the guitar is still assembled. So I decided to build one!
Picked up an alder Modern Strat body from Warmoth, and then got a Fender Vintage 6-hole trem and other correct hardware. Next was a loaded pickguard with Duncan Fury set and 5-way switch (since I love 2 and 4 for cleans) from Sigler Music. I've never been decisive or frugal when it comes to leather straps, so I bought both of the ones that I was considering, which complement the finish nicely. I'm leaning toward the lighter brown one as best for this guitar, what do you guys think?
The true work of art is the mighty genuine YJM neck. I searched ebay until I found one with particularly nice chocolatey patterns in the rosewood. It is so delicious in person; it looks like a chocolate bar mated with a mint. Makes me want to eat it!
I have a feeling this photogenic babe is going to be another co #1 for me (again......I am not decisive :knockedou ).
If you've never played an Yngwie Strat, let me just say that the feel and sound are very, very special, especially for fast alt-picking high in the upper register. It contributes to an naturally loud unamplified single note volume, and the feel is total liberation....
I'm going to start with some of favorite strings for bolt-on guitars---Rotosound Orange 9-46. I think these will be fantastic for this guitar! Not quite as bright as some strings I've used, although they feel very slinky and have superior tuning stability. Any other recommendations for strings? I know Yngwie uses Fender 8-48, although I'm not sure if 8s are for me....maybe after I adjust my heavy touch somewhat....
Very excited to get it going and start recording over the long Thanksgiving break. Hopefully the weather will be appropriately cold and windy to set the mood. I'll have to spend some time in the woods and breath in some of the cold air first before retreating to my basement recording cave.
I am already planning for a stablemate for this one soon, which will be an Yngwie Sonic Blue with maple fretboard and Dimarzios. When I first started playing as a young pup in the late '80s, I remember thinking "why does Yngwie play those old fashioned/obsolete Strats when he could get a Jackson Soloist??". :18: Ahhh the foolishness of youth, I TOTALLY understand the attraction now....
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