Re: The Warmoth route...
My experience with Warmoth was nothing short of excellent, although I've heard nothing but good things about USACG as well. If you just want a Strat, either place can handle that. I would check out the pricing on both and then decide. In my case, I got the body for my Warmoth from their showcase, and the neck I custom ordered. Both of them together cost me roughly $450, due to the fact that the body was already finished and the neck woods I used didn't require finishing. That's where it gets really expensive, a Fender-style solid color finish will run you about $150, and a neck finish will cost at least another $50, depending on which type of finish you opt for. I highly recommend the Warmoth Showcase for this reason, you can save some cash on bodies and necks that are already finished. Add in the cost of tuners, a nut, a bridge, and all the electronics, and you should be able to come in under a grand, although it's not going to be a huge money saver. In most cases, Warmoth isn't a good way to save a ton of money. It's a good way to get exactly what you want without going the custom shop route.
Ryan
