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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2018 1:43 am
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sfceric64 wrote:
....Guess I should have shopped it around some before ordering all the finish rattles. ....


It is certainly a consideration. We embark on these projects with the view it could be a way to a cheap guitar and then end up with £$100 going on finishing materials.

I started Fish Face because I wanted a Baja Telecaster but couldn't really justify/afford one off eBay. I am thinking, in retrospect, that might have been the cheaper option.

The big plus of a self build is you do know exactly what you are getting (well in hardware terms at least) so you don't have the gamble of getting something below expectations in a second hand purchase.

I am starting to see the appeal of a kit build as well. At least (finishing materials aside) you pretty much know the bottom line for having a playable guitar in your hand. The hardware isn't going to be that high end so, if the guitar turns out to be a goody, you can upgrade over time without too many qualms. Granted the body is a bit of a gamble. One of the joys of getting a body from a specialist is you can specify everything, even down materials and weight.

While I don't expect Fish Face to be a dog I keep thinking "Do I buy the cheap parts or the parts I really want?" Do I spend £3 on a knock off jack plate or £11 for the Fender one I really want? etc. etc. I will be getting the Fender one as a lot of the knock offs are a different shape which will annoy me.

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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2018 3:02 am
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The hardware isn't going to be that high end so, if the guitar turns out to be a goody, you can upgrade over time without too many qualms.

I'm starting to understand some issues that weren't in the initial thought process, the pots w/ my kit are knock off Alpha mini's. In order to use CTS, I need to rheem the predrilled holes and pay for the upgrade. But do I wait until I commit to that or do I start the finishing work. The same w/ the tuner mounting holes, I'll probably upgrade those as well. The cheap me and the reason I bought the kit will have me using all the supplied components unless I already have something to replace it with in my stash-kit.

Not starting w/ a complete picture of the end result is unusual, since most of us just buy whatever is at the music store or what we see online in some cases.


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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2018 5:14 am
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sfceric64 wrote:
.... the pots w/ my kit are knock off Alpha mini's. In order to use CTS, I need to rheem the predrilled holes and pay for the upgrade. But do I wait until I commit to that or do I start the finishing work....


In that position I would probably rout out the cavity to accommodate the larger pots (if this is an issue) before starting the finishing, as it only costs time. Once it comes to wiring you can then use the kit pots initially and upgrade in due course assuming the guitar is worth the further spend.

The exciting thing with a build is, as with any other guitar, there is no guarantee that you will ultimately bond with the completed instrument. It might be best to get it to a point where you can play it first before investing in upgrades.

I have the same issue with regard to the neck. I bought it off eBay as a Fender 50's MiM neck. Apparently, the original owner, prior to the one I bought it off, had made an attempt to remove the serial number on the back of the neck. It seems about the right shape, the post holes are 10mm which one would expect on a MiM vintage type neck and the logos look legit. Aside lacking a V profile , and the headstock is thinner than all of my other Strats, it might be a Fender neck. It had been refinished in part (badly) which makes me suspicious of the logo although it did seem that the logo was below the refinish lacquer when I addressed to face of the headstock. I only lightly sanded this to retain the logo. The lacquer on the back of the neck was really thin so had obviously been sanded off prior to the previous refinish.

I wasn't able to fit the neck prior to starting work on the body, as it arrived after I started, so I have no idea what the fit will be like.

Any road up, it is niggling me and I have little doubt I will be buying a new Fender neck in due course but want to get the guitar together first to ensure it is worth spending the extra money on first.

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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2018 11:26 am
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sfceric64 wrote:
Quote:
The hardware isn't going to be that high end so, if the guitar turns out to be a goody, you can upgrade over time without too many qualms.

I'm starting to understand some issues that weren't in the initial thought process, the pots w/ my kit are knock off Alpha mini's. In order to use CTS, I need to rheem the predrilled holes and pay for the upgrade. But do I wait until I commit to that or do I start the finishing work. The same w/ the tuner mounting holes, I'll probably upgrade those as well. The cheap me and the reason I bought the kit will have me using all the supplied components unless I already have something to replace it with in my stash-kit.

Not starting w/ a complete picture of the end result is unusual, since most of us just buy whatever is at the music store or what we see online in some cases.

The little parts do add up quickly to increase the cost, but in general, they are worth it. It doesn't cost us as much as it does the manufacturers, who are buying huge quantities and saving thousands per order. CTS pots and switchcraft switches and jacks are certainly worth it. That's your signal path, and any cheapness will show itself.
My Epiphone SG is not my favorite, so it doesn't get played much. I pulled it out a couple of months ago, and when I flipped to the neck pickup... nothing. Flipped the switch again and it popped, and then it started working fine. Likely corrosion on the contact, but no reason for that.

The big parts? Depends on what you want. Particularly on a Fender-design bridge, there's really not a lot of difference... even Fender used "mystery metal" on the late CBS models. For a Partscaster that is intended to be a faithful reproduction of a favorite from our youth... ya, maybe stick with the Fender hardware. For a working or "noodling" axe, there are less expensive options that are still a step up from the kit hardware.
Same goes for tuners. I'm really starting to become more fond of locking tuners, not to hold tune under heavy tremolo use, but for ease of changing strings... even put gold Sperzels on my Taylor 214.

For the pots, instead of spending $50+ on a tapered reamer (unless you just want one) I generally use a stepped drill. Inexpensive step-drills are under $30, and they hold up just fine on wood.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-1 ... /204312636
There's one that's $20 and goes up to 1/2"

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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2018 6:09 pm
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Each change creates its own cascading event. I can fit large pots as long as they are alphas, shaft knurl will still fit the knobs but CTS would also require different knobs. I haven't measured or test fit all the parts yet. It is a question of before, after or not at all w/mods. I think at the price point, I will build as is and run with it. Try what was provided. If it sounds/plays well enough no changes required, if not more practice lutherie w/ a better sense of the whole project. For a 1/16th ream, I would just use the correct bit and a hand drill even after finishing. Stewmac does get a nice upcharge on there tools compared to Lowes/H depot, some worth it.
John there wouldn't be a cavity depth issue as w/ most non open back bodies, just the control knob hole through the face from 5/16 to 3/8. Your neck mounting shouldn't be an issue, but yeah you never know what may have been done by a previous owner.


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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Sun Sep 30, 2018 6:28 pm
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sfceric64 wrote:
Each change creates its own cascading event. I can fit large pots as long as they are alphas, shaft knurl will still fit the knobs but CTS would also require different knobs.

But but but.... Allparts has Speedknobs that go to 11... it's one louder!

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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 7:22 am
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Image

As the parts start landing it becomes more and more difficult to leave it alone.

Next job - order black plastics and get the pickguard loaded.

Cavity shielding paint is on its way so I can do that before polishing as well.

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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 9:33 am
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Well I said I would prepare a build bill just to discourage anyone from attempting such idiocy.

Here it is - sorry about the formatting

Body £136.50
Lacquer & Consumables Say £100.00
Sheliding £11.65
Neck Fender ? Ebay £105.05
Tuner bushes Northwest Guitars £4.11
Tuners Stock £0.00
String Tree Stock £0.00
Neck Plate Fender Gold 099-1447-200 Jam2Day £11.95
Jack Plate Fender Gold 099-1940-200 1st Ave Guitars £11.99
Jack Plug Switchcraft £3.15
Scratch Plate Hybrid Warmoth £57.38
Plastics Fender - Black 099-1363-000 Jam2Day £16.59
Scratch Plate Screws Gold £1.11
PUPs Fender CS Fat 50's Stock £0.00
PUP Screws Gold 1st Ave Guitars £6.49
PUP Spacer Tubes Fender 099-4916-000 1st Ave Guitars £3.79
Pots Etc Stock £0.00
Bridge/Trem Fender Gold 005-3275-000 1st Ave Guitars £31.99
Trem Springs Stock £0.00
Trem Claw Stock £0.00
Trem Claw Screws Stock £0.00
Strap Buttons inc Screws & Felt Fender - Gold 001-8916-049 £9.70

Total £511.45

For what was meant to be a bit of a budget build I have to say that figure is something of a shock. I was thinking perhaps £500 absolute tops.

If you then consider all the items I had in stock you could add towards £200 for PUPs tuners etc. If I end up ditching the neck for a new Fender neck that is another £200 (£-100 for the mistake)

So a guitar at around £800 all told (ignoring time)

And if I were to sell it? Absolutely no point as I might get £300 if I was lucky. I would be better stripping it and selling the major components.

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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 6:54 pm
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John Sims wrote:
Well I said I would prepare a build bill just to discourage anyone from attempting such idiocy.

LOL!
I learned long ago never to add up ANY collection of parts on any project.
It's a hobby, not a job or an investment.
It's an investment of your time in something that you will enjoy... but it DOES lend support to the "it's not worth it" comments offered to another user who started a thread a week or two ago asking why there aren't more custom guitars.

That is really shaping up nicely. Looks like the PG is going to take a little work around the switch area as well, do you think the 5-way is positioned properly for the cavity? Can you trim against the hole under the switch without revealing the cavity? It looks close!

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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 2:20 am
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CB91710 wrote:
... Looks like the PG is going to take a little work around the switch area as well, do you think the 5-way is positioned properly for the cavity? ....


I agree that it does look that way but all of the cut outs are identical to a standard Strat PG (I have just checked it ...twice). It must be the fatter bottom edge of the new guard playing tricks.

I will load the guard and try it before applying the cavity paint just in case it needs a bit of extra routing.

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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:18 am
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John since your applying cavity paint, hope you have enough for the output jack area. Just a thought it's often overlooked.


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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:24 am
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Even though it got a little more pricey than you wanted, at this point it is a beautiful looking guitar and something you will be very proud of, and that in itself is worth the cost
mud


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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:37 am
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The burst pattern is really astounding!

Not sure if you ended up with black Strat or gold knurled Tele knobs. You can't go wrong with a single piece maple neck - unless you already opted for rosewood or ebony as a fretboard material.


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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:47 am
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mud wrote:
Even though it got a little more pricey than you wanted, at this point it is a beautiful looking guitar and something you will be very proud of, and that in itself is worth the cost
mud


Cheers Mud,

I guess I just feeling jumpy as all this money has gone out (granted in a manner that is difficult for Dearly Beloved to track) and I don't have a guitar to play yet; neither do I have any idea what it plays like.

Based on specification - single piece Swap Ash body, nito finishes, CS Pups etc. it should be a a reasonable bit of kit.

The neck is really niggling me though. Perhaps I will get over it when it is on and I can play it otherwise I can see another £200+ going on a new one. I cut back and buffed the head stock this morning and it looks pretty spanky though I say so myself.

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Post subject: Re: Strelicaster Build
Posted: Tue Oct 02, 2018 8:53 am
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chromeface wrote:
The burst pattern is really astounding!

Not sure if you ended up with black Strat or gold knurled Tele knobs. You can't go wrong with a single piece maple neck - unless you already opted for rosewood or ebony as a fretboard material.


It is a 50's style neck so far and black plastic throughout.

I know what you mean about the gold Tele knobs and I have been giving them some serious thought. I am actually thinking of keeping the black Strat volume knob and using gold tele knobs for the tone pots.

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