Building a guitar on the cheap (partscaster)

[Cliff Schecht]

A buddy of mine is wanting a Tele but wants to build himself a partscaster instead of buying one off the shelf. It seemed like a good way to save money (do the final labor yourself) but all I can find are options that would cost more than just buying a used Squier or MIM Fender.

People seem pretty damn proud of their parts as far as I can tell. Is there a way to build a decent guitar for cheaper than you can buy one?

[Baxtercat]

A band mate and I got Strat and Tele Saga kit guitars for $100 each about 6 yrs ago. [They're more now.] After I leveled the frets and some other fixes my Strat one has become one of my main players [covered in tone-enhancing glitter].

I've since found import Strats & Squiers for $40 and $20 through the local C.L. [cheap gifts!] I even saw one go by for $10. Didn't even call; too much Fender shaped lumber in the house now.

[IMG:480:640]http://i914.photobucket.com/albums/ac34 ... erhead.jpg[/img]

[stelligan]

Cheap parts here - http://store.guitarfetish.com/Factory-B ... c_411.html

A bunch of "strat" parts - few Tele...

[sliberty]

Reality check - building gear is not generally a money saving activity. Sure, compared to buying a real TW or Dumble, building your own will save you tons of cash. But most other DIY endeavors are more about the fun of the build, and the freedom to build it your way.

I built 3 Teles, and each one cost more than a used American Std. However, in my opinion, they also KILL the American Std. Building a cheap guitar and trying to keep it cheaper than a Classic Vibe will be a real challenge, unless you opt to use parts that are lower quality than those used on a CV.

If you just want a budget guitar, the CV's are a cool choice. If you want a Custom Shop quality instrument, you might do well to build because the CS charges stupid money on some instruments (like the original 2 pickup Cabronita's).

Good luck!

[Jana]

+1 what sliberty said.

I've built about a dozen strats over the years and they always wind up costing more than a store bought strat. But, I get what I want and, unless I screw things up, they are much better than anything that is off the shelf.

You might be able to do it on the cheap if you spend the time to find deals on quality parts on ebay, etc. But, it would take time and effort.

You can build a very fine guitar for a thousand dollars--better, in my opinion, than anything that comes out of the fender custom shop. If you're on a serious budget, find a used hiway 1 or squier and do upgrades as you can afford it.

[xtian]

Do your friend a favor and get him to buy passfan's partscaster:

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... 989#218989

$200 is dirt cheap. Wish I had money.

[Structo]

For good information about finishing and building partscasters check out the ReRanch forum.

The owner also sells very high quality nitro lacquers in spray cans that work well.
Forum
http://reranch.com/reranch/index.php
Store
http://reranch.com/


A couple I made.
Vintage Cream
[img:286:400]https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qTds ... embled.JPG[/img]

Sonic Blue.
[img:400:320]https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t5yi ... 2520up.JPG[/img]

Here are some Fender colors available at ReRanch.

[Reeltarded]

$500.00 buy my $1980 Davenport Esquire and I will throw in a tele pickguard. Do it by wednesday or else.

[LeftyStrat]

I built one of the Saga Tele kits, and finished it using stuff from the Reranch link that Tom posted. I did Lake Placid Blue with a gazillion clear coats.

It came out great, but I don't think I'll ever go that finishing route again. It's a lot of work, and includes my least favorite activity in the whole world: Sanding.

If I ever do another guitar, it will require no finishing.

I'm contemplating one of these Res-O-Glass bodies for my next go round (I have a couple of necks laying around the house):

http://www.guitarkitsusa.com

[passfan]

Do your friend a favor and get him to buy passfan's partscaster:

https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... 989#218989

$200 is dirt cheap. Wish I had money.

Thanks for the plug. At least I know I priced it right. The longer it sits here the better the chance it winds up gold. I'm finishing an older Washburn A-10 in candy apple and I'm getting closer to the gold shot now in the proccess.

[Structo]

I have tried to sell a couple of my partscasters and it is amazing that people will not pay enough to even cover the parts.

Pretty depressing really.

[tribi9]

I have tried to sell a couple of my partscasters and it is amazing that people will not pay enough to even cover the parts.

Pretty depressing really.

It is sad, people will lowball you even when you're almost giving stuff away at the price point you're selling.

[passfan]

Pretty much why I'm about to paint mine gold. It looks like I may keep it.