Something a little different perhaps...

igotgas

I'm sure this thread will perhaps invite some heat (great way to start a thread right?).

Recently, I've found myself moving towards the Fender end of my collection.  Up until recently, it's been Telecasters.  Some of you may have read a thread about a Japanese Esquire (converted into a Telecaster) I picked up.  

After owning many Mexican Stratocasters and substantially less USA made Strats, I find myself gravitating that direction.
My current go to Strat is an Olympic White, SSS, Anniversary edition model.  Maple neck and Fret board.  2 point trem.  It's a beautiful guitar but (probably psychologically), it doesn't hold the same allure as a Custom Shop, Nitro finished Strat.

For example, my Custom Shop, 62, Re-issue Tele does it for me.  The other Tele's I have are fantastic, they really are but, there's something really tactile about the reissue; the finish and what it gives back.  I can't help but think that's what's missing with the Strat.  It's enclosed in a thick shell of Polyurethane.  Something makes it feels more bulky than it has to be and I feel like, that sensation I've come to expect back from a guitar, is not as apparent.

Finally to the point (almost anyway )...
I've been considering purchasing a Custom Shop Stratocaster for several years now.  However, i'm thinking there might be even more fun to be had building one.  If you're anything like me and had dirty thoughts like this, you'll have been all over the place like this too.

• Late 50's or early 60's based build?
• Source new parts true to the required spec?
• Find modern Fender parts and re-use in the build?
• Find more vintage parts?
• Which woods...
• ...

Here's where I have settled, a David Gilmore Black Stratocaster Inspired Guitar Build.  Now, I know this sounds crazy in some ways.  For me it's very current.  Fairly recent events that need no mentioning for one.  In other ways, I've also been experimenting sonically with more ambient effects and sounds with a couple of amps.  Therefore, the psychological motivation to pick up and play would be reinforced by having a DG-esque Strat to pick up.

So, my intentions are, to start with at least

• An unfinished 68/9 spec body (would like to source from somewhere in the UK but it has to be accurate)
• Source a modern neck, perhaps reissue or custom built, true to spec.
• I am hoping to find someone in the UK who can help by laying down a Sunburst finish and then a Nitro Black finish over the top.
• We'll also need to look at that we need to do with the neck.  If it's new then, perhaps I can get the right spec of coating and colour on it.  If not...
• From there, I'd quite like to source pre-owned parts of the correct era to complete the guitar where possible.  Where that looks unfeasible then it will have to be new, off the shelf parts.

As a start, can anyone help with sourcing a Stratocaster Body and Neck that's suitable - in the UK?
I've looked in the following but am unsure:
https://ngsguitars.com/
https://www.guitarbuild.co.uk/
https://www.northwestguitars.co.uk/strat-bodies/

Obviously there's Warmoth in the US but the cost to import might negate the benefits of using someone based in the UK.
If possible, i'd love to support a UK based company, doesn't have to be big, could be a one man band, but they do need to provide an accurate specification.

Sorry this is long winded.  This is going to be a bit of a slow burner post but if I manage to move forwards I hope it will be of interest to some. 

(Am aware of the http://www.gilmourish.com/ website by the way).