The title says it all really.
I have a cheap as chips Squier Strat which is actually quarter/half decent.
What's good:
The body is full thickness, Nice condition, no chips
Black, this could be a self build Clapton type Strat.
Even if I added a brand New Mexican maple neck, I would still have about £180 over a new, pro setup G&L.
What's bad:
The neck plate appears to be stuck to the body?
The machine heads are total w@nk
Could do with a properly cut nut.
Whammy snapped in thread, cannot get out without butchering finish of bridge.
Cheap electrics, crackly knobs.
Why the dilemma?
I have always wanted a self build with a connection to my kids. I have a serial number already set out and sure I could come up with a name.
But. Could the money spent just but me a very well set up Strat/fallout/asat type guitar?
I know self builds can be very rewarding. I just don't know which way to go.
Comments
Very satisfying when it's finished: and you needn't spend a fortune either.
Squier necks are usually quite nice, especially with s little TLC. Do you really need to replace it? Far easier to sand down the headstock and refinish with your own waterslide decals.
Electrics are a doddle (if you are that way inclined): the Wilkinson trem is a nice piece of kit: and there is a huge range of quality tuners available.
Axesrus do their own-brands p'ups (at very attractive rates for a matched set) which would give many a set several times the price a very good run for the money: check out the sound clips on their website...
By the time you've finished you'd have a guitar that would easily out perform many costing 10x what yours did!
Only reason for changing neck is I love maple boards on black Strats, but it could stay for the time being.
Neck plate says 'Squier by Fender' and I wpuld like a personalised one. Assuming i can get it off?
I still currently have it, although it is on an auction site at the moment. I don't think it will sell and if it doesn't I will get to work.
I have started pricing parts and it certainly won't be too expensive, but should sound and behave a lot better, and cost could be spread.
Tuners and bridge will be first. :-)
It will certainly be something to do over the winter. I have the spreadsheet at the ready which currently shows the guitar and purchase price. I will break it down once finished.
I almost purchased the tuners and bridge yesterday but prioritised the tuners on my acoustic first, oh and accidently purchased a carbon copy, whoops. :-)
I know that feeling, I've accidentally purchased quite a few pedals this year after getting back into it ...
I did get a little concerned when I started adding it all up. The Strat is going to be the cheapest part once factor in:
Wilko Bridge (steel block)
New Tuners.
String trees
Pick guard screws
Trem springs
Pickups, wiring, etc.
waterslides.
Thankfully the body is good, the neck is usable (although would prefer maple) and I really like the pickguard/trem cover.
The plan is to do the lot for around £150, but I will see how it goes.