C
ClintN667
Well-known member
Hey guys I decided to get an explorer for 2022. I was wanting the standard explorer shape but I was wanting locking tuners and stainless steel frets. So I mocked up a build on balaguer's site but I'm not in love with the shape. So I have a quote from Chubtone with the specs and everything that I want with the added bonus of the typical style headstock. The quote came in slightly over 2k which is about the cost of the balaguer which I wasn't absolutely in love with.
So my question would be would it make more sense to grab a chubtone OR just grab an Epiphone from sweetwater and have them refret and plek it with SS frets, new pups,, and add locking tuners?
I think once the smoke clears the Epi would end up being cheaper but that isn't the an issue as all of my choices including the Balaguer all come out to around the same cost +/- 300
I'm planning on sending my deposit in 2 weeks to chubtone unless I just order the Epiphone.
The reason I'm not just getting a Gibson is the frets, not that I don't like my LP 's frets, I just want to standardize my fret material and tuners as a preference.
The cons of the balaguer is the shape isn't exactly what I want. Pros are I can't get every other spec exact.
The cons of the chubtone is bolt on neck which isn't that big of a deal honestly and I am not certain how it will feel at the end of the day. Pros U.S.A. made and by all reports they seem to have a good track record.
Epiphone cons - made in China although that's not as negative as it used to be. Pros the guitar itself is 1/4th of the price of the others. Also I already know generally how it plays.
If I'm being honest, if I was getting a super strat I would be 100% going with chubtone but as of this morning I'm 85% sure. Also being that I just have to put down a reasonable deposit is a plus. Balaguer seem not to have a great resale value and neither will the epiphone.
I don't know just wanted to get some feedback.
So my question would be would it make more sense to grab a chubtone OR just grab an Epiphone from sweetwater and have them refret and plek it with SS frets, new pups,, and add locking tuners?
I think once the smoke clears the Epi would end up being cheaper but that isn't the an issue as all of my choices including the Balaguer all come out to around the same cost +/- 300
I'm planning on sending my deposit in 2 weeks to chubtone unless I just order the Epiphone.
The reason I'm not just getting a Gibson is the frets, not that I don't like my LP 's frets, I just want to standardize my fret material and tuners as a preference.
The cons of the balaguer is the shape isn't exactly what I want. Pros are I can't get every other spec exact.
The cons of the chubtone is bolt on neck which isn't that big of a deal honestly and I am not certain how it will feel at the end of the day. Pros U.S.A. made and by all reports they seem to have a good track record.
Epiphone cons - made in China although that's not as negative as it used to be. Pros the guitar itself is 1/4th of the price of the others. Also I already know generally how it plays.
If I'm being honest, if I was getting a super strat I would be 100% going with chubtone but as of this morning I'm 85% sure. Also being that I just have to put down a reasonable deposit is a plus. Balaguer seem not to have a great resale value and neither will the epiphone.
I don't know just wanted to get some feedback.
