High End Parts Casters

[CrystalSky]

I've considered it but even used people are asking too much. The shortys are not that common and I really want swamp ash and 1 11/16 nut. A lot of them are alder and 1 5/8. Hence the building it route.

I mean, if you want an Anderson, you’ll only get that buying an Anderson. I am a “save for the big hit” type of guy, so I would take Anderson route.

 

[Rackman]

I'm thinking about building a higher end 24 3/4 SSS parts caster . How many of you have done it? What was the approximate total cost? And do you think it was worth it?

My bender Tele (Callaham bridge, Certano benders) ended up being about $1500, because I did a custom neck with stainless frets and a roller nut plus the bridge hardware and an EMG T52 set with boost.

 

[Rackman]

I'd love 1K. My estimated cost is considerably higher but still way short of an Anderson. But that's the level I'm trying to get close to.

No partscaster neck is going to come with stainless fretwork on that level. You're going to either have to learn to do it yourself (which is doable, but do several practice runs refretting junk necks) or you'll have to pay someone. I had the guy who normally does my refrets go over my Warmoth neck, it it was a notable improvement.

If you want an Anderson, I'd save for and buy an Anderson. Lots of nice used ones out there.

 

[grimmchaos]

I do prefer Musikraft to Warmoth for necks. The last Musikraft neck I got was just about perfect right out of the box. The fret ends well rounded and very level, though I like a medium action so your mileage may vary. It's 3A flame roasted quartersawn maple one piece. I did have them install the Kluson tuners, bone nut, and oil finish. I also went with luminlay side dots, stainless frets, and a flame maple skunk stripe. I think the neck was pushing $800, but I like it just as much as the Fender CS neck sitting next to it. Slap it on an MJT body with my choice of pickups... maybe I'm into it for $1400. But it's exactly how I want it, so it was worth it.

The Warmoth necks I've gotten are good, but the fret ends can be a little sharp, they could definitely use a level out of the box, and some rounding of the ends to make them more comfortable.

 

[PDC]

Virtually my entire stable today is made up of self-assembled partscasters. I absolutely love the process. It can be addictive! I have had some great sounding guitars from remarkably cheap 'used' components and I also have a couple where I went all in on 'best of the best' custom spec'ed bodies and necks. Tuners - bridge - pickups are sort of the 'fixed cost' and necks and bodies are the 'variable.' I think you can get one assembled for under a grand and you can go wild if you want a one piece clear grade body and highly figured flame or birdseye neck.

 

[Findthetone1]

I thought about this for a while, because I like the shorter scale length. Found it tricky to find a conversion neck outside of Warmoth.

I'll probably just get a Fender Mustang and frankenstein that.

Musikraft makes them. I have 1 on order now for my Warmoth Soloist.

 

[Findthetone1]

No partscaster neck is going to come with stainless fretwork on that level. You're going to either have to learn to do it yourself (which is doable, but do several practice runs refretting junk necks) or you'll have to pay someone. I had the guy who normally does my refrets go over my Warmoth neck, it it was a notable improvement.

If you want an Anderson, I'd save for and buy an Anderson. Lots of nice used ones out there.

Musikraft has a stellar reputation for fretwork and I am lucky enough to have 2 true luthiers in my area if further work is needed. They have both done SS frets on guitars for me so I already know the quality.

 

[Findthetone1]

Virtually my entire stable today is made up of self-assembled partscasters. I absolutely love the process. It can be addictive! I have had some great sounding guitars from remarkably cheap 'used' components and I also have a couple where I went all in on 'best of the best' custom spec'ed bodies and necks. Tuners - bridge - pickups are sort of the 'fixed cost' and necks and bodies are the 'variable.' I think you can get one assembled for under a grand and you can go wild if you want a one piece clear grade body and highly figured flame or birdseye neck.

Going wild is my plan. I've sold 3 guitars this year so the $ is there. One piece ash body and roasted 5A flame maple neck from Musikraft. Will it be worth it? That is the question. Hence the input from you guys. Which is greatly appreciated.

 

[BackCrack]

Back in the day, Ken & Paul Warmoth used to do a yearly "garage sale" at the shop. You could pick up a standard Strat or Tele body for $60, and a neck to go with the body for $50. And the oddball stuff with non-standard features was even cheaper. Damn, I'm getting old.

 

[Fusionbear]

I prefer Warmoth. Probably closer to 1.5k overall. But worth it, IMO...