Guitar kit ideas?

deeaa · Wed Aug 11, 2021 8:15 am

I'm thinking I'll get me one of those kit guitars. They cost circa $150 or so, and I figure I'd probably invest another hundred or so perhaps for a better pup or something.

I am getting way ahead of myself but what the hell, it's great to ponder options.

The guitar I'd build - maybe get it for xmas holidays to tinker with - would naturally be a flying-V...and although they come complete with a set neck included, I was thinking I might instead use a really sweet Yamaha neck I have for it. Jackson style black headstock.

Now, all my vees are black/white and I probaby wouldn't want to steer too far from those colours maybe...but I'm also not wanting to do all black either.

Furthermore, if i do use the Yamaha neck, I fear I can't use the neck pickup pocket at all as the neck is 24 frets...I don't know if it makes sense to use that, as I would have to build a heel for the body anyhow in that case, and/or maybe make it bolt-on instead.

Just thinking out loud here I suppose...there used to be some guitar planning gadgets online back in the day, maybe I have to look for one.

Anyway, any insight or experience about kit guitars would be welcome, and also suggestions what kind of colors I could use and how, to keep it nicely compatible with the B&W color schemes of the others.

deeaa · Wed Aug 11, 2021 8:30 am

Something like this would be VERY nice...

...but then again I doubt I could get the body sanded and leveled nice enough, or get it painted super nice...I suppose the easiest way to get a nice enough finish would be using some kind of see-thru-lacquer.

Ah, already planning this is quite exciting indeed

Partscaster · Wed Aug 11, 2021 10:46 am

Tru Oil, as originally made for gunstock finish's, is a great transparent finish. Goes on light, non-offensive odor unlike most spray finishes, easy to build up layers or to retouch at later date. Gives a slightly tan look to wood finish. It is linseed based, and can easily be color tinted with artist linseed based paints which happen to be very easy to buy and inexpensive.

Many guitar mod's have been documented on line using Tru Oil. Its easy and with great results.
Birchwood Casey Tru Oil is very common in US.
Great feel on necks, too.

redman · Wed Aug 11, 2021 11:22 am

Since you have the neck you might want to check out Warmoth bodies they do a great job.

https://warmoth.com/index.php/guitar-bodies

deeaa · Wed Aug 11, 2021 12:48 pm

redman wrote:Since you have the neck you might want to check out Warmoth bodies they do a great job.

https://warmoth.com/index.php/guitar-bodies

Yes, they make great bodies but no regular V...and their closest V option comes to about $500 for the body alone....would be much cheaper to buy a new Epiphone or something and use only the body. Can't understand a basic body costs so damn much.

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deeaa · Wed Aug 11, 2021 12:49 pm

Partscaster wrote:Tru Oil, as originally made for gunstock finish's, is a great transparent finish. Goes on light, non-offensive odor unlike most spray finishes, easy to build up layers or to retouch at later date. Gives a slightly tan look to wood finish. It is linseed based, and can easily be color tinted with artist linseed based paints which happen to be very easy to buy and inexpensive.

Many guitar mod's have been documented on line using Tru Oil. Its easy and with great results.
Birchwood Casey Tru Oil is very common in US.
Great feel on necks, too.

Yeah, I have finished one Gibson with tru-oil...that is indeed good! Just a bit hard to get.

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sabasgr68 · Wed Aug 11, 2021 2:14 pm

@deeaa Have you seen this one? Details in the link.

https://guitarkitfabric.co.uk/diy-guita ... 77-en.html

deeaa · Wed Aug 11, 2021 2:27 pm

sabasgr68 wrote:[mention]deeaa[/mention] Have you seen this one? Details in the link.

https://guitarkitfabric.co.uk/diy-guita ... 77-en.html

kit FV.jpg

No, hadn't seen this. Looks good too - it's just that ordering from UK is so difficult these days with customs fees and all. The one I'm looking at is in Germany so a little cheaper and comes without customs issues.

The last order from UK, an OD pedal, took two months to arrive and cost almost twice the original price with handling fees and duties.

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sabasgr68 · Wed Aug 11, 2021 2:31 pm

deeaa wrote: ↑Wed Aug 11, 2021 2:27 pm
sabasgr68 wrote:@deeaa Have you seen this one? Details in the link.

https://guitarkitfabric.co.uk/diy-guita ... 77-en.html

kit FV.jpg
No, hadn't seen this. Looks good too - it's just that ordering from UK is so difficult these days with customs fees and all. The one I'm looking at is in Germany so a little cheaper and comes without customs issues.

The last order from UK, an OD pedal, took two months to arrive and cost almost twice the original price with handling fees and duties.

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Oh, that´s bad. Looks like the german option is your best, then.