Strat Custom

Strat Custom
Build a custom strat from separate parts on eBay?

i was searching through eBay today for a stratocaster when all of a sudden, it struck me, could you buy a separate neck, then buy a separate body and some pickups and put it all together…?
Do you know of anyone that has done this before…? How hard is it?
Could someone point me to a guide somewhere on how to do such a thing?
would it come out cheaper?

Many people build their own guitars from individual parts. These parts can be cannibalized from parted out guitars or from aftermarket guitar parts manufacturers. There are companies (Warmoth for example) who’s entire business is manufacturing and selling only guitar components. How hard it is depends on how handy you are with drilling, measuring, soldering, painting etc. How difficult it will be also depends on how compatible the parts you select are. Not all “strat” style guitars have exactly the same dimensions. Even Fender parts will vary dimensionally depending on the year, model and country of origin. Buying on eBay it may be hard to verify compatibility before hand so check the sellers return policy before bidding. An easy way (but probably not cheaper) to assure compatibility is to buy your neck and body new from one manufacturer such as Warmoth or Stewart Macdonald. Stewart Mcdonald (stewmac.com) has a video for sale that covers the assembly of electric guitars. You might order this video first so you can see what tools and skills are required before you spend any money on parts. Speaking of parts both of the above companies among many others sell the bridges, pickups, tuners and all the miscellaneous hardware and Stew Mac also sells specialty guitar making and repair tools. As for a home built guitar being cheaper than a mass produced guitar the answer is almost certainly no. But with carefull shopping and a few good deals it can be an affordable way to get a guitar that is unique and just how you want it. I started out in the seventies building guitars this way and I ended up owning a guitar building and repair business.

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