software

Anything special I need to know to build one?
I'm working off a strat body maple board floyd platform.

Have you seen the warmoth neck with the truss rod adjust on the bottom of the neck by the body?

What's the best place for parts?

Do stainless frets ware out strings faster?

Any tips, tricks, cautions, or advice would be appriciated.

For parts:

expert advise on building:

PM Theodie

I've built a few in my day, but nothing to really write home about. WD or Stewart MacDonald is the place I think that I'd go for parts. As for stainless steel frets being hard on strings, you don't need to worry about that. Usually it's stainless steel strings being hard on frets.
The only advice I'd make to you is that you shouldn't skimp on quality. You can buy guitars for less money that it'll cost you to build one, so you may as well put some extra cash into parts that will stand up to playing and that will serve you well.

I agree about getting quality parts. No sense in taking the time to build a guitar with sub-standard parts. Who knows, down the road you may want to strip the guitar and at least you'll have stuff to salvage.


Originally Posted by SykesAnything special I need to know to build one?

Yeah... this web address: from : localhost/www.mimf.com/

Just DO IT!

Use lots of care, thought and ask dumb questions as dumb mistakes are far harder to correct.

My Parts-O-Caster Strat I built plays and sounds as good as any and as a very naive 16 YO didn't even measure the bridge position, I just put it where I thought it should go! Intonation is as good as it gets, hey you get lucky sometimes!

After that I take a lot more care but the learning experience is worth the price alone. Even if you can talk to your tech with more assurance THEN it is worth the effort.

another good site. from : localhost/projectguitar.ibforums.com

Be patient, have lots of it on hand to use. Originally Posted by SykesHave you seen the warmoth neck with the truss rod adjust on the bottom of the neck by the body?

Yes, I have a Warmoth neck on a guitar. That adjustment isn't a problem because I have never had to adjust it. The neck just hasn't needed it since the guitar was build 12 years ago.

There's a million and 1 places for parts but look around for the best prices.

If you're going to paint it rather than stain, go to and read the 101 articles until you can recite them in your sleep.

And again, be patient.

Have you thought about finding a local luthier/repairman? Not to build it for you, but they can be a great source of parts AND advice. Occasionally, they will let you use a little space and if you are lucky, and maybe show you how to use tools. (I've not known one who will let you use their tools, but I suppose it's possible). I've been slappin' parts guitars together for a long time, amp; I've gotten a lot of help for the pro's. Plus, they can do things like fret jobs that I don't have the time/skill/patience for. Also, when you need something really serious, like a neck reset, you pretty much know their work.

Conversely, if he/she blow’s you off, well, fine. Take your business elsewhere.

Shameless Plugs:
your local guitar geek.quot;

ive built a bunch of electrics. start with good wood thats well dried. if its your first one, i might buy the neck. think things out and finalize your plans before you order anything. nothing like ordering half the stuff then changing your mind.
lmi and stewmac are companies that i like, lmi for wood stewmac for other stuff. warmoth and usa customs are the two places id suggest for a neck