software

...even though I think I know what the answer is.

I have the body and neck for a strat project just collecting dust. The body is one of the most beautiful 2 piece, lightweight ash bodies I have ever seen....really unique patterned grain. The neck is is a lovely Warmoth maple/maple with abalone inlays. Really nice grain pattern on the fingerboard. My plan was to make this into quot;The Ultimate Vintage Stratquot;. Nitro finish, complete Callaham vintage hardware set, bone nut, Antiquity Pups...the whole 9 yards. Well, since I've fallen in love with my Les Pauls, the 2 strats I have already get very little playing time. I have a Highway 1 strat with Fender CS 54's, and a double fat strat that I rebuilt myself. Do I really need a third I ask myself? Here's a ball park of what it will cost me to do it right.

Nitro Finish - $600, 2 Tone Sunburst (from Dawn at Naked Body)
Callaham Set - $200
Pickups - $200-250 min
Misc - $100 (pots, other electronics, pickguard, nut w/install)

$1100 in remaining work, plus the $225 I have into the neck and the $175 I have into the body. $1500 total for a strat with top of the line finish, hardware and pups is a good deal....but for a 3rd strat? This would be the end all strat for me, lookswise and probably soundwise...definately quality wise. My Hwy 1 is really all I need in a vintage sounding strat, and I love the way it feels. My double fat has sentimental value, and is worth nothing to someone else.

The $$ is not the issue. But is that $$ better served going towards something else that I want....annother amp, like a 2 rock or a Splawn Quick Rod, Silver Jubilee or something entirely different? Or to multiple things like pups for Lesters, Carl Martin Plexidrive. Again, I can afford to do it all, but my thought process is why. Every time I look at it just sitting there I think, quot;Damn that's pretty, I can't wait to have it finished.quot; But it will most likely be art for the majority of it's life, probably never a main axe...at least for me. Also, it will not have any resale value compared to what I put into it.

Just looking for opinions.

$600 for a two tone nitro burst seems a bit steep IMO...if you want to save some cash there and you do go through with the project let me know and i'll get you a price from my luthier (Cris Mirabella), i'm pretty sure he can go lower than $600 for that and the quality i 110% guarantee you will be mind blowing top notch!

As for the main question...if your not going to play it and favor other guitars over it...why do it honestly, get the amp.

-Mike

Hmmm, that's a toughie. Maybe another way to look at it is, if you sell the parts off will you regret NOT finishing it? Maybe just consider different options, like maybe a clear finish vs. a pricier sunburst (you did mention the wood was easy on the eyes).


Originally Posted by XSSIVEAs for tha main question...if your not going to play it and favor other guitars over it...why do it honestly, get the amp.

I have to agree, if a new amp turns you on more than finishing this guitar, go for that.

i will not vote but here's what i'd do...

you have a beautiful guitar that you are working on. I'd say just make it into something that you don't already have. Like a double fat strat with Phat Cats, or Phat Cat/single/single. something to that effect. you would have a uniquely custom guitar. You have other guitars that cover the other bases but no P90 guitars. Personally, that's what i would do

as far as the finish, if it's a good lookin plank, just put a clear finish on it

$600 for a finish is an awful lot. I say, go here: and do it yourself. It takes patience, but it's very rewarding and mine turned out great (see avatar, or you might've seen my purple Tele and red baritone Strat at UGD). You gotta got nitro for a true vintage-type guitar. ReRanch even has 2- and 3-color sunburst rattle can DIY colors. My next project will be a 2-color sunburst Strat.

Good answers so far. Let me clarify a little. I don't have the time in my life to spend on a DIY finish. I did that on my double fat strat, and it turned out great, but I'm at a different place in my life where my time is worth more than that in terms of what I can make working. I'm also the type that if it's not done perfect, and top notch, I won't like it.

Post pics.

Check your PM's


Originally Posted by ChaosPost pics.
Wow, that looks incredible! I'd do a clear or maybe a single color translucent dye, a warm color like yellow/orange/red would look killer IMO.

WOW!!!!!!! Jeff, that is a sweet body!!!!!! Odie is salivating!!!!!!!!

EXACTLY! A clear red or orange would look better than a sunburst here IMO. that must be much cheaper than sunburst...


Originally Posted by theodieWOW!!!!!!! Jeff, that is a sweet body!!!!!! Odie is salivating!!!!!!!!

Odie want to take body/neck, Blues Jr and a couple pickkps for the Marshall head?

Not sure??? PM me the full details with the neck and body.

Which head? The JCM900?

I'd hit it!


Originally Posted by seafoamerI'd hit it!

That's what I like about you SF....you're an equal opportunity slut.


Originally Posted by theodieNot sure??? PM me the full details with the neck and body.

Which head? The JCM900?

No, the one who's name rhymes with Marshall Slash Reissue.


Originally Posted by Jeff_HNo, the one who's name rhymes with Marshall Slash Reissue.

Oh man I hate riddles...

Marshalls Flash Tissue?

Beautiful piece of wood! An easy amp; quick DIY finish ......Tung oil. It would look great and would be very resonant. Good luck with whatever you decide.....Joe