So I have the neck and a few other odds and ends. Depending on what sort of body I can get really determines what sort of guitar I'll build, but I'm hoping that Robert(original) will sell me one of his extra JM bodies. In that case I will be able to use my extra JM neck pickup (the store I ordered from accidentally sent me an extra, and even though I called them about it, they said don't bother sending it back -- their bad). I would have used an SJAG3 for the bridge, but that was sold... I could use a Lace Sensor red, but I think I'd rather pick up a used humbucker and hide it under a JM cover.
Assuming I get a JM body I also have a source to buy a CIJ tremolo for $35. I would still need to get bridge thimbles and a bridge though, but I'm also considering using a tune-o-matic if that's the case and forgo trem use. I'd also like to paint the body some sort of solid color and paint the headstock too. Perhaps black? Or maybe some sort of surfy pastel color.
If all goes well I'll be able to build myself a decent beater guitar for less than $300 invested. If I am able to sell off my extra pedals and pickups, I might even be able to finish this project for even less. It'd be nice to bring a cheap guitar to college and not worry too much about it.
Here's some early pictures:
The neck is pretty thin, but not quite as thin as my old Mustang neck was. Hard to tell without strings, but it feels pretty comfortable. It has a satin poly finish, but I'd probably redo that.
The rosewood is nothing to write home about, but it's better than most MIM Fenders I've seen. Perhaps I'd Ricken-ize it and have it finished like the back of the neck (doubtful)?
The extra stuff I have to work with thus far. I'd still need the following: body, nut, trem, bridge, neck plate, pickguard, volume and tone pots, and an input jack. Also paint.
Anyone have some suggestions or tips? Or perhaps extra parts they'd be willing to sell? I've built a guitar before, but this one is more of a blank canvas since I don't have as much specific in mind.
