Anyone built or seen any of these kits from Ebay? Or just have an opinion?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/190579161870?ssPageName=STRK:null:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1429.l2649
My wife wants a guitar. A dark purple one. Not an easy find for reasonable coin. I am cheap, and capable (hopefully) of pulling the build off. Will likely replace the humbuckers during the build, which I know I can do.
I am not expecting top of the line tone, but just something she can play with and learn on. Depending on how the build goes, I might do the Telecaster kit for myself.
Why not buy a used Affinity like you were talking about for $50, tear it apart, take it to a local furniture refinisher and have the body dipped, then paint and reassemble? They have alder bodies, so you might be able to keep a little of the wood-grain showing through the finish. That way you at least know what you are getting.
Well, the Strat is for me! I have been unable to find a cheap Affinity Telecaster, which is disappointing. I would really like something the polar opposite of my SG tone-wise.
For my wife, those kits have a lot of body style available, which is appealing, and I have two Wilkinson humbuckers begging for a HH body. Who knows, just running through options. My biggest goals right now are to finish redoing a Harmony LP. All new gold hardware, new pickups wired Jimmy Page style. I am also looking for an axe for my little sister. She has finally gotten into rock over the last year and wants to learn. Better late than never. I might do an Affinity for her.
One issue is my local GC shop don’t have the Affinity in stock. I am hesitant to buy one used online blind…
I’ve built a few guitars over the years. LOTS of fun! My grandfather is a retired engineer turned full time luthier, so I’ve been fortunate to have him as a mentor.
Starting on a kit is a good idea, especially if you don’t have anyone to help you out and/or limited access to specialized tools. Leave things like scale calc, fret install, truss rods, and the like for future projects.
There are a lot of great books out there if you decide you like this sort of thing. I’d be happy to suggest a few if you’re interested
That’s cool. I wish someone in my was a luthier. I really doubt my projects will ever get that involved. Cool stuff, but I think I will stick to fixing the electronics and refinishing. My wife would kill me if I start another big time hobby!
It’s been great to learn from him. I just wish we lived closer to each other… I’m in NY, my grandparents are in WA state. Not an easy commute!