What is the cheaper, easier option

[mickeyj4j]

Hi sometime in the future I would like to get an electric guitar. Doing some research as to my options.
Is it really cheaper, easier, and worth fhe time to build your own electric guitar/bass.
1. From scratch (not really an option for me atm)
2. Premade body, neck and parts (brought seperatly)
3. A DIY kit,
4. 2nd hand rough condition. (Needs some work done)
5. 2nd hand good condition. (No work needed)
6. Go new.

What is your opinion on such things.

[Nick]

Depends very much on what you want from the guitar and what your current level of tooling is. If you just want a guitar you can pick up and it makes a noise then I'd be looking at a cheapo either new (Korean or Chinese thing) or a cheap secondhand. If you want something a little better you can always buy a cheap "chassis" (where the woodwork is good) and pimp out the cheap arse components for something with a bit better quality. Unless you are tooled up to build guitars then starting from scratch can be an expensive proposition and chances are the guitar would be worth a hell of a lot more than you could buy a reasonable one for. Having said that if you do have the tools or intend making more than a handful in your lifetime, then there's nothing quite like playing something you've designed and made. Mind you, electrics, in general, require less tools to make than Acoustics as they don't require a container load of clamps, planes e.t.c. My first one was made with sandpaper, 2 sash cramps, a jigsaw attachment for my drill, a few drill bits, a 3 foot rule, a set of chisels and some files. The fretting was the only area I had to buy in 'specialist' gear. Finish was applied using spray bombs.

[seeaxe]

Hi Mickey
Here's my opinion fwiw
Cheaper and easier....??
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. Maybe, but might be more trouble than it's worth
5. Yes. You can get a reasonably good 2h guitar for a few hundred bucks.
6. Maybe. Depends on what your budget is


Don't forget you will need an amp, leads and prob a few effects pedals if you don't already have them.

Is this your first electric?

[mickeyj4j]

Hi Mickey
Here's my opinion fwiw
Cheaper and easier....??
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. Maybe, but might be more trouble than it's worth
5. Yes. You can get a reasonably good 2h guitar for a few hundred bucks.
6. Maybe. Depends on what your budget is


Don't forget you will need an amp, leads and prob a few effects pedals if you don't already have them.

Is this your first electric?

Thanks for info. I play acoustic, and bass I have a line 6 microspider practice amp, Roland Cube 20XL bass, and an amp I made out of a modified car subwoofer. I do have cables.
When it comes to effects I dont have exact electric guitar ones. I do have a korg ToneWorks AX10A Acoustic multi-effects, Korg ToneWorks BX5B Bass multi-effects, behringer BDI21 bass preamp/DI.
When it comes time to get an electric I do think I would look at a good 2nd hand or $300-500 new.

[seeaxe]

I bought a Mexican built Strat, beautiful guitar and the easiest guitar I have ever played, but about a grand new, so if you can pick up something like that 2h you would do well. I still have my Epiphone LP, sure it's not a real LP but then it didn't cost 5.5k. I'll never be too good for it. For the record, I have built 2 teles since and am a completely converted teleholic. Still can't let the LP go though.

You have a happy choice in front of you

Good luck and be sure to post pics of the purchase
Cheers
Richard