Question for builders/luthiers on my set-neck strat "dream guitar"

[skhan007]

Here's the story synopsis, which will put my dream guitar inquiry into context:

1999: Fender issues the Ritchie Blackmore set-neck Stratocaster Custom Artist model. It's a set-neck, vintage white, 22 fret, Lace pickups, slightly scalloped rosewood board, Strat, which basically looks like a 1972 strat. I could not afford it at the time.

2002: I call up my Fender dealer and ask if I can special order this guitar. Fender says no, because they no longer had an active agreement with the artist.

2011: Fender has re-issued the bolt-on version of the Blackmore Strat. Made in Mexico. I call up my same dealer and ask if could now order the set-neck model from Fender's Custom Shop. Now, Fender says no. Their agreement with the artist is only for the production of the MIM bolt-on model.

My dealer suggests I request a Masterbuilt guitar with different specs. So I said, OK. My specs were different than the Blackmore specs: Set-neck 1969 strat, black finish, maple board, CS '69 Abby pickups. The quote comes back at $5K and about a year wait.

I'm thinking to myself now- Is it possible to get a body and neck prepped for a set neck installation (Edenhaus is a Lic. by Fender parts luthier and could make me a body and neck, but said they cannot assemble for me) and have a luthier do the set-neck process and paint the guitar for me? I'm perfectly capable of installing the pickups, trem, tuners, and setting up.

$5K is a lot of coin and I'm disappointed that I can't get a "real" Blackmore set-neck model from Fender. So I'm thinking about my alternatives. Is it cost-effective to do this dream guitar project through acquiring the parts, having a skilled luthier/builder assemble the set-neck components, and paint?

Constructive input is most appreciated.

[matte]

i would strongly suggest emailing damian probett (http://www.probettguitars.co.uk/).

[Route234]

Musikraft is making set neck guitars now that might work. I have no idea how good they are or not.

[WR Guitars]

Here's the story synopsis, which will put my dream guitar inquiry into context:

1999: Fender issues the Ritchie Blackmore set-neck Stratocaster Custom Artist model. It's a set-neck, vintage white, 22 fret, Lace pickups, slightly scalloped rosewood board, Strat, which basically looks like a 1972 strat. I could not afford it at the time.

2002: I call up my Fender dealer and ask if I can special order this guitar. Fender says no, because they no longer had an active agreement with the artist.

2011: Fender has re-issued the bolt-on version of the Blackmore Strat. Made in Mexico. I call up my same dealer and ask if could now order the set-neck model from Fender's Custom Shop. Now, Fender says no. Their agreement with the artist is only for the production of the MIM bolt-on model.

My dealer suggests I request a Masterbuilt guitar with different specs. So I said, OK. My specs were different than the Blackmore specs: Set-neck 1969 strat, black finish, maple board, CS '69 Abby pickups. The quote comes back at $5K and about a year wait.

I'm thinking to myself now- Is it possible to get a body and neck prepped for a set neck installation (Edenhaus is a Lic. by Fender parts luthier and could make me a body and neck, but said they cannot assemble for me) and have a luthier do the set-neck process and paint the guitar for me? I'm perfectly capable of installing the pickups, trem, tuners, and setting up.

$5K is a lot of coin and I'm disappointed that I can't get a "real" Blackmore set-neck model from Fender. So I'm thinking about my alternatives. Is it cost-effective to do this dream guitar project through acquiring the parts, having a skilled luthier/builder assemble the set-neck components, and paint?

Constructive input is most appreciated.

Hi, this is completely what i am into, set necks tele & strats type Custom guitars, hit me up...
cheers
William.

[r9player]

It should be very doable to get parts and have a good luthier/repair person put the parts together. It will certainly be less then $5K is my guess.

[skhan007]

Thanks guys- most appreciated. I had no idea Musikraft was doing set necks. I've bought from them years ago and they are top-quality parts for sure.

I would have to agree that, as described, a set-neck strat from parts should be substantially less than $5K. I've assembled a strat from Warmoth parts for around a grand. The difference with my current idea is that I need someone to do the set-neck installation and paint the guitar.

[John Ziegler]

definitely check out William Raynaud at WR Guitars!
he made an amazing set neck fender-inspired instrument for me recently, and it was all done by hand, no parts-guitar here.
you can check out my actual guitar go from beginning to completion here....

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=769142

William will make you exactly what you want from the ground up...he's a great dude, and very easy to work with. plus, his prices are extremely "realistic".

good luck and cheers!

[skhan007]

definitely check out William Raynaud at WR Guitars!
he made an amazing set neck fender-inspired instrument for me recently, and it was all done by hand, no parts-guitar here.
you can check out my actual guitar go from beginning to completion here....

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=769142

William will make you exactly what you want from the ground up...he's a great dude, and very easy to work with. plus, his prices are extremely "realistic".

good luck and cheers!

Thank you! Email sent to William. Can't wait to follow up and discuss further.

[boogieman90]

call Scott Lentz.

[supa-fuzz]

Indy is not far from Chicago, contact Kurt Wilson, he can build anything you want.

[Souldriver]

for that money i would either get a luthier to dot he whole thing, unless you need the fender name in there. or buy it used, unless the used price is much higher.

[PAExplorer]

I have a minty 1993 set neck custom shop strat for sale if you're interested. Shoot me an email

[artguy47]

for that money i would either get a luthier to dot he whole thing, unless you need the fender name in there. or buy it used, unless the used price is much higher.


Then add the ENGL Blackmore, and you'd be there. They are running about $1700, then take of the 15% discount, about $1450. So for far less than the $5K Fender was asking, you could get both guitar and amp.

[mgrier1]

Used Baker Metal, maybe??? Just thinking out loud...

Best,

Mike

[jimshine]

Musikraft will make you a CBS headstocked set neck Strat carcass for around $500

[WR Guitars]

Hey Jimshine, I actually ended up building that guitar for Skhan007 last year, you can see it all on this thread

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=920403

you can also see the building process at

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=892688

ENJOY!!

[JBG]

+1 for William for set neck strats.

[Coogan]

Very nice guys! But have you ever watched Rossini playing a toothbrush? It's good and fun stuff!

http://youtu.be/_nTxZZEcg5k

Thanks for watching!

[WR Guitars]

+1 for William for set neck strats.

just saw that now!! thanks Joe!