GFS 335 Kit.

[Magicbisket]

Now don't go thinking I'm coping out on ol' Warmoth. This is just an idea for an in-between project until we can get full access to the tools to get to work on Lesle.

I had been eyeing the kits up on GFS for a while now, 90 bucks for a strat kit seemed pretty damn good regardless of s@#ty hardware. A couple weeks ago I noticed a new kit up, a $200 dollar ES-335 kit. http://www.guitarfetish.com/335-Set-Neck-Kit-Flamed-maple-Bound-Rosewood-fingerboard_p_4481.html Rosewood fretboard, Flamed Maple caps, neck is what I assume to be maple, considering their other kits have maple necks. The solid piece is probably that paulownia they have in their other kits, who cares, it's main flaw is that it's soft but if it's on the inside it doesn't really matter anyways.

If I were to get it, I plan on scrapping the electronic, scrapping the pickups, replacing them with some CTS electronics and GFS Pickups.

I understand that it needs to be filled, sanded, and finished. I understand the rest of the hardware is bare bones. I'm just wondering if you guys have had any experience with the GFS kits or can give me any input on whether you think this is a good idea or not.

-Thank you

D.T. Latty

 

[JCizzle]

I don't have experience with their kits, but I have purchased other stuff from them before and I've never had any problems.

 

[Magicbisket]

True, I have heard almost no negative feedback about their stuff. I was considering picking up a pair of those Retrotron Liverpools if I went through with the kit. Glad to hear their service has held up to Warmoth-Goer Standards.

 

[JCizzle]

Yeah, I'm still on my first build and I mix-and-matched my hardware and electronics with Warmoth and GFS. Can't wait to see your build, too!

 

[Magicbisket]

Great to hear you got a build on the way! Especially since it's your first one. I'd love to see what you break out at the end. It's like waiting to see the pictures from your friend's first ever vacation. But instead of Palm Trees and Roller coasters, it's wood and magnets.

 

[JCizzle]

Oh yeah, I will be posting pics soon. Yesterday I mounted the tuning pegs on, truss rod cover, and the day before I bolted the neck on, just have to wire it and set it up, I will probably start doing that Friday, my day off.

 

[greywolf]

I saw that one when I was surfin , it looks worth of a build for sure .

 

[JaySwear]

Dammit... I want one.

 

[swarfrat]

I almost want one, but what I'd rather have is a symmetric starcaster. If it wasn't already drilled for the bridge and neck angle already set...

 

[JCizzle]

That explorer kit looks tempting, too. If only I had the means to finish wood out here (that's what she said).

 

[ezas]

Looks like a cool project. I've been happy with everthing I've got from GFS. I have three sets of Pickups from them, a bridge and a set of tuners. The pictures make it look like a nice kit, and a heck of a deal for $200 considering the work that has been done, like the inlays on the neck, etc.

 

[Magicbisket]

1. Look forward to seeing those pics

2. Thank you for the positive feedback, I think today I'm going to bite the rather inexpensive bullet and order the kit. Sorted my coin pile last night and wound up with another 33$ so I think that's enough of a reason right there.

3. Curious ezas, what pickups did you get from 'em?

-Peace

D.T. Latty

P.S.- I'm sure I'll turn this thread into a build thread for it as well so keep your eyes out for when my baby gets here. Pics will be a-flowin'!

 

[ezas]

1. Look forward to seeing those pics

2. Thank you for the positive feedback, I think today I'm going to bite the rather inexpensive bullet and order the kit. Sorted my coin pile last night and wound up with another 33$ so I think that's enough of a reason right there.

3. Curious ezas, what pickups did you get from 'em?

-Peace

D.T. Latty

P.S.- I'm sure I'll turn this thread into a build thread for it as well so keep your eyes out for when my baby gets here. Pics will be a-flowin'!

I have installed:

GFS Pro Series '63s single coils with Texas Bridge and 'normal' wrap middle PU. (these went in a 7/8ths Warmoth S-type)

GFS Pro Series Alnico II vintage output Humbuckers.  (these went in a Ibanez AM73 semi-solid)

I really really like the SSS set. I'm not as impressed with the AII humbuckers but I'm still very satisfied/happy with them and I could get them unpotted which was something I wanted.

In a perfect world I'd have Bare Knuckle's in everything but I'm impressed with how similar the Pro '63 single coils sound to the BK '63 Pat Pend Veneer boards from Bare Knuckle.

I forgot to mention I have one of their electronic tuners and while it feels incredibly cheap, the actually tuning part works really well.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

The Retrotrons and the VEH's are very nice, along with the True-Coil SC's.

 

[swarfrat]

Thanks for the input. I love the Mean 90's except that they don't know the words.  (So they hum)

I'm curious about their humbuckers, but they don't generate as much internet traffic..

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

Well, if you're concerned about P90 hum and have the $$, some P-90 stacks from Duncan may be your thang.

 

[Magicbisket]

Appreciate all the feedback!

Speakin' of humbuckers, I'm really curious about their Dream 180's. Sadly, as swarfrat said, they don't get to much attention.

Had to delay the purchasing on the kit a bit, should be buying tomorr-uh.... today... I haven't went to be yet so it still feels like Wednesday. Anyways, I hope to have it here by Monday or Tuesday. I know it seems to asking but I'm just guessing by the good feedback I've seen on their shipping times. Woulda' liked to order it Monday but... well let's forget about that fiasco.

T'will be my very first semi-hollow. I've wanted one ever since I knew they existed... I finally get one... BASK IN MY JOYOUS MOMENT!

And as always- I thank you,

D.T. Latty

 

[ezas]

I haven't went to be yet so it still feels like Wednesday.

D.T. Latty

Good, I'm not the only one with that problem. I'm awake at night and sleep during the day so I'm always a day off on the whole today and tomorrow thing.

 

[Cagey]

I haven't went to be yet so it still feels like Wednesday.

D.T. Latty

Good, I'm not the only one with that problem. I'm awake at night and sleep during the day so I'm always a day off on the whole today and tomorrow thing.

No, you're not the only one. I only sleep 2-3 hours at a time, and only a couple times per 24hr period. I have little sense of night/day/date. Been that way since forever.

 

[Magicbisket]

Perhaps Warmoth is putting something in the wood or shipping boxes... Messing with our sleep schedule to lead to more late-night Warmoth buys.

I have to say, when I'm up late, I'm usually looking at guitar stuff... Sneaky Bastards...