prs-o-caster build

[bipdaboptiki]

Hi everyone - brand new to the forum and to Warmoth / partscaster builds. Started pricing out a nicer guitar after 15 years of living with my stable (fenders: american tele and japanese baritone) and was absolutely shocked by the cost for a fully-American made custom instrument. I've spent 2K on this build, before wiring / setup / plekking. I estimate my all-in cost will be $2700.

I've wanted a PRS guitar for a while, but after playing many models, decided I'm not a fan of how the necks feel. So, I decided to build my version of a PRS / strat-style guitar.

Body: mahogany, quilt maple top w/ green dye and satin finish, burst-over to the back, Fralin p90s on order, single volume control with low profile toggle switch, Gotoh 510. Forearm contour, cut, and contoured heel. Chrome hardware throughout. No tone knob because I haven't meaningfully used a tone knob in over 25 years of playing



Neck: vintage/modern, roasted flame maple. no fret markers. Modern medium nut, D neck back profile, 9.5-14" compound radius, 22 frets, SS6150. Gotoh tuners. Black side dots, black standard nut. Clear satin nitro finish. Goldo StringThree if it requires it. Looking at Rothko and Frost for a custom logo.



Would appreciate advice or input from more seasoned builders. Very excited, looks like everything will arrive in 3-4 months!

 

[Strat Avenger]

Why not build a VIP with the neck specs you like? 'Would be a lot closer to a PRS.
I agree on the Tone knob. It's not necessary with humbuckers or "noiseless" single coils.

 

[bipdaboptiki]

great question - it's $100 more for the same specs, plus I'm not a fan of binding on guitars, which appears mandatory on the VIP build.

Also I want my volume and switch to be inline, a bit further away from the body (like a tele). The VIP places them too close or offset in a way I don't find aesthetically pleasing

plus, I like the strat look! just looking for that stunning PRS type top which I'm confident Warmoth will nail

 

[AleForce1]

You could always drill the volume and switch yourself. Whatever you decide I am sure it will be a killer guitar. I've built several Warmoth Strats, and one VIP. I wished I would have built a VIP earlier, because I would have more of them. It's a fantastic body and fits better than a strat.

 

[bipdaboptiki]

You could always drill the volume and switch yourself. Whatever you decide I am sure it will be a killer guitar. I've built several Warmoth Strats, and one VIP. I wished I would have built a VIP earlier, because I would have more of them. It's a fantastic body and fits better than a strat.

that's a good point. there will be another build, I am sure - will likely try my hand at drilling / wiring etc. with lower price components

this guitar is getting assembled and set up by a local luthier

I might do a carved top VIP for a baritone I'm spec'ing out! good call

 

[stratamania]

plus, I like the strat look! just looking for that stunning PRS type top which I'm confident Warmoth will nail

Unless you see something in the showcase that you like you would probably want to go for a Unique choice as a random laminate top may not meet expectation.

https://warmoth.com/unique-choice-guitar-lam

This thread should also be in general discussion, as it is not an actual build. Build threads are meant for documenting the actual build process.

Use staggered tuners and a properly cut nut and a string tree ought not to be needed.

 

[bipdaboptiki]

thank you for moving the thread, @stratamania !

I have very low expectations of the lam top wood so no need for me to do the unique choice. if you saw my current roster of guitars this would make more sense

I ordered the stock Gotoh 6 in line tuners from Warmoth's site - are these staggered or should i consider another brand?