Custom Shop vs. aftermarket "hot rodding"

[Inazone]

I've been going over some possible custom order ideas lately, and keep coming back to the obvious fact that I could take any one of my stock Jacksons and equip it the same as I would a custom for a fraction of the cost. With the USA SLS now discontinued, there are again no Jackson models which specs similar to my beloved JDX-94 Concept(s), and other than a graphic finish and custom inlays, I'd probably have any custom order built to JDX-94 specs. Having spent the cash for GWM refinishing, custom inlays and various other mods, I have a good feel for the financial angle. Resale value would of course be out the window, but that's not the point.

Just out of curiosity, what is the most you would spend on modding an existing guitar, as opposed to placing a custom order? In this case, it's a `90s Japanese model that probably sold for no more than $500-600 new, but the question could apply to anything.

[JimmyApollo]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

Probably not anymore than the cost of new pickups and maybe a bridge change, so about $200 at the most. I'd never get a refin except for maybe a restoration job.

[rps14a]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

if its your favorite guitar, i dont see the problem with spending the money.


chris

[Lordofgain]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

I have been thinking the same thing. There is a blue bengel lefty on the bay right now that I am bidding on.
If I get it for a decent price it is going straight to Lee to have the back of the neck sanded and oiled and refinished.
That sounds alot better to me than 3 grand on a custom shop guitar that will have zilcho resale value so I might as well get one the way I want it.

[rps14a]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

damn skippy

[busdriver]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

[ QUOTE ]
With the USA SLS now discontinued, there are again no Jackson models which specs similar to my beloved JDX-94 Concept(s)

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm curious what the SLS has in common with the JDX-94. [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[thetroy]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

I will most likely keep doing aftermarket stuff to my guitars, but for a different reason. I simply don't have the patience to wait a year for a CS guitar.

[Inazone]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
With the USA SLS now discontinued, there are again no Jackson models which specs similar to my beloved JDX-94 Concept(s)

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm curious what the SLS has in common with the JDX-94. [img]/images/graemlins/scratchhead.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Not much really, except that both have the string-thru hardtail bridge instead of a TOM. I've sold all of my TOM-equipped guitars because I find them very uncomfortable for palm-muting. I like Floyds, but would take a string-thru hardtail with locking tuners given the choice.

[gemini8026]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

[ QUOTE ]
I have been thinking the same thing. There is a blue bengel lefty on the bay right now that I am bidding on.
If I get it for a decent price it is going straight to Lee to have the back of the neck sanded and oiled and refinished.
That sounds alot better to me than 3 grand on a custom shop guitar that will have zilcho resale value so I might as well get one the way I want it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Lord, Ive ALWAYS hated painted necks, and have owned 2 USA soloists. I contacted various aftermarket guys for that SAME reason, have it sanded and oiled.

However, Im sure you have heard it before, but all it takes is some scotch brite and it takes away the sticky feeling of the neck. It is night and day, AND it still stops the neck to be protected from moisture and anythign that might cause premature warp.

You could save a few hundred bucks by just buying some light scotchbrite, taping off the part u want smooth, and blammo.

It works, and works good!!!!

[quiksilver]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

I've been thinking the same thing. I'd like to get a neck shave and sand on one of my Soloists.

[Lordofgain]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I have been thinking the same thing. There is a blue bengel lefty on the bay right now that I am bidding on.
If I get it for a decent price it is going straight to Lee to have the back of the neck sanded and oiled and refinished.
That sounds alot better to me than 3 grand on a custom shop guitar that will have zilcho resale value so I might as well get one the way I want it.

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Lord, Ive ALWAYS hated painted necks, and have owned 2 USA soloists. I contacted various aftermarket guys for that SAME reason, have it sanded and oiled.

However, Im sure you have heard it before, but all it takes is some scotch brite and it takes away the sticky feeling of the neck. It is night and day, AND it still stops the neck to be protected from moisture and anythign that might cause premature warp.

You could save a few hundred bucks by just buying some light scotchbrite, taping off the part u want smooth, and blammo.

It works, and works good!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Cool! Imight just do that. Thanks for the advice.

[Newc]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

The amount I'd spend depends on the number or cost of mods I wanted done, and how "cherished" the gutar is to me.
I thought about having GMW turn my LP Standard (Trans Red with a fairly weak flame) into a Goldtop, but I'd probably also have them shave the neck down a bit to give it a slimmer profile, but I don't know if I'd have them repaint the neck or just oil it. That LPC I had a while back had an oiled/sanded/shaved neck and it felt pretty good, but I have no trouble with painted/gloss or thick necks.
But then for what it'd cost, I could probably catch a real Goldtop on Ebay and have TWO LP Standards [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
Then again, I hardly ever play my LP...

[Lordofgain]

Re: Custom Shop vs. aftermarket \"hot rodding\"

[ QUOTE ]
The amount I'd spend depends on the number or cost of mods I wanted done, and how "cherished" the gutar is to me.
I thought about having GMW turn my LP Standard (Trans Red with a fairly weak flame) into a Goldtop, but I'd probably also have them shave the neck down a bit to give it a slimmer profile, but I don't know if I'd have them repaint the neck or just oil it. That LPC I had a while back had an oiled/sanded/shaved neck and it felt pretty good, but I have no trouble with painted/gloss or thick necks.
But then for what it'd cost, I could probably catch a real Goldtop on Ebay and have TWO LP Standards [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
Then again, I hardly ever play my LP...

[/ QUOTE ]

Whoo Hoo! Newc I just pulled mine out last night playing all kinds of old Def Leppard, ZZ Top and Priest!
I ran it dry right into my Trace modded Marshal JCM800 and it sounded KILLER. [img]/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]