How much to invest in a so-so guitar

[WannabeNnyc]

I bought a DR6 cheap and it's fine for what it is. But I have a new pickup coming in (bare knuckle warpig) that I was thinking about trying out in this axe. I guess my question is - will it be a little like putting a spoiler on a honda civic?? Will the electrics that are in there be good enough or should I upgrade things? Also, anyone know what woods were used on the DR6?

Thanks in advance.

[DonP]

If the pickup is just sitting there, then why not? Just keep the original to swap out when you decide to sell.

I'm not too familiar with the DR6, sorry.

Oh, and forgot to mention. I got a warpig for free (I'd never pay for one) with my ESP Horizon and just for giggles I put it in my HM Strat. Sounded awesome (still sounds awesome I should say).

[WannabeNnyc]

Cool man! Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I know what you're saying - I have another guitar that could use the "donation"...but like I said, part of me is just wondering if I'm trying to make something out of nothing. Then again...probably can't hurt to try, eh?

Right on...a free warpig, I need to shop where you shop! (I had to pay for mine.)

Cheers!

[Nightbat]

A good playing guitar is always worth upgrading
I got 2 fusions which I replaced the Schaller floyds (wear/tear/age) and pickups, already passing the price I bought them for

[DonP]

Right on...a free warpig, I need to shop where you shop! (I had to pay for mine.)

I bought a used 1988 ESP Horizon at Guitar Center. The warpig came in the case with the guitar. I was going to flip it for some extra cash but decided to try it in my HM Strat that I was waiting for a Super 3 to show up. Sounded great so it's not leaving.

Instead, I bought another HM Strat with a Super 3 already in it LOL!.

[Newc]

Never "invest" in a used non-custom shop guitar, because that insinuates you're intending to get that money back if/when you sell it later. You won't. Chances are you'll sell the upgraded stuff and throw the attached guitar in for free.

[Misanthrope[ALWT]]

it all depends on the DR6's potential.. Warpigs are GREAT pickups, but until you know what woods are in the guitar, how much money you have to complete the process of a rehaul, or even whether you WANT to make the commitment, you can't really say. unless you just want to put the pickup in and nothing else for some cheap thrills. in that case, cheers, and don't forget to switch back out when you sell it

[Twitch]

If you really like the guitar and plan on keeping it for a good while, by all means, "pimp" it out. Im getting ready to receive a $150 Alvarez electric (for sentimental reasons, its a good guitar though), but Ive already got a JB on its way for it and will probly pick up some Schallers or Grovers for it when I pick it up. Not to mention its fun to do upgrades. Just like putting headers and a custom exhaust or custom wheels on you vehicle. They wont help resale, but it makes you feel good while you own it.

[Misanthrope[ALWT]]

its fun to do upgrades. Just like putting headers and a custom exhaust or custom wheels on you vehicle. They wont help resale, but it makes you feel good while you own it.

yes. there is always that.

still, WannabeNnyc.. what exactly are your intentions?

[WannabeNnyc]

yes. there is always that.

still, WannabeNnyc.. what exactly are your intentions?

Man...it's like dating my wife all over again!!!

Thanks for all the advice and opinion. I bought the DR6 because I really dug the look of it, honestly. That, and it was cheap. But I knew it was sort of a lower end guitar. Will I keep it around? Eh...maybe, it's hard to say. I think all I was wondering up front is whether the basics of the guitar - the wood, or the electrics, for example - would keep someone from upgrading. Perhaps a silly question but since I've never done tinkering myself, I guess I just don't know what people do. Like the example I used: I tend to think it's funny when I see a Ford Escort that has been lowered, has glass packs in the muffler, etc.

[Misanthrope[ALWT]]

Man...it's like dating my wife all over again!!!

+1

anyways, you're welcome, and in all honesty no one can say just yet whether it's worth it, not knowing the woods (which i understand you still don't know.. sorry about that :think

but after all is said and done, if YOU like the guitar, fuck what WE say.. if it sounds good and you like it enough not to sell it, deck the shit out of it!

[Inazone]

I've spent a lot of money upgrading rather low-end guitars. I've sent MIJ bolt-ons to Mike Learn and Dan Lawrence for custom graphics, had custom inlays done on three different imports, and spent more on parts to assemble a mutt than a similar guitar would cost brand new. The thing is, sometimes the only way to find out if a certain combination of parts is going to work out is to actually pull the trigger.

Although I'm not really familiar with the DR6, I did play one once years ago in a store. If it's a tobacco sunburst type of finish, it's most likely ash, with other finishes being poplar.

[straycat]

DR6 is basswood