Incoming - Custom Strat #4!

[slowhand84]

Well, for the 4th time I have come across a partscaster build with some very high end specs for a used MIM Fender price and despite my best efforts to convince myself I don't need yet another strat, awayyyy we go!

This one is loaded with a 920D Duncan Everything Axe pickguard ($350 new), a solid rosewood neck (guessing that's $300-ish new depending on the brand, think this one might be WD), Hipshot locking tuners, and what looks like a very nice trem (not sure what brand, but a nice big block in there). Don't know where the body came from but looks nice. Whole thing has kind of a Ritchie Blackmore vibe. Mainly went for this due to the neck, I love solid rosewood necks and have been hankering for a strat with that neck wood to add to the stable.

Will update with some good photos once it arrives, but for $499 if everything is good on it this'll be another winner.

[Spike]

Beautiful strat! Especially love the rosewood neck!

[slowhand84]

Beautiful strat! Especially love the rosewood neck!

Thanks! The RW neck is the main reason I bought it, I really love those and it's been a good 7 years or so since I've had a RW neck in the stable...so I've been on the lookout. Almost bought a Fender Professional a few weeks back for a decent price but I just like custom partscasters way more than factory Fenders, not to mention the huge price difference.

[Partscaster]

whaat's the rw neck typically sound like? Thanks.

It looks beautiful. I've seen the rw necks for near 300$ on stratosphere.

[slowhand84]

whaat's the rw neck typically sound like? Thanks.

It looks beautiful. I've seen the rw necks for near 300$ on stratosphere.

Yeah they can be anywhere from like $280ish on the low end to $500+ depending on the brand, figuring, etc. It's hard to discuss the "sound" of the neck because the tones you hear when you play the guitar are being manipulated by every single part of the instrument (pickups, body wood, etc) and then there's the matter of your rig that you're plugged into. Rosewood necks are really most prized for "feel", because they feel incredible and don't need a finish or ever get sticky.

I think generally it's accepted that with rosewood necks there's a bit more of an accent on the mids and highs, but all that can vary from piece to piece and as I mentioned above is also affected by everything else on the guitar.

I will however do some extensive tone demos when it arrives, so there'll be that

[UrenragK]

That's a beauty! Good luck with it!

[toomanycats]

Very handsome looking instrument. Whoever put that one together had an equally good grasp on the concepts of guitar aesthetics and functionality.

[toomanycats]

Very handsome looking instrument. Whoever put that one together had an equally good grasp on the concepts of guitar aesthetics and functionality.

[slowhand84]

Very handsome looking instrument. Whoever put that one together had an equally good grasp on the concepts of guitar aesthetics and functionality.

For sure! I love partscasters and when the previous owner knew what they were doing in terms of specs and assembly I've found that they can very much stand tall next to insanely expensive boutique stuff...with the added bonus of having terrible resale value so you can score them dirt cheap

If this one is a winner it'll be joining my Warmoth trio as the 4th member, though I may potentially let the middle one go and replace it with this...still thinkin' that over but can't make a decision until I have some time with the new one.

[BatUtilityBelt]

I have yet to play a guitar with a solid rosewood neck, but it sure does look awesome. Also wondering what the extra switches are for - phase reverse? series/parallel?

[slowhand84]

I have yet to play a guitar with a solid rosewood neck, but it sure does look awesome. Also wondering what the extra switches are for - phase reverse? series/parallel?

I've played a couple, the feel is amazing! One mini switch adds the neck pickup to whatever position the main switch is on, and the second mini switch is a coil split for the neck and bridge pickups. This guitar has a 920D Everything Axe loaded pickguard, same one seen here but white instead of black:

https://920dcustom.com/products/920d-cu ... ggle-black

[slowhand84]

Just shipped, looks like it'll be here Friday. The wait begins!

[nomadh]

Never tried one but I like the look and the concept. I would worry that rw could be neck heavy?

[slowhand84]

Never tried one but I like the look and the concept. I would worry that rw could be neck heavy?

Yeah they do look beautiful but it's even more about the feel, that's kinda the primary draw with rosewood necks.

I have played several guitars with solid rosewood necks (my friend has a Warmoth similar to this one but with humbuckers, and I played two or three of the Fender Am Professional models also w/ RW necks) and none of them have had any weight or balance issues...so not expecting that to be any kind of problem.

Worst case scenario, it'll be an excuse for yet another beautiful @TVvoodoo Well-Hung strap. Hell who am I kidding, that's gonna happen anyway

[TVvoodoo]

You have a great knack for trophy hunting! I like the niche you have found for your gas!

[slowhand84]

You have a great knack for trophy hunting! I like the niche you have found for your gas!

Thanks man! Sometimes I feel like they find me. If this one ends up being a keeper I'll be in touch to get it properly Well-Hung