Buying a new Guitar VS Building a Partscaster

[@landonbailey]

Have you ever built a partscaster? Can you guess what dirt pedal I used in the video? (BOSS pedal) The wiring in all my builds - Obsidian Wire Kits: @t (Affiliate link) Fender Parts: Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/LJRyM TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Hello 3:00 - the WHITE Telecaster - 50s Style 5:13 - the BLUE Telecaster - Fender Elite Style 7:00 - the RED Telecaster - Fender Professional style 10:05 - the BLACK Stratocaster - David Gilmour inspired 13:18 - My Tips and Recommendations 17:43 - Summary - Pro & Cons 26:09 - My fav build 28:18 - Goodbye

[@jacksolomon451]

I've built three this year, a fake strat and two teles. I discovered I'm pretty good at fitment and assembly, soldering is fun, the absolute literal worst at paint and finish. I'm probably through building for awhile, but I learned some amazing skills to take care of my purchased instruments.

[@jah8859]

Nothing to say so commenting just to help the algorithm

[@landonbailey]

:)

[@autistichead8137]

All hail the algo

[@cautiousoptimist1926]

I have assembled a half dozen partscasters. Is it worth the time, trouble and expense? There are many things to consider. If the guitar you want is only slightly different from an available instrument it is better to modify. However, choosing your parts can be difficult and frustrating. There are no industry standards. Just because something should fit doesn't mean it will. For instance, Fender/Squire has made quite a few variations of their stratocaster tremolo bridge: string spacing, post spacing, saddle width, block size, metal quality, dimensions can be expressed either in millimeters or inches. Aftermarket parts are a crapshoot regardless of whose name is on the package. If you want something that is truly unavailable than building it yourself is a good option. It will cost a fraction of what a custom builder will charge you, but when it's completed it won't even be worth what you've spent on parts should you try and sell it. You really have to enjoy the process, and see the expense as money well spent on a hobby you enjoy. I do resent all the time I've spent poking around the internet trying to locate suitable parts at reasonable prices when I could have been practicing. And one more thing, no matter how knowledgeable you are, you can only approximate what it will sound like when you're finished.

[@ceeno-s5m]

My fav guitar channel ❤

[@davidriel7805]

You built it !!!! Not sure why someone would nit pick that

[@landonbailey]

if you build it, he will comment :)

[@davidriel7805]

@@landonbailey lol

[@ChrisRash]

I vote for building. I've built many guitars using Warmoth parts. Love using exotic woods. And can do that at a much cheaper price than a fender. But a koa strat with a wenge-ebony neck. Padauk tele with a padauk neck, Bare Knuckle pile driver pickups. An exact copy of Gilmour's black strat. Each guitar was under $1000 complete. I was able to get the exact specs i wanted (neck profile, electronics, tuners, pickups, etc)

[@shaunw9270]

Four very successful builds Landon . Carefully chosen quality components and carefully assembled and set up ; they're all worthy of the Fender decal 👌

[@marshallbrooks2296]

I think Landon might like tele’s. Idk why though

[@landonbailey]

sometimes 😂👍

[@Trauzzinator]

I'm a hands on kinda guy so building is always my pick. Even if I spend more money it's always worth it to me because I'm putting my blood, sweat, and tears into something that I built myself.

[@landonbailey]

👍🎸

[@kevinrobb1797]

Thanks for your video guitar reviews! You have inspired me to get the best guitar I have ever owned in my 35 years of gigging, recording ect. The Fender player Telecaster butterscotch blonde. It has a special mojo that inspires me and takes me into new directions songwriting, jamming, and performing. I always thought the tele was for old dudes, now I'm older, and wiser, I'm getting tones now that I've never been able to get with my 3000 dollar Gibsons! I am much happier with my strats, and now my #1!!!! Thanks again, love your videos man!

[@landonbailey]

sweet! ya they are awesome guitars

[@sccottheaston9902]

i recently just assembled a DIY tele kit and i really enjoyed the experience and have sine completed a LP style one as well again really enjoyed the experience !!!!

[@nickburmanmusic]

I've assembled a partscaster and built a few too. Doing the setup is definitely a tricky endeavour and slightly above Ikea assembly level. The key is to choose your body/neck very carefully. Very. Get measurements! I had a body with a neck pocket that was too deep and had to raise the neck about 3 mm (1/8") with a shim. That took a bit of work! I was hoping to do the whole thing with sandpaper and a screwdriver. Oh well. Still, I'm very happy with the results. PS You do not have to 'heart' this comment as I'm afraid I'm one of the "Assemble not build" brigade of pedants! It's more to do with the accuracy of language than anything else (ie my feelings being hurt!). Assembling a guitar is still a tricky business and yours look fantastic. That's still a fair amount of work and to me a great way to get a high quality instrument at a low price.

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

I just got done putting together a tele kit. So had to shape the headstock from a blank "paddle" with a jigsaw, belt sander and a file, sand the neck/body/headstock, grain fill and finish sand the body, stain it, iron on my own headstock logo and "serial number" (sailor jerry logo and a serial no. made up of his initials and year of birth and death) custom ordered pickguard with traditional American tattoo designs... fret dress and crowning with a tru oil finish over the whole thing. Awesome experience and now just beginning a mosrite style kit.

[@landonbailey]

nice!

[@Shaun.Stephens]

Your build videos gave me the confidence to do my own thing. Not a Fender partscaster, more a Frankencaster. I wanted a 'beater' so I wouldn't dent the finish on my Chrome Red Fender when I'm drunk. It started as a black Encore E2 with a nice neck but horrible pickups. Now it's got a (Fender) MiM style 6-saddle bridge with a Fender '52 Vintage' bridge pickup (made in USA) and it sounds so much better already. I did a fret level and recrown too which made a difference. I have an IBZUSA H2 pickup that I'm going to use as the neck pickup (once I re-magnetise it - don't ask...). You're right about 'sunken cost' though. The Fender bridge and pickup cost me more than I paid for the whole guitar and I'm not done yet! Cheers.

[@landonbailey]

👍🎸😄

[@wolfmaxem2583]

Go on!! That rocks .... got myselve a Fender tele-neck and a Squire guitar to go on building...

[@davidriel7805]

Very cool guitars. I have re- assembled two guitars now. I want to build one. I am inspired to start with my own design, cut the wood rout out the cavities etc. But use fender parts to finish it. That’s my goal! You are I spiting. Love watching and getting ideas. Thanks.

[@jasoncochey4678]

I love building my own Teles. I have built three in the past 6 months. I’m fortunate to have access to a large CNC machine to make bodies and I use a lathe that I’ve setup to wind my own pickups. I just need to learn proper painting and finishing techniques. The reason I like building as opposed to buying is because I’m a natural born tinkerer and I love anything custom and personal. Great videos.

[@landonbailey]

that's awesome!

[@stephanematis]

I sadly discovered STRATosphere Parts ... now I have crazy ideas of what I am franken'ing together. Solving puzzles seems to make my brain happy ... wish practicing guitar was that drug🤷‍♂️ I keep telling myself that the right guitar ... and I will play more. 🤣

[@hawleybrowder4083]

I’ve built two kits, replacing with Fender parts. 22 years ago I did a strat style with Carvin and Fender parts. It still plays awesome. I recently completed a Fretwire telecaster and replaced pick ups with Fender Custom Texas specials. Very nice sounding and feel.

[@ranman58635]

Lando! I have not the skill to fully build but I like parts casters. I've worked on over 45 int he last year and a half. Kept 6 and got the Epiphone I had as a kid back after 15 year's. 😊

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: You have a nice collection of home builds. I am glad that brought up economics. You cannot win buying factory parts at retail prices. If there is a factory model that is spec'ed the way I like, I just buy it. I like to use a lot flatter fret board radius than Fender offers, and those I put together myself. Pretty much all of my Tele styles get a 4 way switch conversion or a switch to split a humbucker.

[@SteveResor]

It's Fun to build things!! If it Inspires You to Play That is a Good Thing 🎸🎶🎶

[@landonbailey]

totally!

[@lucabartoliniprof]

Olimpic White tele, with vintage tuners....WOW! Looks and sound good!

[@landonbailey]

cheers!

[@markonmac]

I would love to see a video about Fender Esquire. You love the Telecaster, of which the Esquire is the progenitor. Sweetwater is selling an exclusive Squier Classic Vibe Esquire. That would get you a quality guitar on the cheap. Please consider.

[@landonbailey]

they are all sold out!

[@markonmac]

@@landonbailey Temporarily...

[@HeiTheDarkReaper]

instead of building a partscaster, I would recommend finding a used player series and switching the pickups. extremely nice guitars, add boutique pickups and you have something really special

[@landonbailey]

ya for sure! that’s a good way to go too!

[@kolchak357]

The Elite style Tele is my favorite of the bunch. Looks fantastic and I love the sound of the noiseless pickups. That one turned out perfectly imo.

[@landonbailey]

Good choice!

[@robj4881]

Totally agree - best look and sound.

[@keithwind4945]

I have done some warmouth builds with roasted necks that turned out great, but then again the resale

[@etherboy3540]

I understand. On the other hand, I want to build (not assemble) a tele partscaster and I want to use the best parts I can find (swamp ash chambered body with a forearm contour and tummy cut in butterscotch blonde and black pickguard, and a compound radius 1 5/8 roasted maple neck with 6105 stainless steel frets). I honestly don't care that much about the cost, within reason. I just want what I want.

[@snakebyte7271]

Your Candy Apple red guitar inspired me to build my own, I don't care what anyone says i will spec it out as i choose never to be sold but to be handed down.

[@landonbailey]

nice!

[@Giggiyygoo]

You don't have to totally build from scratch either. I started with a squier with a color I liked, and eventually it ended up being a frankenstein, and just what I wanted for a fraction of the price of a new fender.

[@paulo.costa2103]

Spot it! You mentioned no mistakes on The black strat but you made one... backplate with hole in diferent place. 😀

[@2dazetake]

You knocked it out of the park with every build, I like them all, they all sound fantastic,the white and the red actually sounded the best to me,building a partscaster is building a guitar,and it's fab to me,even if the parts are pre-fab,excellent job Landon.😊👍🎸

[@mehranscholte8973]

I have a Korean made squier with a Fender modern player humbucker and some Fender Standard singles, CTS pots, Fender tremolo and kluson tuners. Total cost was €250 for a Guitar that looks, sounds and plays like a million

[@kirillevgenevich3925]

Landon thanks for sharing your experience. You made me think to build a guitar for myself

[@landonbailey]

cool ya it’s worth a shot! 🎸👍

[@peoplespoet1974]

Love your terminology "build". Like a computer, even instruments have parts, components and things that need maintenance. Thank you for your work. I am always trying to master fixing all of my broken guitars. I use and own a 92' American Tele Plus. I own many guitars but this point was relative I figured. Also one of my favorite guitars. I play goth blues. Southern death fried, you could say. ~~~Thank you for your work friend.

[@landonbailey]

sweet a Tele Plus! what colour is it?

[@peoplespoet1974]

@@landonbailey Basic classic blue with white pickguard. I replaced the pick guard with a black one to give it a more "Nashville" look. It was a "blue sun burst" I believe? Very Cure.

[@peoplespoet1974]

Sadly as an adult "Aspie", my cross to bear is trying to fix my Gibson Firebird. The frets touch too close. Lets say I quit playing for 20 years. Like Rip Van, I woke up and watched LOTS of KZbinrs teach me anything from blues to country. I grew. Now I just wish I could fix all of my brokens.

[@peoplespoet1974]

I bought a wrench on Ebay. It turns a million times. Just need to rebow my neck to not have it buzz. ~~My play style is freaky. I was raised by radio and also mental Althea. I hug my guitar.

[@peoplespoet1974]

By the way, thank you for any time towards me. Not an ego boost. More of a lesson to those who struggle. Thank you.

[@peterschattmann8298]

Lando, thanks for the fun video. I am in the process of collecting bits and pieces for my first build. A while ago I ended up with an unusual neck that I bought as a replacement for one guitar but it didn't work with that body (eBay seller posted pictures of a different neck). Just found and ordered a body for that neck and from here I have to consider pickups etc. Taking my time..why rush anyway? The guitar world is my oyster or sumpthin.

[@Steven_SK]

All very nice guitars. The fun of the build and getting say over every part is why you build. I totally agree with reselling. The buyer wins in that game. Good video. Thanks.

[@Steven_SK]

For the DG inspired build what tremolo did you use?

[@68halfcab]

Landan, I;m slowly "building" 5 teles, a jazzmaster and a strat. It is an enjoyable and relaxing endeavor!!!

[@landonbailey]

nice! have fun

[@mikeadams4605]

I personally prefer to build because of how high quality the parts are from the Fender Mexico plant. I built a Strat with an American Special body and a Mexican Player Maple Neck. Customized the pickups (Duncan SSL-5, Duncan SSL-1, and an Eric Johnson in the neck) so I basically have an amazing strat that cost $700. I was worried about the neck fit but it was an amazing fit....no shim, no sanding....like a glove. Sure you have to wire, solder, install tuners etc but it's pretty easy stuff. Got everything from Stratosphere....turned out perfectly

[@landonbailey]

nice! Stratosphere rocks!

[@robertclarkguitar]

Love the gilmour inspired. I love mine. MIM!! Yes!

[@MiguelMartinez1980]

I say it's "Build" that is the same nomenclature used when you buy the parts and "Build" an AR, buy the parts you like and make a "Custom" build. My Tele is a "Build" a Pine body, Baja Tele Neck and a set of DiMarzio pickups, the same found on the Richie Kotzen Tele.

[@davewong7368]

Timely video. I've just started building my first partscaster, so your insights will be useful. You mentioned near the end why you don't just buy a MIM Tele and add pickups, and I agree (having the same "builder" -- oops, "assembler"? -- mentality as you) with your reason at 19:00 that it's fun to pick and choose everything. I really really really wanted a Tele body with belly AND forearm contours. Fender makes no such animal. So I ordered a custom body from Warmoth, that ticks all the checkboxes in my requirements list. I'll be mating that with a Fender roasted maple neck, Fender neck plate, Fender NOcaster pickups, and a Fender pickguard. (The bridge will be a Mastery Bridge , which is decidedly more upscale than anything Fender makes.) In short, it will be my dream Tele.

[@Letstryfriedrice]

i did a partscaster. found a cheap Squire, gutted it, and went from there. fender roasted maple neck, hipshot tuner, seymour duncan pups,fender trem system. my biggest trouble I had was the the neck. had to fill and redrill holes cuz things didn't line up well. super nerve wracking but it turned out great.

[@dirtywater5336]

Good to know I’m not the only one who isn’t crazy about V-mod pickups. I bought a used American Pro strat and I prefer the sound of my player strat pickups. I feel the V-mods don’t have the same degree of note separation and clarity that the players have. I quite liked the custom 54s in this video though. Sounds super clear and very fender-y, if that makes sense. I’ll have to check them out as a possible contender to replace the v-mods As far as building a guitar, I think I want to try it. The only thing I’m not confident in is the soldering. Everything else I can pretty much handle

[@b.rodclark7349]

I think it's best to rebuild a guitar but to assemble one with individual parts, something taught by the late Edward Van Halen, is definitely something to consider cuz most, if not all, average run-of-the-mill guitars may not be for everyone. As Smokey Robinson once said in 'Shop Around': 'You have to find yourself a bargain son/don't be sold on the very first one'!

[@jackcompton8752]

"Music is my drug of choice." Margo Timmins, Cowboy Junkies Beautiful guitars! Thanks for the breakdown. Great job. I've developed a desire for a roasted neck. Through Fender Mod Shop both tele and strat with my choices cost $1797.00 with case. My only issue with buying parts is limited choice on finish. Having been Army I want an antique olive body with roasted neck. ✌❤🎸

[@aarongomes314]

hyperhydrosis is the worse - I feel your pain (no grey t-shirts in my dresser)! Looking forward to the Jazzmaster!

[@landonbailey]

👍🎸😁

[@alexortiz7041]

I’ve thought about doing something like this in the future, but I know that later on I’ll probably would rather buy a guitar, keep it the way it is, and tinker with it from there if it needs something. Thanks for making this video!

[@landonbailey]

Cheers!

[@jamesdalzell6741]

I've built several from trying to build 1 so if you make a mistake save it for the next one :) I think if i could paint it would really be worth it and you could save some money also. My favorite was the one i painted and stripped several times and broke in few bad places and now has all leftover parts so a true partscaster not worth a penny to anyone else but i love it.

[@larsdahl6594]

I bought a Glarry for $60, a neck with the correct headstock shape for $30 and a nice set of Hipshot locking tuners. Then I had to shim the heal pocket because the neck (or the Glarry, or both) were wildly out of spec. Then I discovered that the three-saddle (two strings/saddle) bridge was impossible to intonate. The two new ones I bought were just as useless despite having the correct ratio of strings to saddles. A fret rocker (I invested in tools!) informed me that I probably would never get all the frets level, but by now I didn't really give a f**k anymore. I have a really nice set of machine heads attached to a completely unplayable (but pretty) guitar, but I built it myself goddammit and nobody can ever take that away from me! Well, like you I didn't actually harvest the wood, so I guess I assembled it.

[@MrMG43]

I haven't built a partscaster (and I now want to) but I actually learned about the Obsidian kits from the videos you made on your partscaster builds, and I think its a perfect option to full mod my Bullet Tele. I was only going to swap out the bridge (mine came with cross-threaded screws in the saddles and I've been having buzzing saddles and intonation problems as well) but now, I can replace the mini-pots as well as add a 4 way switch and pickup "hot swap" capability. I'll be changing the bridge, control plate, adding the Obsidian 4 way kit, swapping the pickups for some Seymour Duncans, and getting some fancy solid shaft knobs as well as a switch tip that matches better.

[@landonbailey]

some Obsidianwire kits won’t fit in non USA/Mexican bodies. check their site for details first.

[@MrMG43]

@@landonbailey Hm, under the compatibility tab it says that a new control plate and knobs will be enough but I guess I won't know until I get the kit, lol. Cheers :)

[@thecappy]

Done a couple of parts basses. Just got into guitars. Already swapping out pickups on them. Dropping a new Fender CuNiFe neck pickup in a tele.

[@landonbailey]

nice! they are pricey!

[@thecappy]

@@landonbailey I had a coupon from fender. The coupon said it excluded most pickups, but since that pickup is so new I guess they didn't add it to the exclusions. I'm matching it to a custom shop texas special bridge. One of Fender's CS teles that uses the CuNiFe neck has them matched to a hand wound CS texas special bridge, hopefully it's close enough.

[@SammyFender]

Very nice video, Landon! I’ll pass on building one myself and build vicariously through you! I do have a HUGE walnut tree that fell if you want to build you next one from the “ground” up! Until the next, if you wish to let the Strat go, I’m interested!! Great job!

[@bren-2914]

I recently found your channel, and I’m a fan. Hope your channel grows quick

[@landonbailey]

cheers thanks!

[@jonathanjackson3706]

I rebuilt a Jaguar which was cheap and deconstructed as a punk guitar. Even using Fender parts the different pieces didn't necessarily match. Long way of saying for starters a Tele is probably a good choice - very standardised. Good vid 👍

[@landonbailey]

Jaguar is one Fender guitar I've never tried. 🎸👍

[@jackblack2321]

To buy or assemble is the question? Assembling is fun and you can space out the cost so the wife doesn't notice but getting one already done feels great. The issue i have with building is painting the guitar, factor paint is better. If you go for it buy a painted body.

[@anthonycandell5397]

Really enjoy the videos. Learned alot. Thanks Landon.

[@landonbailey]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertpowell7319]

When you've built guitars have you ever covered a list of tools that one might use? I wouldn't be at all surprised if there are thousands of dollars of tools that could be spent were one to turn professional. I'm looking for a list of specialized tools you would want that the average garage mechanic or woodworker might not have around. Can the whole thing (assembly, adjusting, tweaking, etc) be done without any specialized tools?

[@russlgtr]

Awesome suggest u make a Frankie with Floyd?. Need to see how to drill posts for Floyd.

[@landonbailey]

probably never 😊

[@billyturk8117]

Building one seems like more fun. Im getting ready to convert a squier tele into a baritone and plan on modding the ever living out of it.

[@landonbailey]

cool, give it a shot

[@geralr]

Oh my goodness, the dirty sounds on that white tele sound awesome. What do you think of the 7.25 radius vs the 9.5?

[@landonbailey]

ya the Twisted Tele pickups sound great on it. I prefer 9.5 but 7.25 isn't too bad. different for sure

[@danielplaysvioli]

Bro how do you not have more subs. You're hilarious and have great content

[@landonbailey]

Working on it! Actually I have no control over what KZbin does 🤣. cheers

[@Terry3Gs]

Great video Landon !! Well done & well explained !!

[@landonbailey]

👍🎸😁

[@murpsman]

I get all my parts off the Net and have not used any Fender parts at all except maybe strap locks or control plates. I get my bodies off ebay from Rosser and Tauro wood works. I still call them a build.

[@landonbailey]

cool! ever run into anything that wouldn't line up or fit properly?

[@murpsman]

@@landonbailey Sure have, pretty much regularly, the most treacherous is aligning a neck and bridge before drilling. Ive had neck pockets that are too narrow for the neck's heel. I know where to get good reliable parts that are Fender spec and thus cut down on the drama.at a much lower cost than Warmoth.

[@Bliggick]

It seems to be cheaper to put together a high quality guitar than buying one new, and you get what you want but you said it yourself, you had to wait 6 months for a body to show up. Right now I am trying to put together a telecaster but I can't do it because I've been waiting weeks for some basic parts to show up.

[@aitken1965]

Thanks Lando!

[@d3w4yn3]

This was actually very helpful!!!

[@ranman58635]

My go to list is, 86 Squier bullet 1, 2001 Epiphone les paul basher, Squier SE stratocaster, fender Starcaster Tom DeLong custom 3 grade flame maple neck and a Squier lefty Jimmy Hendrix tribute custom standard stratocaster. Case closed, 😆

[@str.1913]

I want to make Flathead Showmaster out of my js11 dinky, gonna put Emg 81/60 and 22 or 24 fender Strat neck with ebony fretboard

[@metalearth1400]

6:13 that's freaky, you reading my mind!

[@christopherguzzi1316]

Been thinking about "building" a Telecaster. Just curious what your experience has been with 1) the pre-slotted nut with "pilot" holes and if you had to file them more to make the guitar play better and 2) how you like a 12 inch neck radius vs a 9.5 inch radius? Thanks much, sharing your experience with these builds has been really insightfful.☺☺☺

[@landonbailey]

hey ya I always have to file the slots. good experience overall

[@CurrieNerd]

I've not built my own yet... BUT.. you can easily spend a day or two's time fannying around with any 'new' guitar, to make it right to your own taste. What price that time..? The only guitar I've ever bought that was perfect out the box was a Korean PRS.

[@simonfinch9277]

I am that type of guy that doesn't like to assemble guitars, i'd rather buy a complete instrument because that's what they are to me - instruments. Every instrument has it's quirks and different specs, and instead of trying to have "that perfect guitar" i'd rather have something that plays diffrently, and if i started buildings my own guitars i would probably spec them the same. Also i don't buy a lot of gear. I bought my first electric guitar in january of 2018 (I played classical since 2017) and i bought my other guitar in december of 2019 and i want to get a bass and a another electric and then i'm done. But i think i'll try to build a partscaster one day

[@alexk3088]

LoL, that's what every guitar junkie says at first. And with every next guitar 😁 But seriously, if you can afford a nice guitar with quality pickups, sure. But many import guitars really bloom with a pickup upgrade, so you could be missing out. And then you wonder about a tele, strat, Les Paul, gretsch, etc.

[@simonfinch9277]

@@alexk3088 tbh i'm not a "guitar junkie" i just don't know what i like. I thought that i like vintage spec'd guitars, and then i bought a "modern" guitar and fell in love with that. So i still don't know what i fully like, therfore what's the point of building a custom guitar?

[@alexk3088]

@@simonfinch9277 yep, those are the symptoms. Lack of a sense of humor is not ;)

[@simonfinch9277]

@@alexk3088 You lost me there mate

[@alexk3088]

@@simonfinch9277 :) when I said "that's what every guitar junkie says", it was a friendly joke meant to convey that guitar buying, accumulating guitars, building, modding, etc. are addictive. There's even a name for it - GAS (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome). Not a real disease, of course, just a humorous way of describing the hobby. Very few guitar players, whether professional or hobbyists, proficient or not, have only one guitar, or even just one of each type (acoustic, electric, classical) - there's always "something else" that another type of electric guitar offers.

[@gliddofglood]

I do have a question: You have different Teles with different neck radii. How different/difficult do you find them to play? Is there a significant difference? Inspired by your channel, I am building (well, I've ordered the bits) a 60s style Strat. It will have the 7.25 radius neck because I like the colour, it's period correct and I have a modern Strat so there's no point trying to make a clone of something I'm already happy with. But will I hate playing it? Is it destined to become the Case Queen Partscaster? Another thing: inspired by your countryman, Brad Angove, I am painting my Warmoth body to get a guitar that Fender don't make. In fact, getting my custom colour is the major reason I'm making the thing in the first place. Using the Custom Shop to make a fairly standard guitar with a whacky colour is taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut. I'm interested as to why you wouldn't think that this is the next step in your building plans.

[@landonbailey]

I've learned to like all shapes of necks. I'm equally average no matter what neck shape :)

[@gliddofglood]

@@landonbailey :)

[@jonathanhandsmusic]

Very nice! I saw a couple of your build videos and enjoyed them. Good inspiration for me to upgrade my old Squier Strat. I love the candy apple red body but nothing else about it. Horrible neck and crappy pups. Thanks for posting.

[@landonbailey]

🎸👍

[@landonbailey]

🎸👍

[@jim.missywyant.kennedy2334]

Their above my pay grade but I've found that if you've got a good neck, you're golden. It's hard under $100 though. Do you prefer the vintage bridges on the Teles or the one saddle per string units? I guess it's kinda like everything else on a guitar, if you have a preference for something you've come to the conclusion it helps your playing or tone or it doesn't matter. Whatever looks better will do the trick then, Lol. I'd def have to have a Humbucker or P90 somewhere in there though, I have a hard time with a Tele bridge pickup. Stay safe.

[@landonbailey]

I like the look of a vintage bridge but prefer the 6 saddle. cheers!

[@eddiejr540]

I wonder how many people quibbling over semantics have actually “built” a guitar??...I don’t have access to a band saw or cnc machine...so there’s that!!!

[@nickburmanmusic]

Er, me. I've built six. From chunks of wood to finished product. I've even built pickups (again, from scratch, making the bobbins by hand). But building a guitar is completely different to assembling one, as I'm sure you can appreciate. However, the setup is one of the most critical points, and when assembling you still need to do a setup which is not for the faint of heart. You might even have to dress frets. Yikes.

[@eddiejr540]

Nick B ...i can totally appreciate what you do...however, assembling a guitar so you can spec it out to your own taste is quite rewarding...it worked out pretty well for EVH !!!!

[@na7v645]

I have built many guitars from raw lumber and several from components. It's all fun and you learn something every time.

[@nickburmanmusic]

larry dickman Definitely. I’ve assembled guitars too. Lots of fun, and saves a lot of time!

[@eddiejr540]

Finally my suspicions are verified...you’re high right now aren’t you Landon??...I knew it ...rock on my brother!!!

[@landonbailey]

🤪🎸

[@jimmyjames2022]

When you "build a house" you seldom have a head rig / scrag sawmill or board lathe and kiln to make store bought quality studs, joists and rafters. Houses are "assembled" but that makes it sound like a "manufactured home" which is really a "trailer". Guitar manufacturers' parts are sourced all over the globe for any given model: from metal mined in China or Africa, to wood logged in Brazil or Indonesia even though it's a "US built" instrument. Everything is "assembled", but our Marketing Dept wants us to say "hand built" so you connect better with us.

[@nickburmanmusic]

With houses, you regularly hear people say that they built their house. They didn't. They helped design it and had someone else build it! But there are people who build houses themselves too. It's a different industry, so I don't think the analogy is watertight, but I see your point. I think it's fair to say you built a house if you pick up tools and cut materials . As for guitars, yes and no. The body and neck are hand built from raw materials. Hand built also implies an attention to detail on things like the fret ends, neck joint, soldering joints, truss rod installation, etc. These are the crucial parts that affect playability and the major difference when you pickup a handmade instrument. You can't really compare a custom made instrument with one from a factory, in my experience. I think you're right in some cases, particularly off shore companies, who want you to think the instrument is hand finished because someone looked it over and adjusted the saddles. But this underlines my point about language. It has to be accurate or the customer feels (rightfully) ripped off.

[@bmorr6734]

When you move the guitars around to show them, I always worry you're going to bash the headstocks together. It always looks so close onscreen.

[@landonbailey]

😝🎸👍

[@music-xr4co]

love your vids man..you motivated me to do an Esquire "build" your info was great, thanks..especially on the switch and wiring. used oil stain color summer oak by varathane, finished with hand rubbed solarez, cream 5 screw pickguard, chrome wilkinson bridge w/brass saddles, wilk tuners, electrosocket jack, round string guide, cts pots, fender switch and the vintage 3 way wiring, dome knobs..seems like i "built" it to me, lol so you have a new sub my friend, stay safe. P.S. i had a tele bridge pickup made in Russia by Wavesmith..coming in at 6.4 which i think is vintage spec? has anyone used Wavesmith pups?

[@landonbailey]

cheers!

[@ThotSticks]

Woah that cool I asked this in a comment!

[@landonbailey]

very cool! If I saw that comment it probably stuck in my mind :)

[@ThotSticks]

@@landonbailey have a great day!

[@TheSaladino97]

The jazzmaster at last!

[@landonbailey]

👍😁

[@etherboy3540]

I like the blue tele best just going by the looks, though honestly they all look great. I think the strat was a cool project and the video series was really cool but it's not a tele, so... About the build vs assemble thing. I'm a network engineer by trade and over the years I've built dozens of computers. If someone said to me "oh well, you built it from parts so you really only assembed it" I would punch them in the balls. Maybe that's just me. Maybe another person would only punch them in the face, but I'm just speculating.

[@landonbailey]

haha!

[@beardedrancher]

I'm looking into a warmoth strat build. I've built several with cheaper components and they have been a lot of work to get stable. What are your thoughts on a warmoth vs fender build.

[@landonbailey]

I think Warmoth is awesome. I want to check them out some day for sure.

[@beardedrancher]

Thanks for the reply. I think I'll give it a shot soon. Hss strat with a gilmour mod.

[@stewarttomkinson3356]

i did it

[@anthonycandell5397]

On the white tele, which ground wire gave you trouble? I'm building one and was learning about shielding and grounding.

[@RexRomed1618]

How many Teles do you want?, this boss, Yes!

[@ThePaddedPedalroom]

Cool Video, you built some nice guitars, My favorite is still your blue tele. BTW what is your favorite color? LOL Keep up the great work! ;)

[@landonbailey]

favourite colour is pizza

[@ThePaddedPedalroom]

@@landonbailey Nice! Mine too!

[@BladeDoomer86]

That candy apple red 🥴🤤

[@jonnyboi8182]

9:02 Gotcha... gotcha lmfao

[@MajorUpgrade]

Haven't built one yet, but considering... Also quit playing that riff, man. It took years to get the Smithereens - A girl like you you out of my head and here you go putting it right back in there. Actually, I like that song... Nevermind. Carry on. 😁 Ok, not technically the exact same song but it's pretty close... Good tips for building and buying parts for frankencasters. It's like building PCs... You might not get a "deal" compared to buying a pc from Best Buy, but I enjoy building my own stuff and seeing it come to life. Now I might get a little more for my money choosing my own parts but yeah, it's subjective I guess.

[@landonbailey]

I’ve never heard of them, that was just a random riff I’ve been playing recently

[@MajorUpgrade]

@@landonbailey not bad. Radio cut that used to come on all the time.

[@Anson120]

I like the V mods um

[@alexk3088]

Upvoted after "let's be serious for 5 seconds", now on to watching the video 😂

[@landonbailey]

👍😄

[@buzzbabyjesus]

I've built 2 teles, a baritone tele, and two strat overhauls. While none of them would qualify as factory, they are all players.

[@gon8go]

ever tried repainting one?

[@landonbailey]

I haven't.

[@YACKon]

Does that amp have snakeskin tolex?

[@landonbailey]

Chilewich denim

[@attilathehun0]

Parts Caster can be cheap or very expensive. My Warmouth Tele with hardware and electronics is $2000.00, but a Fender custom shop would be $4000.00

[@Dreamdancer11]

I have bought original guitars,assembled parts guitars,heavily modded original guitars and finally built 5 guitars from scratch.....which is best depends on what you want and if you are willing to do guitar work on them. You want a reliable guitar and dont really fancy tinkering with stuff?Buy the X logo offering and you ll be fine. You want a guitar with the parts and features you want instead of paying additional hundreds for the "security" of the logo and ending up with inferior parts anyway? Build a parts guitar. Are you fairly experienced with guitar work and want a totally custom instrument by you?Get a solid fairly cheap model throw away the cheap zinc or plastic parts and heavily mod it with great parts... Do you want a guitar that you wanna call your own and that you most likely never wanna part? Build your own from total scratch. After doing all the above the best one is heavily modding existing guitars.....my guitars that i have built from scratch are my pride and joy and the ones i ll never gonna part but realistically you can get ANY solid instrument off the rack costing a few hundreds,throw its original parts in a box and arm it with quality aftermarket parts and get the best possible instrument someone can possibly get. if i didnt have my guitars and tommorow i woke up and needed one, i would prefer to take something like an affinity,install new stainless steel frets,new nut,quality tuners and bridge,new top of the line electronics and set it up the way i want to vs get anything a standard high priced fender would offer.

[@landonbailey]

I can't read comments this long 👍😊👎🇨🇦

[@jimwoodswrites]

I recommend buying used. Upgrade or modify however you want.

[@benebluesman]

Most of my "builds" start with a guitar.. even the one where I crafted the body started as a neck off a cheap guitar.. car guys call them builds even when starting with a running automobile. Assembled or crafted it's a build.