Black & White Frankie Build Advice Needed

[guitar007]

I’ve been a Les Paul guy all my life. ‘Never owned any other type of guitar. However…sometime in May I’ll be purchasing parts for my first Super Strat. I’d like to base it off Ed’s black & white Frankie…the CBS style headstock & that old Boogie Bodies shaped body, but tailored to a few of my own specific preferences. There’s a wealth of knowledge here and I’d like to tap some of it. I’ve assembled a list of possible sources:

http://www.warmoth.com/
http://divebombinc.com/
http://www.edroman.com/
http://www.stewmac.com/
http://www.boogiebodies.com/
http://www.usacustomguitars.com/
https://www.musikraft.com/
http://kneguitars.com/

Did I miss any? Does anyone want to comment on their experience with any of these companies...or share any of the pitfalls, challenges, regrets, advice, or successes with their build? If you don’t want to post anything negative…you can PM me with any details.

I’d truly appreciate anything you’d like to share. Thanks in advance!

[YMI5150?]

if you want the most accurate body, go Musikraft. KNE is a close 2nd.

[Stratabuse]

I built my strat from a KNE Azusa body and a neck from Musikraft, both are of hi-quality and fit together perfect. You can't go wrong with either one..

[guitar007]

YMI5150?, Stratabuse,

thanks for the tips. I’ll add those comapny's to my list. Here’s what I’m thinking as far as parts. ‘Any comments/suggestions welcome.

• Light Ash body: Jas Obrecht said it was a light guitar. - http://forum.metroamp.com/viewtopic.php ... 7&start=15
• Maple Neck with Maple Cap
• Callaham Tremolo
• Nut…undecided…maybe a LSR Roller Nut?
• Sprezel Locking Tuners?
• Dimarzio Super Distortion?

‘Anyone happen to know Ed’s CBS neck specs?

[rgorke]

I have a headstock pattern somewhere I can send you, just have to find it. Ask over n the EVH forum to get some more input.

[Star*Guitar]

if you want the most accurate body, go Musikraft. KNE is a close 2nd.

I find it interesting you are saying that. How is the Musikraft better? Remember the W pattern in the matched grain can be done at KNE. Plus all the time he spent matching the Azusa body. Isnt the Musikraft just a strat? Or am I not prevy to something they are making?

[YMI5150?]

Scott bought Mike's Azusa after he loaned it to Mitch. Scott also had a second Azusa in his collection. I went through every straight on shot of Frank and digitized all of them and gave the files to Scott to compare to the two Azusas. all that went into an updated body about a year ago. its as good as it can be considering those bodies were hand done back then.

still cant go wrong with Mitch's and both provide superb customer service.

[somethin'else]

Love my KnE ash Azusa. Joe Desperado on ReRanch Forum makes a wicked '68-69 fat headstock Hendrix neck. Handmade, you finish yourself though. His truss rod channel's so tight you can't even wear a condom on the rod. No rattle.
Defly Callaham's 6 screw tremolo, but some folks swear by the good ole 'vintage' Fender ones for that authentic funk and alloy magic.
Get a good fellow to make that nut outta some old Mammoth tusk or Camel bone or something (I scored some 40 yr old Camel on the bay = cheap), unless you like brass. Can't speak to the LSR nuts, but they're like little metal wheels right?
DSD for VH1, any great PAF clone (cough*HighOrderPickups*cough) for VHII and on....
Locking tuners if you're worried, but don't discount the cool vintage (new reissue) F-Tuners and a proper setup for not much problems with tuning stability.
Have Fun.