PSA for those in the US: Stew Mac has a couple complete JM/Jag style kits on sale for $100. I bought this one, so this is sort of a placeholder thread for now. A simple, hardtail offset with a mahogany body and a 24 9/16” scale (weird number but I like it) for that price was just too enticing for me to pass up.
http://www.stewmac.com/kits-and-projec ... b1538435be
Stew Mac offset kits on sale
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- BADmin (he/him)
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Re: Stew Mac offset kits on sale
looks like a lot of fun actually.
Re: Stew Mac offset kits on sale
Well, it came, and for the money, I'm not at all disappointed. It even includes strings 
Naturally the electronics and hardware are about as cheap as possible, but the build quality is pretty solid. My only complaint is that I wanted to stain it instead of paint it, but probably won't, seeing as how it's a three piece body and one of the pieces is a lighter color. Maybe I'll try it anyway.
The body is about the same size as a Jag/JM, with slightly different proportions in the horns because copyright of course. On top of a JM project body for comparison.
The forearm contour and edges around it will get some smoothing as they're sorta roughed in compared to the real thing.
The profile of the neck seems comfy but, predictably, the frets could slice your hand open. It has no finish so fixing that won't be difficult. It's a 12" radius with small-ish frets which suits me well.
Anyway, looking at the body side by side with a JM body, based on where the bridge is at, I do believe it's a conversion neck and a 25.5" neck would work. Nice bonus.
One thing I'll definitely do is change the bridge, but I haven't decided what to use yet. Would like to see a six-saddle Duo style bridge on it, but that doesn't exist (I think?). Considering routing it for a Mustang trem just for something different. I like the look of this Hipshot BabyGrand too. Any of those would mean a new pickguard though.
Naturally the electronics and hardware are about as cheap as possible, but the build quality is pretty solid. My only complaint is that I wanted to stain it instead of paint it, but probably won't, seeing as how it's a three piece body and one of the pieces is a lighter color. Maybe I'll try it anyway.The body is about the same size as a Jag/JM, with slightly different proportions in the horns because copyright of course. On top of a JM project body for comparison.
The forearm contour and edges around it will get some smoothing as they're sorta roughed in compared to the real thing.
The profile of the neck seems comfy but, predictably, the frets could slice your hand open. It has no finish so fixing that won't be difficult. It's a 12" radius with small-ish frets which suits me well.
Anyway, looking at the body side by side with a JM body, based on where the bridge is at, I do believe it's a conversion neck and a 25.5" neck would work. Nice bonus.
One thing I'll definitely do is change the bridge, but I haven't decided what to use yet. Would like to see a six-saddle Duo style bridge on it, but that doesn't exist (I think?). Considering routing it for a Mustang trem just for something different. I like the look of this Hipshot BabyGrand too. Any of those would mean a new pickguard though.
Re: Stew Mac offset kits on sale
Looks cool! I would be tempted to fit a Tele ashtray bridge but I am a bit of an obsessive about that.
With the right stain prep solution I think you'll find the tint of the pieces would be more even than the raw wood looks. It's more about the pores than the colouring really. And then plan B could be a solid colour if you don't like the initial stain, no harm done.
With the right stain prep solution I think you'll find the tint of the pieces would be more even than the raw wood looks. It's more about the pores than the colouring really. And then plan B could be a solid colour if you don't like the initial stain, no harm done.
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- BADmin (he/him)
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Re: Stew Mac offset kits on sale
right, i'd say still move forward with the stain (i'd likely follow that plan myself, if i go through with picking one up). any subtle differences in grain or wood shading likely will just provide more character, especially if you apply a bit of gloss over it.
the cut and sanded body with the neck alone makes this a no brainer in terms of value. nice find.
the cut and sanded body with the neck alone makes this a no brainer in terms of value. nice find.
Re: Stew Mac offset kits on sale
Well, it seems they sold out, so I guess now you don't have to decide to pick one up or not 
Anyway, I started working on smoothing out the body. I intended to only do that for the spots that I felt really needed it, but as I got started I decided ehhh, might as well do it rigth. Pictures don’t really do it justice but I don’t have good video editing software, so here’s some before and after slop of progress. (Actually, watching it again, even video isn't a great representation of how much nicer it looks to my eyes.) Still more to be done, and I'll definitely want to hand sand it before stain, but it’s getting there.
Anyway, I started working on smoothing out the body. I intended to only do that for the spots that I felt really needed it, but as I got started I decided ehhh, might as well do it rigth. Pictures don’t really do it justice but I don’t have good video editing software, so here’s some before and after slop of progress. (Actually, watching it again, even video isn't a great representation of how much nicer it looks to my eyes.) Still more to be done, and I'll definitely want to hand sand it before stain, but it’s getting there.