Quote:
Originally Posted by degsycaster
Guys, it's my partscaster. We just can't bond. Heres a list if my issues:-
1. Badly made ash body - bad neck alignment/bridge siting but neat, tight neck pocket. This means I've had to shim the neck to get a playable action although the bridge saddles are still at the height of their adjustment
2. Weak neck pickup - Fender vintage originals but the neck pickup sounds timid and under-powered.
3. Terrible intonation
4. Horrible acrylic finish that I applied myself
5. Poorly fitting pick-guard - due to the poorly cut body?
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Sorry to hear that, but I have to ask..... WHY??? What went wrong? Was this a Partscaster that you
bought with all these problems, or was it something you did a long time ago when you knew no better?
If I'm wrong, then I would agree with
Ron Kirn, in that this has been a bit of a bad experience which will mean that, in your mind, things will never be right.
But look upon things positively - you've gained a whole lot of experience (even if it's what NOT to do!) which will mean that your NEXT Partscaster will be constructed with the benefit of all that experience.....
There are LOTS of folks who have decided to try the Partscaster thing, only to find that there are often more questions than answers - at least until they've gained some experience.
I guess you'll just have to write off (1.) - just be more selective with your next body. As for (2.), I'm surprised to hear that. Could be your soldering, could be the height at which you've set your pup? But for about £30 you can get one of the excellent GFS vintage-style pups which will certainly not sound timid and under-powered!
The intonation issue in (3.) is very simply cured by investing £40 in a set of Glendale compensated saddles (there are other makes which some folks here sear by - do a search) - for me, the Glendales are the best money I've ever spent, and I get just about perfect intonation from every set.
As for the finish problem in (4.)..... well, you've probably answered your own question! Unless you have the skills, equipment, time and patience, probably better to buy your next body pre-finished. And (5.)? I'm not sure exactly what you mean by "poorly fitting pickguard" - a pic would help? But these things are made of plastic, and adjustments can easily be made with a Dremel or even a sanding block. It's a tough call to blame the body for a "poorly fitting pickguard"!!!
Put it all behind you - I'm sure your next Partscaster will be a beauty!