New run of GFS bodies::How good are they now?

A friend of mine wants me to assemble a couple of guitars ( one Tele for now, probably 3 all told once we check quality of first build) for him and he doesn't want to spend too much for bodies and necks. He has most of the other stuff (pups, control plates, bridges, etc...) which is of decent to good quality.

He was looking toward the GFS bodies and necks because the prices were really good and they look nice. Colors he wants are there also. Would be of a benefit to me also since I will not have to apply finish.

I read some posts earlier that there were a lot of problems with fitment of parts and such, but that was before the mods to the bodies they made to make them better for using "FENDER SPEC" parts. Or so they say.

Anyone use the newer bodies that can give me an evaluation on them?
If they are too far out of spec, would like to know so I can steer him to something better, although he will not like the prices.

I am doing the assembly's and setups for free as a favor, and would not like to put too much into them to make them right.


Any input would be highly appreciated.


Thanks::::::::::::::Dave

Just what I've heard on this board- the new run is much better than the old. Check out the paulownia bodies I've heard they're light with great tone. I've seen a few partscasters with new gfs bodies here and I think the consensus is they're much improved and actually quite nice.

With how inexpensive they are it might be worth giving them a try. You will most likely have to drill the ferrule holes.

If this serves as an endorsement, I certainly will use a GFS body for my next partscaster.

Talk to Rob D. He loves those GFS P-Wood bodies. And I sure as hell trust that man's opinion.

Was looking over Rob's site last night. Sure builds a pretty guitar with those bodies.

Just curious how much "adjustment" those new bodies need to be right, or should I say good enough to be keepers.

Was looking over Ron's site last night. Sure builds a pretty guitar with those bodies.

Just curious how much "adjustment" those new bodies need to be right, or should I say good enough to be keepers.

Rob DiStefano, right?

Rob is a very gifted luthier. Let me put it like this: Those paulownia builds he does are like 85% Rob and 15% all other factors. He can make a trash can lid sound good.

Us mortals are only as good as the latest batch from the latest contractor might be. It gets worse. If I were supplying parts to Rob, I would break my back to send him the choicest pieces. The rest of the customers get whatever is left. Because the top guys recognize the best pieces, and if I send him just anything laying around he won't return my phone calls and he'll find another source.

I know Ron Kirn also does some paulownia but best I recall he's very very choosy, usually making his own bodies or using USACG, etc. He relishes the task of a fine lacquer finish; Rob does not.

Yea, Rob. Mistyped it.

Just put one together. finish is good for what it is. neck pocket tight fit but angled just a little wrong. I should be able to correct that fairly easily. Control route not deep enough for the particular switch I had. Wilkinson vintage bridge with compensated 3 barrel fit fine. Had to enlarge hole for the output jack cup. Love the weight and the sound. Curiously not very loud acoustically. I have the p-wood body with maple top.

Caveat emptor.

If you get a bad one, Mr. GFS will replace it, but you have to pay return shipping. So a warranty replacement costs extra buxes. Ask me how I know.

If you choose to do business with GFS, protect yourself.

YMMV.

Does anyone know if the tele bodies are drilled from the pickup routs to the control cavity to pass the pickup wires?

I just picked up a GFS poplar tele body in fiesta red ($65.00) from the clearance section. It is also about 2 lbs, has a good sound, but did not have cable routing channels. Haven't tried the paulownia bodies. I have used a few of their necks and am very happy with them. Also happy with their pots, caps, parts, and - number one - their locking tuners (26.00) are great. And fast delivery, too!

Good luck

Peter

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Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will sit in the boat all day drinking beer.