'54 RI Strat Buy one or build one?

I'm thinking about either buying a '54RI, or building one. I'm not that up on what models Fender Custom Shop made during the '90s; I think they made a '54 Relic, but not sure.
Any recommendations on who makes the best reproduction '54 style Strat bodies in the event I end up building one. I would want an Ash one that conforms to vintage spec and is lightweight; I have a '54 Elliot Mechanic neck I would use along with all the other parts. I have a single ply white guard already loaded with '54 Fender CS pickups. Thanks!

there has been some talk around here months ago about the ones Fenders built in Japan. they have a freat looking one. Don't have that link though! Isibashi or something like that. I think that's the city the factory is in. If all you need mostly is the body.....I'd get a nice one from Warmoth thrift shop....bout 300.00 though, yikes!!

Yeah, I remember seeing that thread. I wonder it the MIJ '54RI are made of Ash and finished in Nitro.
I had a bad experience dealing with Warmoth in the past, I've bought bodies from Peter Florence and Elliot Mechanic in the past, and they seemed to be fairly accurate. no issues and no logo in the neck pocket.

The current CIJ ones are poly but good guitars.

The Fenders that came out in that limited edition of 1954 54 Strats are good they have the correct tremelo plate with round holes and other period correct features.

Warmoth and even USACG doesnt make the body exactly like they did in 54.

For an accurate copy of a real 54 I'd have Florence make one or try to find one of those 54's Fender made in the limited edition.

http://www.cstone.net/~lholland/guitars/images/54strat.JPG

Here's my 1994 '54 Custom Shop strat. While I'm more of a tele player, it's the best strat I've ever played by far. The neck is much larger than most wimpy strats. Mine's got a big chunky rounded out "V" shape. The neck is very flamed. It's very light but I'm not sure about the weight. Finish is nitro and it's extremely thin...you can actually see the grain starting to show as the gold paint is settling into the wood. PUs are the '54 CS ones...very stratty...and exactly what you'd expect from a good old strat. Has the old style, single ply white pickguard.

Anyway, I happened onto this one for $1K a few years back and it was a great purchase.

Thanks for the info on '54RI Strats, as well as the options available for bodies. That's what I suspected that Warmoth & USACG have accuracy issues with their bodies (and necks). I'd order from Peter, but he takes so long. Maybe something will come up. I have a two tone '54 Fender Custom Shop body, that I just finished cleaning Shielding paint out of the cavities. I'd like to post a couple of pictures, and see if it looks accurate to the experts. I suspect the finish is Poly on it, but don't know for sure.

Lance, that's a nice '54RI, if you ever decide to roll it keep my email.

Is (Knucklehead) Plankspanker from the other forums?

If so hi pal.

Might try to find an MIJ 54ri neck they are on Evil bay all the time they have the right tint and decal and look good.

Hi Mark! it's me Plankspanker.

Try John at http://www.bravewoodguitars.co.uk/ he is amazing and not that well known in the world...yet !! His prices are equally amazing

Might try to find an MIJ 54ri neck they are on Evil bay all the time they have the right tint and decal and look good.

OH NO! :shock:

You can't buy from eBay; I would be disappointed. It's the end of times, I tell you... :D

Seriously, I have a 1991 MIJ 54 RI Strat neck that I dearly love. Arguably the most comfortable neck I've ever played. The edge of the fret board is worn down from getting banged by my wedding ring, and it's in serious need of a refret soon, but I still love it and it still plays well. The frets are worn down fairly even, anyway, from all of that bending....

Last summer I gave areas of the neck an overspray with Minwax gloss poly cos some of the finish along the edge (see above) was worn away and it had a few dings on the back. I sprayed and sanded several times, and worked up to 2000 grit and polishing compound, but the final result was really good. It blended in so well as to be unnoticable...

I've considered having a refret done, but I could probably replace the neck with one in better condition for less money. I'll probably just play it 'till the frets are gone...