I'm in the process of building one. If I added up all the receipts, it'd probably come to $750+ (don't tell the wife). But it's the doing of the thing that's therapeutic - all those hours sanding the body, carefully applying clear lacquer so the beauty of the wood shines through, selecting the EXACT electronics and pickups and installing them, fitting up the GraphTech nut, etc. And God knows we could ALL use some THERAPY!
In the end, I'll have an instrument that's a reflection of my craftsmanship and taste (or lack thereof), just like my boys did years ago with their Pinewood Derby cars. Now that they're grown, they wouldn't part with them for anything. Same with this "partscaster" I'm building - it may not be the fanciest one you ever saw, but it'll sound and play just right by me, and that's what counts.
Besides, I've been playing since I was 5 (back when thunder lizards roamed the planet), and I know what I like, and hopefully this guitar will deliver in spades. After all, any poser with a VISA or MasterCard can order something shiny from the factory custom shop, but I will be able to smile and say "No, I built it meself." And that's priceless.
In the end, I'll have an instrument that's a reflection of my craftsmanship and taste (or lack thereof), just like my boys did years ago with their Pinewood Derby cars. Now that they're grown, they wouldn't part with them for anything. Same with this "partscaster" I'm building - it may not be the fanciest one you ever saw, but it'll sound and play just right by me, and that's what counts.
Besides, I've been playing since I was 5 (back when thunder lizards roamed the planet), and I know what I like, and hopefully this guitar will deliver in spades. After all, any poser with a VISA or MasterCard can order something shiny from the factory custom shop, but I will be able to smile and say "No, I built it meself." And that's priceless.