Next build: Natural strat, Bonnie Raitt style

[mw13068]

I'm itching for another build project, I think a replica of Bonnie Raitt's natural strat is going to be it.

Related, inspirational threads:

http://www.strat-talk.com/forum/non-fender-s-type-guitar-forum/68068-ngd-finished-last.html
http://www.strat-talk.com/forum/str...orum/68687-next-build-dark-natural-strat.html

Just posted on CL asking for cheap Squiers. We'll see what I can get to base this project on.

 

[thaus]

Yes, that guitar does have a fantastic look. I have always wanted to create one of these as well......

 

[mw13068]

Some self-inspiration:

YouTube - ‪Bonnie Raitt "Pride And Joy"‬‏

I like how it has the headstock sanded with no logo.

 

[Goodkat]

The very title sounds promising.

Good luck!

 

[Malikon]

Good luck!

I've really been digging the look of a natural strat lately myself. There's something very cool and utilitarian about it. Like, the guitar is such a workhorse it couldn't even be bothered to be painted.

As much as I like maple necks it seems like the rosewood fretboards look really good on a natural body as well. I suppose it's the contrast.

 

[98BlackStrat]

To bad your out in New York. There is posting on Craigslist for what looks like a Squier Bullet Strat out here in Detroit for $49. I thought about calling on it myself to see if it was a newer one that is made of solid wood, but I'm so happy with mine now after mods that my next guitar will be a non-strat. Gotta have variety. The one listed looked like it was in good shape. Black body, white pickguard, rosewood fretboard.

 

[mw13068]

To bad your out in New York. There is posting on Craigslist for what looks like a Squier Bullet Strat out here in Detroit for $49. I thought about calling on it myself to see if it was a newer one that is made of solid wood, but I'm so happy with mine now after mods that my next guitar will be a non-strat. Gotta have variety. The one listed looked like it was in good shape. Black body, white pickguard, rosewood fretboard.

Yeah, that'd be awesome to start a project for $49. I'll just try to be patient and wait for someone to be tired of looking at their poor, neglected Squier and want some dru.. *ahem* quick money for it.

 

[mw13068]

The prey has been captured, and secured in the lab... *ghoulish cackle*

A perfect specimen with 70's headstock and rosewood. It must have sat somewhere for about 10 years, because the plastic is slightly yellowed with age, and there's a bit of rust on some of the metal parts (including the strings). Otherwise, pristine. The extra trem spring and hex wrenches were still in the pocket of the dusty Fender gig bag.

Let the "work" begin! *fiendish howl*

 

[98BlackStrat]

How much did you get it for if you don't mind me asking? Good luck with the project, can't wait to see it.

 

[guitargeekaz]

Here is my kinda sorta the same idea stratocaster. I didn't intend it to go that far, but I'm happy now. She looks rather orange in the photos, but she is much more natural in person.

 

[ghostwolf]

i could be wrong, but i think Bonnie's strat began life as that 70s walnut finish

 

[mw13068]

How much did you get it for if you don't mind me asking? Good luck with the project, can't wait to see it.

$80 for the guitar, bag, and the little Squier Champ 15 amp. The amp was non-functional, but a fuse replacement fixed that.

 

[mw13068]

i could be wrong, but i think Bonnie's strat began life as that 70s walnut finish

Then you would know more about that guitar than I do. Can't find any info about it on the web anywhere. Anyone know more?

 

[thaus]

i could be wrong, but i think Bonnie's strat began life as that 70s walnut finish

I recall reading that at some point too........

 

[mw13068]

In case anyone is wondering what's under the thick polyurethane of an Affinity Strat, here's the natural 3-piece alder body:

Note: I sanded the front and back completely in about 40 minutes using an orbital sander and 40-grit paper. Now comes the curvy bits...

 

[98BlackStrat]

Damn you sir! I had just convinced myself that I would not do another guitar project, and then you had to go ahead and pull this. Now I'm going to have to check to see if the $49 Bullet I saw listed on Craigslist locally is still available. I can see it in my head now. Blueburst body, white pearloid pickguard, locking tuners, steel trem block, Texas Special PUPs...you suck!

 

[Malikon]

In case anyone is wondering what's under the thick polyurethane of an Affinity Strat, here's the natural 3-piece alder body:

Note: I sanded the front and back completely in about 40 minutes using an orbital sander and 40-grit paper. Now comes the curvy bits...

that's some nice looking grain. There's that one really dark streak, but honestly who'd have thought that'd be under a black guitar.

Cool deal, looking forward to seeing the final look.

 

[mw13068]

Just ordered my first-ever set of D. Allen pickups for this build! The "Standard Austin Blues" for $88.

Standard Austin Blues

I thought about dropping two bills for Texas Specials, but that would be almost three times what I paid for the guitar in the first place. I thought of buying from GFS, but I've already sent enough money their way, with mixed results. I figured D. Allen is "one of us" here on the forum, and by all accounts provides great customer service.

Mr. Allen, thanks for having "budget" sets available!

Looking forward to putting this all together!

 

[thaus]

In case anyone is wondering what's under the thick polyurethane of an Affinity Strat, here's the natural 3-piece alder body:

Note: I sanded the front and back completely in about 40 minutes using an orbital sander and 40-grit paper. Now comes the curvy bits...

This is going to turn out great! That is a nice piece(s) of wood under that black shell. Good stuff!

 

[Gaolee]

It looks great as it is right now. Natural burst or something.