Grizzley Guitar Kits
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Posted on Oct 31, 2005 01:00 pm
BeerHunter
www.TheLondonProject.ca
Member Since: Feb 07, 2005
Hello everyone,
I was wondering if any of you have built a Grizzley guitar kit before. I have been looking around at kits for quite some time now and I have pretty much decided on this kit www.grizzly.com/products/...temnumber=H6086 but I would like to see if anyone has any comments on these kits before I do.
I'm sure that some of you will say "you gotta get a Carvin bolt kit" but they only have a strat style and I want a PRS re-routed style with a quilted maple top.
There are Saga kits but they seem to use real cheap components and wood.
The Grizzley showroom is only about 30 miles from here (just across the border) so I can drive down and take a look at the kit before I buy it.
Anyways, any thoughts on these kits?
Thanks,
Lonnie
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TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Oct 31, 2005 02:19 pm New one on me! I've been very satisfied with Wormoth (also up in your neck of the woods), and Stewart McDonald parts. The Carvin thing intrigues me too.
The only points I was struck by with the Grizzley were the gold-tone parts, and the headstock (are you getting the big blank, and then shaping it to suit?). Since you'll be able to go over and look at the kit, make sure all the gold accessories match in color. This is one of those notoriously difficult things.
If you have good machine tools, you should be okay with the headstock thing too. Just be careful of drilling holes straight.
There didn't seem to be any specs on the pickups (or there were and I didn't look very hard...). Which p/ups are they? Are they a no-name?
The price seems very reasonable/low. For Wormoth and StuMac, you've expect to pay that for a body and neck only.
How are you going to finish this?
Good on you for taking the plunge into guitar assembly. It's more rewarding than you can imagine.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Oct 31, 2005 02:38 pm Hi TallChap,
Thanks for the tip re: the gold parts. I wouldn't have thought to check for that.
I can't find much info on these kits and have been looking for quite some time now.
On the this particular kit the head is already finished which is a bonus although at work we have a full wood shop and I'm not intimidated if I have to shape it myself.
I have built (rebuilt actually) a guitar already (you can sort of see it in my avatar) and enjoyed the process so much that I want to do another. This kit has a quilted maple top so I am planning on a dark green translucent finish.
I don't plan on immediatly swapping out the hardware (guitar skills don't warrant it yet) but if I was going to I would probably get a body and neck from Warmoth. Carvin seems to get all the great reviews but I really want to get into a PRS style with a nice piece of wood. I'll just have to hope that the hardware will hold me for awhile. I know the tuning machines are suppose to be really good. I can't find any info on the rest of the hardware though.
One thing that leads me to believe this is a good kit is that the owner builds quite a few high end acoustics (jewel inlaid and such) and I'm hoping that he wouldn't sell crap. Here's to hoping I'm right.
Thanks again,
Lonnie
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Oct 31, 2005 10:51 pm Strange place to buy a guitar kit.
But ya it looks like a good kit with a nice piece of wood. Hardware of coarse would be my main concern also as stated by TallChap. And the pick ups can be replaced down the road if they stink.
I found it wierd that a machinery supply house was selling guitar kits and stuff though, very odd. But whatever works.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Nov 01, 2005 01:49 am I get the feeling that he is just doing this for his (the owners) own reasons. Did you check out some of the inlays? Very cool www.grizzly.com/sbguitar/sbguitar.aspx?serial=007 I have easy access to the Bellingham shop and show room.
If you get a chance, check out the manual images.grizzly.com/grizzlycom/manuals/H6086_m.pdf it is a really cool doc to look through.
It seems to me that for $365 you can't go wrong. I'm hungry for a quilt top and that is a great price.
Take it easy,
Lonnie
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Nov 01, 2005 01:55 am oh ya, and I could easily upgrade the hardware locally or even on e-bay. I guess the big question is, how is the wood? (Warmoth body is $300 but you know it is good) The Grizzly has a licensed Floyd as well and thats prob about $100.
I don't know. It seems that the equiv at Carvin is $600.
Should I dare to be different and go with the Grizzly or should I go safe and get the Carvin? Now that IS the question.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Nov 01, 2005 03:01 pm One hesitation I have here is that these guitars are "built by the president of Grizzly, using Grizzly tools." He may be an amazing luthier, or he just may be a very clever woodworker, and very good at inlays. From the look of the woods, they do LOOK very nice. The wood looks nice. The inlays look nice. Do they sound nice?
Are the guitars tonally viable? Can you try a finished guitar before you buy a kit? Inlays etc. are all very well and good (and yes, my custom bass has a very nice abalone and mother-of-pear inlay in the headstock), but if the guitar doesn't sound good, it's a bit of a waste.
Maybe this guy really can build guitars. I don't know!
Nov 01, 2005 04:32 pm I wouldnt sweat it too much for an electric. He's using tone woods that look pretty decent. Everything else is just routing work. Not much different than what you'd find at Peavey or Fender. There's not a lot of 'Craftsmanship' to worry about. If it was an acoustic, I'd have a bunch more reservations. Looks pretty decent, actually.
My $.02 anyway.
Nov 01, 2005 05:42 pm I spied a nice wee Les Paul kit over here - the manufacturer escapes me, but I'd like to make me a real nice one to add to the collection of LP's!!
A custom job with some distinct changes:
New pickups - 2 seymours I think ...
New tuners - as per my own Gibson
New bridge - again, similar to the Gibson
Custom ultra thin neck - super fast...
That, with my own headstock, customised decals and some fancy maple flame carved top!!!
NOW THAT - is a dream guitar to ole Coco!!
Cheers...
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Nov 01, 2005 06:00 pm Hey all,
I decided to dive into the world of the unknown and pick up one of these Grizzly kits. I'll post pix of the build and a full review once complete. Who knows, they may actually turn out to be a great kit and if so I'll probably buy the LP model next.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 01, 2005 11:03 pm Ya, good call BeerHunter. I dont see anything wrong with the wood from the pix. And like ya said, hardware can be upgraded at anytime. The Floyd is a plus, its a double lock so that is good. And he has a good neck bolt on set up so that is good as well.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Nov 02, 2005 06:42 pm Man, they don't make it easy to buy it though. I ended up sending a money order and having it shipped to mum-in-law. Jeesh, pain in the a$$. Thankfully, mum is coming up for a visit on November 11th so I should have it in my eager hands by then.
[quote] Grizzly has a business agreement that prevents us from selling to customers in Canada. However, if you come to our showroom to purchase something, or if you have it shipped to a US address, that will be fine. I will be happy to have an order set up for you.
We can only accept credit cards issued by banks that provide electronic address verification to our credit card processor. We use this electronic address verification instead of your signature, and without it, cannot accept the credit card. Most banks in the United States provide this electronic verification, however we have found that many banks outside the US (including Canada) do not. [/quote]
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 02, 2005 10:31 pm Credit Card fraod has really ruined it for a lot of business people around the world. I guess I dont blame them for being a bit harsh on their policy.
But good to hear your gettin it dude.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Nov 02, 2005 10:55 pm Ya, I can understand the policy, it is just a little hard to take when I could almost ride my bike there. I can't drive there and get it unless I stay 48 hours (to be tax free anyways).
I am excited about getting it though. I plan to do a red translucent on it.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Nov 17, 2005 07:04 pm Quote:
I plan to do a red translucent on it.
Haha, what a difference a few weeks can make. I ended up dying it blue :)
Anyways, if anyone wants to check out my progress you can see the build at members.shaw.ca/ljeeves/grizzly_build_project.htm
Take it easy,
Lonnie
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 17, 2005 09:11 pm I like the blue dude. I think it probably is bringing out the quilt to such a high degree. The pix make it look like a real deep quilt on it.
I am guessing you are feeling it was money well spent then judging by the pix?
Cant wait to see it finished. The shot of the front after the clearcoat wouldnt come up though, bummer. I'll try again later, maybe they were just having page trouble.
ATChrisMusical PhilanthropistMember
Since: Nov 11, 2004
Nov 17, 2005 09:55 pm I think that looks great. I checked that site out a little more in depth, they've got a lot of cool stuff, supplies, etc. Can't wait to see it when it's done.
HuePinnipedal Czar (: 3= Member
Since: Apr 11, 2004
Nov 18, 2005 09:18 am She's gon'na be a looker ! Nice work Lonnie !
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Nov 18, 2005 11:17 am Thanks guys. I love doing this type of work. You get to know your axe intimately and I seem to appreciate that more than buying one. I can't think of a better hobby than music in general. Music fuels all my interests.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Nov 18, 2005 12:24 pm I gotta say, Im impressed by the quilt on the top. Was the dying part of the instructions that came with the guitar, or did you know how to do that already?
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Nov 18, 2005 12:40 pm Hey Tad,
The instructions only said "this kit comes rough sanded and ready to apply your finish". I have been looking into doing a dye job on the internet for quite awhile now. The first place that got me going was at ReRanch where they sell dye and staining products.
I don't find this to be a difficult project at all. You just need to have patience and take your time. I would never do this if it was my first guitar. I would've ended up slapping it together just so I could play it.
Nov 18, 2005 12:47 pm ya man, looks sweet!
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Dec 03, 2005 03:50 pm Hey all, I finally finished the kit. All I have to do now is set up the Floyd. Here's to hoping my patience hold up :)
If anyone has any tips on setting it up, I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Lonnie
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Dec 03, 2005 10:22 pm I'm sure youre patience will hold out. That looks great. I love the faux binding, it sets off the blue nicely. It looks like it turned out great and the quilt looks fantasitc.
Dec 04, 2005 07:12 am Nice axe for sure Beerhunter...very nice.
Good work..alas, I dont think I'd have the patience but some day, I'll gie it a shot based on your results and dsicussion of the project.
Cool
Coco.
DiemusikString benderMember
Since: Unknown
Dec 04, 2005 12:47 pm Wow nice work on that guitar. Looks great. For set up tech I like this site www.jemsite.com/tech/index.htm its based on Ibanez guitars but the theory is the same.
Dec 04, 2005 01:05 pm Sweet guitar BeerHunter. I am looking at getting one of those Grizzly kits too. Did you buy the dye from Grizzly, or from somewhere else? Also, how does the kit compare to other guitars, and is it a good deal to buy one?
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Dec 04, 2005 03:22 pm I bought the dye from Lee Valley Tools which is a wood tool supply shop here in Canada. I would think that you can buy analine dye from several different vendors including Grizzly and ReRanch. I would recommend that you buy water based dyes though. One important thing to remember, make sure that the wood is not sealed if you plan to dye it. The Grizzly kits are not sealed but other kits out there are. I've got a website that outines the steps I took. I will be updating it over the next couple of days but it is complete except for the last few days.
members.shaw.ca/ljeeves/grizzly_build_project.htm
Oh ya, I should mention that I want to build another Grizzly kit. This time I'm going for the LP model. That in itself is sort of a testimonial of sorts.
hammdoMember
Since: Dec 20, 2005
Dec 20, 2005 10:08 pm I too am building one of these kits. I like it pretty well. One thing to watch for is the top. Its a veneer (very thin) and can have some 'patches' on it. I've started working on mine. You can see it here:
www.accelerationtech.com/tiger-eye/main.htm
I like it so far (I'm upgrading to Duncans -- I just like the sound from them).
-Don
Dec 31, 2005 08:00 pm Hey everyone. Just got my kit for Christmas. I'm itchin to get started, but i have to find the dyes i need.
community.webshots.com/album/532521285YyAceC
Thats where i will be posting my progress, right now i just have some pics of the pieces. If anyone knows how to do that burst on the strat (in the link above), colors i need or a good website to get them, your info would be greatly appreciated.
Dec 31, 2005 08:07 pm looks sweet.
This thread almost makes me wanna build a guitar just for the hell of it... myse
I kinda like that pearly white finish.
Jan 01, 2006 10:39 am Thanks for the link. Do you know if the head on the grizzly kit is ebony (if it is it must have a crazy amount of finish on it) or if it is plastic?
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Jan 01, 2006 02:08 pm It has a lot of nitro on it. It sands flat very easy though. It took me about 10 mins.
Jan 02, 2006 12:02 pm Alright, thats good to hear. Way to glossy for me.
Jan 10, 2006 07:34 pm Would water based or alcohol based dye be better? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
Jan 29, 2006 07:27 pm Hey guys. I just finished doing two coats of the base color. When it is finished it is going to be a red/orange burst. Check out the link below for pics.
community.webshots.com/user/sgtpepper517
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Jan 29, 2006 08:39 pm Very nice looking. I do like the color. Cant wait to see it once its clear coated.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Feb 11, 2006 07:21 pm Very nice looking. I like the neck being the same color. Cant wait to see it all finished and assembled.
Mar 12, 2006 04:08 pm Hey everyone. My guitar is almost done...actually it should have been done now but Grizzly didn't send me a neck plate or screws so I have to see what is up with that. All that is left is some final soldering and stringing/setting up the strings. Here's some pics:
community.webshots.com/album/532521285YyAceC
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 12, 2006 05:30 pm Very nice looking. I love the color and like a stated above. I like the neck matching, really adds something to it. I like the inset knobs as well, that really looks nice.
Mar 16, 2006 06:46 am Hey guys, its finally done!! Just the final little set up parts (tuning, string/pickup height, etc). Don't have any pics yet but i will post some when i get them.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 18, 2006 05:32 pm Very nice looking indeed. I am impressed with the way the color turned out. The gold hardware is pretty cool lookin as well.
Very nice job!
