Cheapest possible offset build?

[adamrobertt]

I am currently guitarless after a series of ill advised trades (my fault) and some money issues (not so much my fault but oh well) and I'm starting to really miss having a guitar. My girlfriend has a few that I can play if I want, but I was wondering what the cheapest possible offset build was with still OK quality? Or would it just be smarter to buy a Squier or something? I haven't really been keeping up on what's out there as far as the cheaper stuff goes.

Looking to spend like, less than $200. I already have a mustang pickguard laying around, so maybe I should start there?

[marqueemoon]

The Affinity hardtail JMs are not bad for $200. You might be able to find a used/demo one for a little less. Upgrade stuff when you can, or don't.

Building something can be cost effective if you have more money to spend, but shipping costs are going to kill you if your budget is $200.

[FightingPlankton]

2nd affinity jm
or find a 2nd hand jagmaster

[kdanie]

GFS sells offsets with trem for $229 + shipping. Quality is supposed to be decent. I doubt you could build for less, with quality parts anyway.

http://www.guitarfetish.com/XV-JT100-Of ... c_208.html

ken

[Embenny]

My Bullet Mustang at $150 is a hell of a guitar. The stock pickups are surprisingly good. The frets just need a quick polishing (or a bunch of string-bending - that actually polished them most of the way).

I'd take the Squier Bullet over a GFS any day, especially since you can walk into a store and try it before buying. They had one of each colour at my local shop, and the black one had some off-putting grain/small knots in the neck. The blue sparkle one had a flawless finish and beautiful neck. Best bang for the buck I have ever gotten on a guitar.

[sirspens]

My Bullet Mustang at $150 is a hell of a guitar. The stock pickups are surprisingly good. The frets just need a quick polishing (or a bunch of string-bending - that actually polished them most of the way).

I second this.

Between the Bullet Mustang and the Affinity Jazzmaster, I found the humbuckers in the Bullet Mustang to sound better. The Affinity Jazzmaster humbuckers were muddier. Whereas the Bullet Mustang take on overdrive and fuzz really well.

My only disappointment with the Bullet Mustang was the neck not being stable enough for my bad habit of pulling too hard on the neck when playing open chords toward the nut.

Also, the GFS "Jazzmaster" clone has a much smaller body than a real Jazzmaster. So you can't buy parts for it, such as a pickguard, on the market.

[Kaganovich]

2nd hand Revelation guitars can be superb value for money.

[kdanie]

Also, the GFS "Jazzmaster" clone has a much smaller body than a real Jazzmaster. So you can't buy parts for it, such as a pickguard, on the market.

I don't think that's accurate these days, someone on here bought one and it was very close to a JM - remember there are several variations of "real" JMs too. But if the OP wants a "real" fender they are welcome to it, their choice but there are MANY more options for offsets than fenders.

ken

[higgsblossom]

Consider a Bullet Mustang if you like the short scale. For 150€, it is a hell of a guitar! Surprisingly flawless paint job, incredibly good neck (not only) for that money, even the humbuckers are more than okay, the bridge is cheap but does the job and the tuners - stay in tune!

EDIT: ok, ok, that one was suggested twice before I came along...