Bilt guitars??

Discussion of newer designs, copies and reissue offset-waist instruments.
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mcatano
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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by mcatano » Tue Feb 13, 2018 7:11 am

Zaftigs are beautiful looking instruments that feel like a really well-made modern fender. They're also a pretty solid bargain on the used market if you can find one that has the features you're looking for.

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DesmondWafers
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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by DesmondWafers » Tue Feb 13, 2018 1:07 pm

I hate this thread. Incoming NGD.

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Embenny
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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by Embenny » Tue Feb 13, 2018 1:32 pm

Amazing, are those Firebirds? Those would be my choice on one of those...
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bacca51
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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by bacca51 » Tue Feb 13, 2018 1:54 pm

DesmondWafers wrote:
Tue Feb 13, 2018 1:07 pm
I hate this thread. Incoming NGD.

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Daaaamnn! You must've snagged that today, because I was looking at it last night and was gunna suggest it to the OP. CONGRATS :whistle:

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smjenkins
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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by smjenkins » Tue Feb 13, 2018 3:19 pm

That is pretty. Agree with the comment about how cool those Firebird pickups look. Regarding hating this thread, congrats on the new guitar? :)

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DesmondWafers
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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by DesmondWafers » Tue Feb 13, 2018 3:26 pm

Yeah, lollar Firebirds. I made an offer I thought would be rejected for sure, pretty damn excited for this one!

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Gavanti
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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by Gavanti » Tue Feb 13, 2018 4:27 pm

DesmondWafers wrote:
Tue Feb 13, 2018 3:26 pm
Yeah, lollar Firebirds. I made an offer I thought would be rejected for sure, pretty damn excited for this one!
Nice! Lollar 'birds sound great. I've got one in the middle position of my LS and love it.

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FIREBOT
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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by FIREBOT » Tue Feb 13, 2018 9:21 pm

I've got 3. One is a jazzmaster-type Relevator. One is a Jaguar-type Relevator (full-scale with three Lollar Jag pickups). Lastly, a Zaftig that is my #1. I agree with all said here. They are like a super-well-made Fender... CS quality build. The Lollars and Mastery appointments are impeccable. The Zaftig is super light (mid seven-pound range). The other two are consistent to their Fender counterparts. The Zaftig almost plays itself. Used, these are a bargain. Any Bit under $2000 is a bargain.

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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by rkharper » Wed Feb 14, 2018 1:27 am

used to own 4, now I'm down to 3, a twin pair of Relevator LS and XII, and a Volaré Bass.

there's not much to add, if you dig how they look, and want to get the best guitar in their vein, then I'd give them a shot.

left and middle
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Volaré Bass
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foxisther
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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by foxisther » Wed Feb 14, 2018 2:30 am

Hi, I just made an order for a Bilt Zaftig with Lollar Imperials.
I've been a telecaster player all my life and wanted something different.
Do any of you here have any experience with Lollar Imperials in a Zaftig?
Also, I was looking to get a Mono case for the Zaftig and wondered if anyone knows which size of case would fit the Zaftig?

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jeff m.
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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by jeff m. » Wed Feb 14, 2018 1:24 pm

rkharper,
That XII is absolutely stunning..in fact, your whole collection is !

Great stuff, mate.
Jeff.

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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by Maggieo » Wed Feb 14, 2018 2:23 pm

foxisther wrote:
Wed Feb 14, 2018 2:30 am
Hi, I just made an order for a Bilt Zaftig with Lollar Imperials.
I've been a telecaster player all my life and wanted something different.
Do any of you here have any experience with Lollar Imperials in a Zaftig?
Also, I was looking to get a Mono case for the Zaftig and wondered if anyone knows which size of case would fit the Zaftig?
It took a pro setup (mine was kind of butchered by the previous owner) and a little time to grok the Imperials, but once I did, I have come to love them. The Zaftig makes a great companion to my Teles and ECJM.
“Now I am quietly waiting for/ the catastrophe of my personality/ to seem beautiful again.”- Frank O'Hara
I am not an attorney and this post is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a licensed attorney in your state for legal advice.

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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by theswede » Wed Feb 14, 2018 4:36 pm

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That’s my guy I got last year... Volare, lollar WRHB, blocks and bound, in a metallic burgundy finish (which actually comes out like metallic copper).

Full master hardware (bridge/term), 9.5 radius, w/vintage fret wire.

I had always said my “dream/were I a big deal to have a signature model” guitar made, would be a Starcaster with full offset trem... even down my specific 9.5/vintage wire.

Happened across the few made specifically for Chicago music exchange, and made a haphazard and risky purchase (had to make payments to avoid spousal scrutiny!). Best guitar I’ve ever bought. Keeper in every sense of the word. Beautiful in its construction, and plays incredibly. I love the light weight, and it’s decidedly thinner than the starcaster... fender in your left hand, but Gibson for your right (but fender once more by way of mastery with the offset trem at the ready).

I would not bat an eye, these things are more than worth a look. If you really dig the offset (not just the style and look) I’ve never found a company (even fender) who really get “it”, in the way it feels- and why we love these guitars, than bilt. Yeah they ain’t cheap, but their price reflects honest, work ready guitars, that reflect your specifications, but maintain the same “ethos” of the fender part/part modular design... they reflect simple design, but flare out the cool bits too- love the headstock, or these ain’t for you.

Again, a simple guitar in many ways (it doesn’t feel inflated with the posh/exotic/boutique vibe), but true blue.

Anyway, yeah- love mine. Would love another, but I’m kind of “done” with the guitar question at this point... and I’m a offset fella (also have a beaut of a jag av65, and my own JM I patched together from the best of the best bits), but the volare steals all the thunder.

Best thing I’ve hid from my wife (by far).

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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by Gavanti » Wed Feb 14, 2018 5:46 pm

foxisther wrote:
Wed Feb 14, 2018 2:30 am
Hi, I just made an order for a Bilt Zaftig with Lollar Imperials.
I've been a telecaster player all my life and wanted something different.
Do any of you here have any experience with Lollar Imperials in a Zaftig?
Also, I was looking to get a Mono case for the Zaftig and wondered if anyone knows which size of case would fit the Zaftig?
That green one with Imperials at CME has been really tempting.I'd be interested to hear how you like yours.

I used a Mono semi-hollow case with my Zaftig. It was a great fit for it, and has been a fine fit for my Jags too since I let the Zaftig go. If it would only fit a Bass VI and subtract about 5 pounds off whatever guitar it carries, it would be perfect.

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Re: Bilt guitars??

Post by smjenkins » Wed Feb 14, 2018 7:56 pm

theswede wrote:
Wed Feb 14, 2018 4:36 pm
Image

That’s my guy I got last year... Volare, lollar WRHB, blocks and bound, in a metallic burgundy finish (which actually comes out like metallic copper).
I saw that one when I picked up my volare last year. That color looked really cool in the listing (and still does).

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