Saturday 28 December 2013

A new challenge for 2014

For 2014 I have decided to embark on a new project. The last guitar I bought was in 2009 and  I've been feeling the urge to splash out for a few years now. However times are hard and the money just isn't there, so I've decided on upgrading a cheap one. Budget for the guitar was under 100GBP

I was after a jaguar bodyshape with the potential for 3 pickups and although there werent any obvious choices I eventually found a model that seems to be availible through three or four brands. 

My model is called a J&D J20, though from looking around I think it is also distributed as the Hodson Surfcat, Stagg M350 and Antoria Electrosonic Vegas. The specs are very generic and I'm guessing theyre all made in the same factory in China. I paid 91GBP in total.

This one isn't mine, but there's one on it's way. 

Buying such a cheap guitar I wasn't really bothered by any reviews since my plan is to upgrade most of the parts, but it seems to get solid feedback as a modding platform and I will wait until it arrives before I decide what work to do. 

I do know how I want it to look eventually though.  The J&D on its way is finished in 'surf green' which wont be staying. My inspiration is the Teisco's and Kay's of the 60's and 70's mine will be finished in a red/black burst with a mirror pickguard. Maybe I'll add some metal inserts too. I haven't repainted a guitar before so it'll be a learning curve but I'm looking forward to it.

Love how these things look. Hopefully mine will play better though!


So I will be posting my progress on this project over the coming months. Its going to take time as I havent the time or the money to do too much too often. 

Will make a post when it arrives!

Howard