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What to do with old builds?

kaoskater08

kaoskater08

Apr 1, 2011
171
180
#1
I've got a couple of instruments that were for my learning/experimenting builds and have reused the hardware and electronics on much better builds. I don't want to just toss these away since I put so much work into each one but at the same time they are taking up space in my home/shop.

What are some suggestions on what to do with these?
 
#2
kaoskater08 said:
I've got a couple of instruments that were for my learning/experimenting builds and have reused the hardware and electronics on much better builds. I don't want to just toss these away since I put so much work into each one but at the same time they are taking up space in my home/shop.

What are some suggestions on what to do with these?
Click to expand...
I save them in hopes that they will be useful, and have found it convenient to have them on hand. You never know what will crop up that an old body, neck, or stripped build will be useful for.

One idea is to make one a test instrument that can be used to test pickup positions, different electronics options, hardware, etc.
 
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#6
If someone can salvage them to make a usable instrument, offer them up for free. If they are better than that ask for a few bucks and sell them as factory seconds. I have done this and usually people are psyched to get a bass they can monkey around with for short money. One of the first basses I bought was an Acacia "factory second", in the vicinity of $400. It basically needed a new finish and some odds and ends. It turned out nice.

If they are unsalvageable, burn 'em. Or turn them into pen blanks.
 
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#9
I, also, would be interested in quality instrument pieces, available for reasonable cost, that could be finished by me too, as well.

If you (or Hopkins) have any such, might be a good way to garner funds to build more things...
 
#12
^ Actually, this is probably your best bet. Find local schools with shop or engineering study, and talk to the teachers. You'd likely find some takers, and get a tax write off in the process.

Or, post 'em your local CL or similar as "works to be determined by finish builder" or some such, and sell them to peeps looking to learn the skillz involved. Find quite a few takers that way also I bet.
 
#13
I wouldnt consider my junk to be quality pieces. I have a warped body, a cracked body, and a neck with a twist in it. They are all early builds when I didnt know my stuff so well. They are basically firewood.


wraub said:
I, also, would be interested in quality instrument pieces, available for reasonable cost, that could be finished by me too, as well.

If you (or Hopkins) have any such, might be a good way to garner funds to build more things...
Click to expand...
 
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#15
kaoskater08 said:
I've got a couple of instruments that were for my learning/experimenting builds and have reused the hardware and electronics on much better builds. I don't want to just toss these away since I put so much work into each one but at the same time they are taking up space in my home/shop.

What are some suggestions on what to do with these?
Click to expand...
Donate them to Will It Blend?.

 
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#19
michaelwayneharwood said:
One idea is to make one a test instrument that can be used to test pickup positions, different electronics options, hardware, etc.
Click to expand...

I like that idea. Just got into it myself (finishing up 2nd one now) so I think my first one would make a good test bed. The second one I actually plan on playing pretty regularly once I have it tweaked properly. The first one I rushed and it shows, although it is playable.
 
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