How To upgrade a cheap Guitar / DIY Guitar Kit

This time I upgrade the guitar I build from a cheap DIY Kit in one of my last vieos!
A cheap guitar can be improved by replacing crucial parts like for example the pickups and if you'r willing to invest a bit of time work and money you end up with a much nicer guitar.

I know people can go crazy when it comes to cusmoizing their guitar but taking a 60 bugs guitar and spending hundreds of dollars for high end replacement parts might be a bit overkill.

Instead I decided to keep it on a budget.
$41.95 USA Spaced Solid Brass Block Tremolo
$29.95 Gold Gotoh Style tuners
$4.95 Bone Nut
$13.95 Pickguard
$58.95 Alnico Pickups Set
And as soon as they arive in the mail I will change the switch and the potentiometers.
I also leveled the frets and gave the guitar a proper setup.
It's still a budget guitar but it's a big improvement. It sound and plays great.

[charlie-obrien]

Great job on that finish and the upgrades you installed. Some seem to like the original sound, but not me. The new pick ups gave a clear ringing tone and sounded like more confident sustain.
Good job.

[meadish]

Stellar job! I especially like the look of the body - that red tone with the wood showing through is gorgeous. The replacements pickups also seem to have a much richer sound, with more midrange and bass. Cool idea with the dice knobs, too - not my style, but I love the creativity. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Kadmosthegreat]

I know a couple people are giving you cheap (sorry couldn't help myself), but I rather like it, especially the paint job, a bit translucent but with some texture, gives it a "lived in" look.

[jltrem]

By putting the dice knobs on you made it LOOK cheap.

[jameshumberstone]

Craftsman and entertainer!! Love your videos Fabian!!

[gangnamstylegrandpa]

I like it, the dice knobs are really cool !Alnice pickups are always better ! Stays in tune nicely with the tremlo !

[Monomonmamon]

idk but as a person who has been using a clean tone, sometimes a dirtier tone seems to work for me!

I love the gold accent although the dice is something I'd not put lol!

[fxwin]

The finish of the guitar is really nice. I would prefer Wilkinson or Vanson pickups - they are more or less in the same price and sound really great.

[chrishenderson]

what did you use for wood finish? thats gorgeous!

[devinsobay]

I liked the way it sounded after the upgrades! I could hear the bass and treble better in my opinion. It sounded clearer to me.

[Jmwilsonj]

So glad I came across this video, I'm going to be doing the same but with a green glarry gst. I was curious about the gold hardware. I am actually blown away by how good it actually looks!
I'm going to follow your video when working on mine, as a guide and for inspiration :)
Awesome awesome stuff mate :)

[georgealty]

Good work on both vids. Thanks. Especially the fret levelling tip. My build will follow!

[khalaziafaqih]

Maybe my ears is wrong, but that cheaps pickups sound better than new one

[charger]

To me this guitar sounds great to my ears! NICE JOB!!!

[Axess-svnq]

Eine Schafgitarre! Sorry, couldn't resist! Great sound and an excellent build, mein freund!

[somerandomguy]

I really like this video, I think you've convinced me to order a cheap Chinese guitar kit!

[MarkMcCluney]

I know you won't like this (and I imagine no one will agree) but I preferred the 'before' sound! it seems to have more of the strat brightness. but then, what do I know? either way this was a nice vid, very enjoyable and entertaining. thanks for sharing mate!

[Sweepy]

Not into guitars, but fascinating to see your videos on the topic!

[leftymadrid]

Very cool project, yeah, I would have to say that the fender type knobs mau be nicer in my humble opinion BUT if you're happy do it to it and keep them!! :-) :-)

[gangnamstylegrandpa]

Very good video ! I watched the 1st one, and the 2nd one ! I like the way you explained every step, without really bashing the kit . Really nice shots applying the finish, that is usually the hardest thing for beginners .How many coats of oil did you have to apply to get that sheen ?