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Okay, I've always wanted a Strat and so far I haven't found one that really pushed all my buttons. So, I decided to make my own. In doing so, I decided to have the features that I really like rather than just copy a Strat. I like white Strats and I like red Strats.

This one is going to be Red with a maple neck and maple fretboard. It will have a zero fret with a string guide of brass. I prefer the side jack over a top jack. The back will have a little extra relief to suit me. The pickguard will be W-B-W and of my design. I don't have the paint tools, nor the skill to paint and I don't yet have my little shop set up to do serious wood working so an acquaintance made the body and neck for me and painted the body. I'll do the rest here.

Okay then. Here is the body in primer.






I'm not in a big hurry or anything and I'm still deciding on some of the hardware. I think I'll have it done within a month or so.

Here's the first round of color and not buffed out at all.



I wanted the neck to have a little "age" to it so a little amber was added to the clear coat.





I couldn't decide on fret markers so, on a whim this is it!

Very exciting Sarah! I can't wait to see what other goodies are going on it to make this one-of-a-kind Strat; what pickups (Mosrite types? two -or three?), wiring configuration, toggle switch, fixed tailstop or trem system etc.
I love the incorporation of a zero fret!! BTW, do I see a Tele body hanging next to your Strat?

Very nice Sarah! Were you inspired by Richie Sambora with the 'star' inlays?
And Paul has good eyes. I saw the Tele body too. Is that your next project?

Thank you! The Tele that was hanging there is his project. He did them at the same time. I'm leaning toward not having a tremolo as I don't really use them much. There are Rockabilly songs that I'll use the trem on and I'd be using my Gretsch for those. The purpose of this Strat is classic Rock and Roll stuff. Tom Petty, Bon Jovi, Springsteen, etc. type of songs.

The pickups are going to be custom for this guitar. Luckily he has a friend who is now retired that was the engineer who designed a lot of the major pickups that we enjoy today. He worked for Gibson in the 1950's and I think he may have been the one to design the PAF pickups. I'll find out his name. Anyway, since they are friends, John told me he could get some pickups for my build. I'll talk to him about use of 2 or 3.

As for the star inlays, I just couldn't decide because I wanted something different than what I already have. I almost with tiny dots like a Mos, but when John mentioned he had the stars already it just clicked. I don't have anything like that in my little collection and thought it would be cool.

WoW! Are you leaning towards the humbuckers?
BTW, Seth Lover was the inventor of the PAFs .

hey sarah awesome job so far!
word of advice though. before going any farther, check how the neck fits into the pocket on the guitar body. you generally don't want paint in this location for a couple different reasons.

first off there will be less wood on wood contact, and it will decrease your sustain. also before going any farther check and see if the pocket right now is too loose, too tight or just right. it should fit snug, but without having to force it. if this is the case right now, I recommend taping off the pocket now before your clear coat. if it's too tight right now, i would sand the inside of the pocket using 220. if the pocket is too tight and you try to put the neck on after it's been buffed, then the finish can chip right off at the edge neck joint, and this will stick out like a sore thumb.
I'd ended up learning this the hard way. it's not that uncommon to see new factory made strats with this problem too and touch up paint will be applied. however, it's good to paint the outer edge of the neck pocket to hide the bare wood peeking out when the neck is attached.

this is what I mean:



now if the neck is fitting inside too loose, well just take like at this:

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=812&hilit=can+i+increase+my+sustain

Thanks Aaron! That helps a lot. I get it. I'll be back at either this weekend or next and give ya'll an update.

HI Sarah, Thanks for all of your help in the past with my Gospel Guitar. I can't wait for the Celebrity web site.
I am still interested in selling the gospel guitar, thanks again , Joe

hey sarah, just wondering, why didn't you have the maple fret board finished in the amber color too?