Guitar suggestions needed

[Simon D]

Hi all,

Having just sold 2 guitars (my Epi LP and PRS SE Singlecut), I'm now looking for something new. So far, the Fender Jim Root Tele is on the list, but I'm curious as to whether there's something I've not thought of. I'd welcome any suggestions or ideas people have. I've got a pretty good idea of the spec I'm after, but the budget isn't huge and is tight (please don't say 'Go custom' - you'll bankrupt me! ). I'll be playing mostly metal and very heavy rock on this guitar. I'm open to looking at body shapes that aren't the 'usual suspects', but I'm not looking for a V or anything BC Rich-like.

The spec I'm after:
 - Body: mahogany
 - Neck: Maple or mahogany, slim but not Ibanez skinny, think C-shaped - Modern Fender C to PRS wide thin, unbound
 - Fretboard: Rosewood or ebony, radius 9 to 12, fairly big frets
 - Pickups - 2 humbuckers, reasonably high output
 - Bridge - Fixed for easy tuning changes
 - Neck joint - Set or bolt on, I'm not fussy.
 - The budget is £850 at max. I'm ok with the idea of buying secondhand, so I guess that may provide a few more options.

Hit me with any and all ideas guys.
Cheers,
Si

[dave_mc]

if you're willing to go second-hand, i'd seriously consider a patrick eggle of some kind from the 1990s. if you don't need fancy tops etc. you could probably cut that budget in half, too.

[Twinfan]

Gibson SG or ESP Viper?
PRS Mira?
Warmoth build?

[Ian Price]

Have you thgouht about going down the Warmoth route? Looks like it could be my next addiction!

[Ian Price]

Warmoth build?

 :D We probably typed this at the same time.

[Twinfan]

:lol:

[Philly Q]

Simon's already got a Warmoth build, so I'd guess it's crossed his mind!

I was thinking something SG-ish too.  But that Jim Root Tele does seem to tick all the boxes!

[dave_mc]

i sense another forum fad coming along... :lol:

[indysmith]

Fender Jim Root Tele looks sweet! Go get it!

[Ian Price]

i sense another forum fad coming along... :lol:

Are you a jedi or is it just that obvious  :)

[indysmith]

i sense another forum fad coming along... :lol:

Are you a jedi or is it just that obvious  :)

Until Warmoth start doing set neck/body combos I'm firmly on strike!

[Simon D]

Cheers for the replies so far guys - couple of things I hadn't thought of there, SGs being one (god knows why i didn't think if them before). I've no experience with them at all, so I'll have to give one a go. Something to do on my lunchbreak tomorrow maybe...

Eggles are another I hadn't considered, possibly because a mate just picked up a very nice Berlin with a flametop, so that's what I associate them with in my head now (Don't really want any spangle at all on this guitar - I've got a couple of guitars with maple tops or veneers, this is to be plain I think.). If the price on Warmoth stuff hadn't gone through the roof, I'd consider doing that, but it's out for now sadly.

[WezV]

seriously for a second, and its not often i do this, but if you are willing to have an oil finish rather than lacquer you are not far of my prices for simpler guitars

[Bradock PI]

Wez When is that website link going to work !! I wanna see more pics

[WezV]

well if i spend too long focusing on the website i am not building guitars, so the guitars will be done when i say they are done and the website will be done when i get around to it

so feel free to browse my photobucket which has everything including kittens, cats, forum members and tattoos.
http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e31/WezV/complete%20guitars/

i have linked to the finished stuff gallery but take a look through my the rest for in progress and random stuff - i use photobucket a lot