Asembling a Sparkly Stike-o-caster

[BadgerDave]

I bought a very cool emerald sparkle Strat body from Stike a few weeks ago. This is one of the best finishes I've ever seen!!!!

I thought I'd post some photos of the assembly process as it progresses.

First, I had to remove some wood from the cavity so the bridge humbucker would fit. I don't own a router, so I did the best I could with my Dremel tool:

Not too bad, and definitely an improvement from when I did this type of mod with a chisel.

More to come . . .

[Stike]

This might be a lot faster. http://www.wdmusic.com/wilkinson_contempor...olo_chrome.html

[RobB]

This might be a lot faster. http://www.wdmusic.com/wilkinson_contempor...olo_chrome.html

Big plus one on this bridge. I installed one of these in a MirageII and it was a great improvement over the VSV. Really made well, nicely machined.

[bubs_42]

This might be a lot faster. http://www.wdmusic.com/wilkinson_contempor...olo_chrome.html

Big plus one on this bridge. I installed one of these in a MirageII and it was a great improvement over the VSV. Really made well, nicely machined.

I should pick one up for me Daytona. I have never been able to get the buzz out of the bridge.

[HSB0531]

[/quote

You need a few of these:

Hey MCChris:

Is that photoshop'd or does someone actually make those decals?

[BadgerDave]

The Wilkinson bridge looks nice. If I can't get the Mann bridge soon, I'll go with one of those.

Speaking of John Mann, he replied to my PayPal dispute today. He offered to ship the bridge this week if I would close the PayPal dispute. I responded that I'll be happy to close the dispute the day the bridge arrives.

John mentioned that he's had the flu and then kidney stones that have incapacitated him for three weeks. I wished him well.

[BadgerDave]

After taking some time off to get married, move and take a couple of business trips I finally managed to take some photos of the finished Sparklecaster.

I ended up using a different neck and the Gotoh bridge (since it's blocked anyway). In addition to being pretty striking visually, the gutar sounds great. I was expecting the thick finish to kill the resonance of the body - but not so. Unplugged, the guitar vibrates strongly. Amplified, it sounds full and warm, even with the EMGs.

[murkat]

Very bling nice dave. turned out killa

[Stike]

Love all the appointments Dave! I only got to play that guitar briefly when it was nanner yeller with a dirty tort guard. Glad to hear it sounds good. The flake can't be super thin but I do make sure not to go wild burying it.

[cmatthes]

That looks fantastic, BD!

BTW - what's the story on that case? I was actually looking into relining a Strat case for one of my Stike Sparkle classics.

[BadgerDave]

what's the story on that case? I was actually looking into relining a Strat case for one of my Stike Sparkle classics.

Thanks, Chris.

The case is a Kaces lightweight rigid foam model with a funky leopard interior. Great cases - I like them better than hardshells. I have two that I picked up on ebay for about $75 each, IIRC.

[HSB0531]

That's WILD!

[Stike]

what's the story on that case? I was actually looking into relining a Strat case for one of my Stike Sparkle classics.

Thanks, Chris.

The case is a Kaces lightweight rigid foam model with a funky leopard interior. Great cases - I like them better than hardshells. I have two that I picked up on ebay for about $75 each, IIRC.

Going to Ebay now..............

[ChucksGuitarShop]

Pretty much finished except for the tremolo bridge.

Ordered from John Mann - MannMade last month and received an e-mail from John promising a follow-up e-mail and tracking number by the end of October. No bridge yet and no response to my inquiries. Deja Vu?

Another Snake Oil? I'm hopeful that this isn't going to be a problem, but the track record isn't encouraging.

Hi Dave,

De Ja Vu

I ordered & paid for a MannMade Tremolo for a project a month ago. Got an email from John promising a follow-up e-mail and tracking number three weeks ago ... Now nothing.

He put me on his junk mail list with a news letter about PRS products.

I'll try & get my money back through Paypal. Not holding my breath.

It's a let down because I really was looking forward to one of his bridges. I guess I'll use an American Standard bridge with the Sperzel's & LSR I already have ... I'm sure it'll work fine.

Looks like fish, smells like fish ... must be .......

By the way... your build looks beautiful.

[Jem]

Poor old John, i really don't know why people don't add 6 months to his quoted delivery time, it is the reality of it all