Guild Detonator - Rescue Puppy

[tonepoet]

Awww geez... I don't really need another Detonator, but when I first saw this parted out Detonator on eBay, I thought, this thing needs to be rescued. It just looks like it was unplayed and probably parted out as a "Strat copy" wanna-be. I kept returning to it and somehow thinking that it needs to be rescued. I communicated with the seller who said he still had the tuners and bridge studs and sold me those, as well.

The plan right now is to take the white Detonator I have that was not in original condition when I got it and use some parts from it to restore this new comer. The white one will become my "Franken-nator". From the white one I can take the Guild/Mueller trem bridge and the neck and middle pickups, which are an original DiMarzio VS-1 and a DiMarzio Class of '55. I'll find alternatives for all those parts to bring the "Franken-nator" back to life.

I already have a DiMarzio PAF humbucker for the bridge, the VS-1 will be correct in the neck position and the Class of '55 will be the next best thing to a VS-1 in the middle. It will have the correct bridge and its original Sperzel tuners will go back on. Pots, jack, 5-way switch I have. I think I even have a pair of original Detonator control knobs around in a parts drawer. Attached are the photo from the eBay item and my white Detonator that I'll take parts from. Time for a new project. Time to give this rescue puppy a happy home.

 

[GAD]

Nice!

I almost bought that but I only really wanted the neck.

 

[GGJaguar]

Cool deal! A worthwhile "do-able" project!

 

[cupric]

Detonator's have a fantastic neck! It is one of the reasons I like the GX's so much. Comfortable and fast.

 

[davismanLV]

I love a good RESCUE story.... thanks for doing this!!

 

[jp]

I was also tempted to grab it. Since I sold my Strat, I'm looking for a replacement--either a partscaster or a Stratish-type 80s shredder. Something like your Frankenstrat-to-be.

I'm glad someone here salvaged it!

 

[krysh]

I was also tempted to grab it. Since I sold my Strat, I'm looking for a replacement--either a partscaster or a Stratish-type 80s shredder. Something like your Frankenstrat-to-be.

I'm glad someone here salvaged it!

Try the new surfliner. I was more than positively surprised when i tried one 2 weeks agony, has a very fat neck. Will buy a used one asap.

 

[jp]

Try the new surfliner. I was more than positively surprised when i tried one 2 weeks agony, has a very fat neck. Will buy a used one asap.

I considered it, but I decided I want something with a whammy bar to do 80s divebombs like I used to do in high school.

There's an inexpensive Carvin on my local craigslist right now that might fit the bill.

 

[GAD]

I considered it, but I decided I want something with a whammy bar to do 80s divebombs like I used to do in high school.

There's an inexpensive Carvin on my local craigslist right now that might fit the bill.

You really want a double-locking trem for dive bombs. Something with a Floyd Rose or Kahler.

 

[jp]

You really want a double-locking trem for dive bombs. Something with a Floyd Rose or Kahler.

Yeah -- I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a good deal on an older used Ibanez RG or SA series, but a Strat-style trem will work for a compromise. Now I'm gonna watch out for a Detonator that's not in pieces.

 

[GAD]

Yeah -- I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a good deal on an older used Ibanez RG or SA series, but a Strat-style trem will work for a compromise. Now I'm gonna watch out for a Detonator that's not in pieces.

Never been a fan of the Ibanez trems, though clearly many players way better than me love them.

If you want a shredder I’d look for a Jackson or a Charvel, though they’re probably pricier than most RGs. I have a Sam Ash special Japanese made Jackson that is one of the last guitars I’d ever sell. I’ve owned two and the last one I got for $800, though that was 10 years ago.

 

[davismanLV]

And it's blue.....

 

[jp]

I remember you suggesting both before, but I just can't get past the headstock on Jackson's -- not a fan. That is a sexy guitar beauty, though, and it's blue!

I'll check out some Charvels. There's also ESP and Schector. It's actually overwhelming to sort through these. Metal superstrats seem to be in abundance on CL and in pawnshops, which does work in my favor.

 

[GAD]

ESPs often have 24 3/4” scale lengths so don’t always sound or feel the same as the others.

Charvel was the original (Grover Jackson started at Charvel) and there are a fair few Charvels out there with Strat necks.

When ai went to buy that blue Jackson there was a gorgeous red Schecter Hellraiser in the GC across the street that almost won me over. I still have a soft spot for them.