N00b questions about the EXP

[cj18]

Hi, first time building, so lots of stupid questions...

I am considering the Pitbull Explorer with the ash body.

How good are the electrics? Will I want to replace them anytime soon? Is it worth springing for the upgraded tuners and hardware, or will I be replacing them anyway?

Appreciate any advice. Thanks :)

[FrankenWashie]

Hiya CJ, there are no stupid questions here.

The electrics are serviceable, and for the price reasonably good kit. If you want Seymour Duncan/DiMarzio/EMG/Bareknuckle tones then they might disappoint, upgrade to your PUP brand/style of choice.

Upgrading the tuners is always a good plan, the basic kit ones are...well..Basic. they do the job but not much more than the job and depending on the factory's frame of mind on the day, they might be fine or they might not. A set of Grovers with your kit order will not go wrong at less than $50 a set. The bridge on my EXA-1 is OK for a kit guitar if somewhat rattly and a bit clunky, but it intonates and keeps the strings in place, again, if you want better than OK, and you have the cash to upgrade it then go for it.
**Note, when I say hardware upgrade I'm not talking about the tick box upgrade on the EXA page, I mean the Babicz FCH hardware upgrade at $249.00 to $315 a pop https://www.pitbullguitars.com/shop/upgrades/babicz-fch-tune-o-matic-bridge-chrome/

BUT, also consider:

With just the Grover tuners and the Babicz FCH Tune-omatic bridge in chrome, then you've already doubled the kit cost, before you even start talking about upgrading pickups.
There are also options from specialist luthier supplies companies that might bring that down a bit, but you'll need to check out that things like anchor sizes etc are the same.

My advice to all first time kit builders, is run with the kit gear for the build. Get everything dialled in right with fit form and function first as you progress the build. Get used to it is, as a kit guitar first, then when you're used to it figure out what upgrades you might like to make and whether you think they will make that big a difference to it.

This is all just my opinion, if it's EMG/Grover/Babicz your heart is set on then fire away! it is Your guitar build after all.

Oh, and start a build diary, post many pics, ask many many questions, even the ones you think are stupid. Many of us have done much stupid already, and we can provide tips on how to avoid making our stupid, your stupid! :)

[McCreed]

My advice to all first time kit builders, is run with the kit gear for the build. Get everything dialled in right with fit form and function first as you progress the build. Get used to it is, as a kit guitar first, then when you're used to it figure out what upgrades you might like to make and whether you think they will make that big a difference to it.

+1

Good advice.

[cj18]

Thanks for that well-considered response. It was extremely helpful!

I have decided to get the ash body, maple neck, ebony fretboard setup with the grover tuners -- I would probably have bought them later anyway, so I might as well take advantage of the good price. Whatever else happens, quality tuners make life easier, and I'll always have the ability to reuse them in another build if it comes to that.

I will take your advice regarding other upgrades. I'm not going to worry about pup/bridge upgrades at this point, as I simply need to learn how to build the thing first! Once it is built, I may get some SD humbuckers in there!

Thanks again for your help!

[fender3x]

It sounds like you have the right thing in mind. I sort of think of upgrades in order. First get it playable, then the things that make it more playable or sound better. First the tuners, then the nut, then the bridge (honestly, though, I rarely think about the bridge unless it is bothering me in some way). Electronics are the easiest thing to replace and won't change the appearance or mar you finish if you do it later on.

By that logic, you might consider upgrading the nut before you put finish on it...

[FrankenWashie]

Thanks for that well-considered response. It was extremely helpful!

I have decided to get the ash body, maple neck, ebony fretboard setup with the grover tuners -- I would probably have bought them later anyway, so I might as well take advantage of the good price. Whatever else happens, quality tuners make life easier, and I'll always have the ability to reuse them in another build if it comes to that.

I will take your advice regarding other upgrades. I'm not going to worry about pup/bridge upgrades at this point, as I simply need to learn how to build the thing first! Once it is built, I may get some SD humbuckers in there!

Thanks again for your help!

You are most welcome, You’ve chosen a great kit, the tuner upgrade will serve you well and spare you some frustration.
look forward to seeing how it goes for you!

[FrankenWashie]

It sounds like you have the right thing in mind. I sort of think of upgrades in order. First get it playable, then the things that make it more playable or sound better. First the tuners, then the nut, then the bridge (honestly, though, I rarely think about the bridge unless it is bothering me in some way). Electronics are the easiest thing to replace and won't change the appearance or mar you finish if you do it later on.

By that logic, you might consider upgrading the nut before you put finish on it...

Yes to the nut upgrade! I hadn’t factored that in...mea culpa!

[cj18]

Yes, I ordered the nut upgrade as well. It seemed like a sensible option at the time

[Fretworn]

I think the upgrade priorities for the kits are -
1) all minor screws,
2) tuners

Everything else is good enough to start with and could be replaced at a later date.