If the nut was NOT plastic, much better bridge, pup's, pots, TUNERS, etc and the necks and bodies were significantly better I would certainly be willing to pay that cost. I have built five other guitars from other kits and two from clearance bodies and necks in the USA, my Pit Bull is the best quality thus far.
#1 - Other Full Hollow Body single cutaway, Blonde
#2 - Pit Bull FS-1 "Starcaster", custom epoxy resin paint pick guard
#3 - Other "335" style semi hollow
#4 - Other Full Hollow Body, single cutaway, Black
#5 - Other "Tele" Style, custom epoxy resin paint pick guard
#6 - Other "Strat" style, custom epoxy resin paint pick guard
#7 - Other "LP" style double cutaway
#8 - Other "PRS" style double cutaway
Check them out at https://youtu.be/CUgvgT84gnI
I echo most of the comments here.
I guess there are two main types of builders: those who just build a kit as is, and those who treat the kits as a base and upgrade them to what they want. If the upgraders are spending $200 for the kit they may then spend another $200-400 on upgrading to the hardware, pickups and electronics they want. So, the kit's neck and body are just the base and the cheapest part of the build.
If the premium kits offer a major step up in wood and quality (and QC) for the bodies and necks and have equivalent hardware/parts, then prices of $600-800+ become potentially viable. You could get the guitar/bass you want from the kit as is, rather than modifying, fixing, adjusting and upgrading a cheaper kit to get something close to what you want. That said, $800 outright is a lot harder to justify/obfuscate than a $200 kit with gradual upgrades.
Looking forward to seeing the samples.
Scott.
Echo here too
Builds to date
#1, 3 string box guitar
#2, GR-1SF, November guitar of the month 2016
#3, Charvel Surfcaster tribute scratch build. ( Completed )
#4, Pawn shop Strat ( Completed )
#5, Current build MM-1Q
It's certainly something to consider. I'd be interested in a premium bare PRS style kit dependant on final price point, if it was available less hardware.
FrankenLab:
Turning tone wood into expensive sawdust since 2016!
At 800$ you would need to be both competent and keen.Import duties and exchange rates would probably kill off a lot of interest for some countries
I would have to agree with Weirdy and Wokks, the quality of the wood would be the price point for me. Sourcing a different configuration of pups, pots and stuff is part of the fun
I would definitely try one.
Build #1 - ST-1 - Completed
Build #2 - LP-1SS - Completed
Build #3 - TLA-1R - Completed
Build #4 - SGD-612 - Completed
Build #5 - ES-1G - Completed
Build #6 - STA-1HT | Completed
Build #7 - ST1JR - Completed
Current Build #8 - JBA-4
Build #9 - Semi-scratch build Tele x 2 - Completed
Current Build #10 - PRS-1H
Current Build #11 - AGJR-1 - Completed
Current Build #12 - ATL-1SB
Current Build #13 - GST-1
Current Build #14 - FBM-1
Pots and capacitors are cheap to replace if you want to. I'm sure a kit without pickups would be a viable option but if say on an LP kit it came with the OEM TonePros bridge and tailpiece and Grover standard or locking tuners, CTS pots and orange drop caps, then I'd be happy with those.
As it is, we have no real idea yet what's being offered for the money.