any interest in a premium kit?

[Rabbit]

Premium kits cost premium money..in most cases more than a finished instrument.

[robsmith]

Great idea, but where do you draw the line.
Even the choice of pickups in such a kit would be one man's SD would be another man's D'M and so on.

[Johnbamb]

To put some insight into this. I build kits as I have specific things I want to make. I research all the parts I need and purchase accordingly, knowing i will not use most of the stuff that comes in the box.

When I scratch build, the wood for the body can cost $300- $400 alone. That is just the 2 or 3 bits to join myself. When you add a flame veneer or cap add another $75 - $200.
I have given up trying to find good value material for necks as it is getting harder and harder to find at reasonable prices. A neck and fret board blank will probably see no change from $250.

The Crimson kits are about $1000 to bring to Australia and that is with no hardware.

I would say anything premium (without hardware) under $500 would be a bargin.