Repro / Replica parts

[Flyin'Fred]

Hi! I am jonesing with building a few 50's repro strats for myself, and would like to know where to source proper replica parts for the hardware, plastic, etc...

I am certain you guys have a lot more experience than me at this, and could enlighten me on the topic. Thanks!

[Cogs]

That's a long list, depending on just how picky you are. Allparts & WD are two companies that make "turn-key" bodies & necks, & I think even Warmoth has finished parts for sale.
If you really want to get down & dirty, USACG will make you about any neck profile you can think of.
I don't think I've ever seen an aftermarket body anywhere that had accurate contours, though. Especially the front.

[Flyin'Fred]

Thanks for pointing me out ACG necks and bodies. What are then the best sources for plastic and hardware?

[guitar george]

Apart from the necks and bodies, I'd go with genuine Fender parts. They're readily available and not a whole lot more expensive than the off brands.

[Flyin'Fred]

Most of the Fender parts, however, are not accurate representations of the vintage parts: as an exemple, they do not sell short skirt volume and tone buttons, pat. pend. saddles, etc...

[Cogs]

I'd say that it depends, really. Of course there is cheap aftermarket stuff that may or may not fit, but then there are boutique makers like Callaham & others that make parts that are better than current Fender RI parts. Saddles & blocks & stuff. You pay a lot of dough for these.
Right now I'm looking for a bunch of three-spoke knobs for my Strats. I don't like the hard plastic ones that come from Fender & most other manufacturers.

[Flyin'Fred]

71818, Thanks for pointing out Callaham. This is the kind of parts I am looking for. Any consensus on other vendors? How do USACG compare with Musikraft bodies and necks, otherwise?

[Cogs]

USACG necks are top drawer, seriously. They have a little hook on the headstock to prevent copyright infingement, bt that is easily altered to replicate an old-school Fender headstock dead on. And to me it is worth the small effort. Nobody else is going to give you a neck like USA Custom. I have a number of them.

[Flyin'Fred]

71818, Thank you very much for guiding me through this, as I am a newbie when it comes to doing anything more than playing.

Other than Callaham's, as far as the other parts go, who would you recommend?