Category: Rat Bait Guitars

1970’s Guitar Body Style

Hardtail – 1970s inspired design.

£60.00 Free UK postage and packing. 
 
 

 

If you are looking for a unique and eco-friendly electric guitar, you might want to check out our Rat Bait Guitars, we are a UK-based company that makes hand built guitars from recycled materials.

This 1970s inspired body is fully loaded and was made in the UK from parts of a damaged Stratocaster, a barn door (even a couple of nails still left in) and salvaged roofing timber. This body has a slightly road worn look to it, with a few dents or bumps. Finished with a transparent oil finish. This is a fantastic base for a DIY, 1970s relic type project and comes complete with a Rat Bait neck plate.
 
 
This body takes a standard Stratocaster Scratchplate. There is a scratchplate fitted free with this item, fully functional but, depending on your preference, you might want to fit a HSS on instead.
  • HSH
  • 42.5mm thick (± 0.5 mm Deviation)
  • 56mm neck pocket (± 0.5 mm Deviation)
  • Neck pocket depth 18.5mm (± 0.5 mm Deviation)
  • Loaded weight of body 2.01kg
  • Rat Bait neckplate
  • Free scratchplate and pickups
  • Fully loaded and tested

 

Rat Bait Guitars Made in Devon.

The guitars we sell are made using a combination of new and reclaimed parts. Our guitars are never perfect, but they are great value – each guitar is a custom-built instrument. The guitar salvaged parts we sell are all tested to make sure
they are fit for purpose.

We have a selection of new and used guitar bodies in stock, prices starting from £25.00 upwards. We have Telecaster and Stratocaster type bodies, some already painted and some in raw wood.

Occasionally we have 1960s / 1970s Japanese bodies in store, for example: a 1960s Teisco ET-200 Tulip Guitar Body.

The bodies we make are made from recycled wood gathered from various sources – old furniture, fence posts, salvaged timber from roof constructions, flooring etc. All constructed and shaped in our rat-infested shed in North Devon.

Reused and reshaped, these discarded bits of timber gems have been given a new life. The timber we use is upcycled, repurposed and recycled. Each guitar we make is custom built, each one is unique and one of a kind.

We use parts from the 1970s right up to the 2020s, mixed together to give the experience of ‘heritage’, our aim is to produce guitars that are very playable and sound better than the average homogenised guitars that are out there.

They won’t be shiny and shimmering – they will look rugged, with a few battle scars but they will compliment any serious guitar collection.

Saved Guitar history

Remaking History

When you think of a guitar’s history you immediately think of who has owned it. A guitar has its own history, when and where was it made, who made it, what wood is it made of and what modifications has it gone through.

The guitar body illustrated here is an example of the history of materials? The wood used in this one is a collection of salvaged wood, parts are from a fence post, an offcut from a new roof, a piece of a shed and the most interesting bit is the carved centre section which comes from a handbuilt guitar. This original guitar section is in fact a salvaged part of a guitar that had been attacked by woodworm…

The body blank has been treated with woodworm solution and cut out into a retro 1960s / 70s shape which based on a Teisco / Kay guitar body, shapewise it is a little out of the ordinary and has old-world charm.

The bridge humbucker is from a 1980s guitar and manufactured by Sam Sung, these are great little pickups. The neck single pole pickup is a generic ceramic one from the early 2000s. The rough layout of the body shows a standard Telecaster control panel.

The finished guitar will look similar to the one below, fitted with a retro chrome clam shell tailpiece and bridge. This guitar’s history has now been added to and will continue to give service for several years to come, it has also been saved, preventing useful materials from ending up in landfills or incinerators.

Salvaged guitars are an eco-friendly option for musicians who want to play music while reducing their environmental impact. They are also unique, affordable, and often have a distinctive sound and character.

Rat Bait Guitars Made in Devon.

The guitars we sell are made using a combination of new and reclaimed parts. Our guitars are never
perfect, but they are great value – each guitar is a custom-built instrument. The guitar salvaged parts we sell are all tested to make sure they are fit for purpose.

We have a selection of new and used guitar bodies in stock, prices starting from £25.00 upwards. We
have Telecaster and Stratocaster type bodies, some already painted and some in raw wood.

Occasionally we have 1960s / 1970s Japanese bodies in store, for example: a 1960s Teisco ET-200 Tulip Guitar Body.

The bodies we make are made from recycled wood gathered from various sources – old furniture, fence
posts, salvaged timber from roof constructions, flooring etc. All constructed and shaped in our rat-infested shed in North Devon.

Reused and reshaped, these discarded bits of timber gems have been given a new life. The timber we
use is upcycled, repurposed and recycled. Each guitar we make is custom built, each one is unique and one of a kind.

We use parts from the 1970s right up to the 2020s, mixed together to give
the experience of ‘heritage’, our aim is to produce guitars that are very playable and sound better than the average homogenised guitars that are out there.

They won’t be shiny and shimmering – they will look rugged, with a few battle scars but they will compliment any serious guitar collection.

This salvaged Telecaster has a five way switch

This guitar has a five way switch

 

£185.00 UK Post Free

This guitar body is made from salvaged timber, pieces of wood that were scavenged from a dilapidated greenhouse, some beech from a table and a piece from an old defunct chest of draws, all assembled, constructed and shaped in our rat infested shed in North Devon.

This guitar has a five way switch and is wired up like a Stratocaster. The neck is from a new guitar and the scratch plate and control panel are reclaimed from older guitars. Fixing crews on scratchplate and control plate are from a 1970s guitar – natural road worn, rusty and very cool.

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Guitar body made from salvaged wood

Reused and reshaped, these discarded bits of timber gems have been given a new life. This means that the timber we use is now upcycled, repurposed and recycled.

Salvaged timber - guitar body
  • Body made from salvaged timber
    Approx. Thickness: 40.5mm (not light weight)
  • Five way switch
  • Chrome Neck Pickup
    High Quality
    Vintage Tone
  • Middle single coil pickup
  • Salvaged black scratchplate
  • Black Telecaster bridge pickup
    Vintage Tone
  • 22-fret rosewood type and maple neck
    New 10mm Machine Heads
    Nut Width: 1.656 In. (42 mm)
    Scale Length: 25.5″
  • New waterproof gig bag
This salvaged guitar has a five way switch

Fender’s Nashville Tele is a varriation on their timeless model the Telecaster.

The Fender Nashville Telecaster was upgraded in 1998 with a three-pickup configuration similar to the Stratocaster layout. The neck and bridge pickups were replaced with the hotter Delta Tone pickup system and the new middle pickup was the same “Texas Special” overwound single-coil pickup used in the Stevie Ray Vaughan model Stratocaste

Please remember – Non-UK clients must contact us before purchasing products. Shipping must be added for international shoppers. If you are from a non-UK country your order will not be dispatched unless you contact us before purchase. All UK shipping is free of charge.

Why not visit our online
store and build yourself your own guitar?

‘Rat Bait Guitars is a company based in Devon, UK, that makes hand-built guitars, they also sell guitar parts, both new and used, that are tested for quality and functionality. They have an online shop where you can browse their products and order them via PayPal. They offer free UK shipping and international shipping on request.’ 

Rat Bait Guitars are different from other guitars in several ways. They are made from recycled materials, discarded, broken, damaged guitars, wood gathered from various sources, such as old furniture, fence posts, roof constructions, flooring, and more. These discarded bits of timber and defunct guitars are reused and reshaped into guitars that have a unique character and history. The materials are upcycled, repurposed, and recycled, reducing waste and saving resources.

Rat Bait Guitars are custom built, which means that each guitar is one of a kind and not repeatable.

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Rat Bait Guitars an Eco-Friendly Option

Salvaged Guitars: An Eco-Friendly Option for UK Guitarists

If you are a guitarist who cares about the environment, you may want to consider buying a salvaged guitar. Salvaged guitars are guitars that are made from recycled or reclaimed materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, or even parts of other defunct guitars. They are not only eco-friendly, but also unique, affordable, and often have a distinctive sound and character as well as being great fun to play.

.

Why Choose a Salvaged Guitar?

There are many benefits to choosing a salvaged guitar over a new one. Here are some of them:

  • You reduce waste and save resources. By buying a salvaged guitar, you prevent useful materials from ending up in landfills or incinerators. You also save energy and water that would otherwise be used to produce new guitars. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the production of one acoustic guitar can consume up to 10,000 litres of water and emit up to 200 kg of carbon dioxide.
  • You support local businesses and craftsmen. Many salvaged guitars are made by small businesses or individual craftsmen who use their creativity and skills to transform discarded materials into musical instruments. By buying a salvaged guitar, you support their work and help them grow their business.
  • You get a unique and original guitar.  No two salvaged guitars are exactly alike. Each one has its own history, story, and personality. You can find salvaged guitars that are made from old furniture, fence posts, roof timbers, flooring, or even parts of vintage guitars. Some salvaged guitars have interesting features, such as engravings, carvings, paintings, or stickers. You can also customise your salvaged guitar to suit your preferences and style.
  • You save money. Salvaged guitars are often cheaper than new ones, especially if you buy them directly from the makers or online shops. You can find salvaged guitars for as low as £25.00. Of course, the price may varies depending on the quality, condition, and rarity of the materials and parts used.

Where to Find Salvaged Guitars in the UK?

There are many places where you can find salvaged guitars in the UK. Here are some of them:

  • Online shops. There are several online shops that specialise in selling salvaged guitars and guitar parts. For example, Rat Bait Guitars offers hand-built guitars made from recycled materials, like old furniture, fence posts, or roof timbers. They also sell recycled individual parts, such as bodies, necks, pickups, bridges, etc.
  • Guitar auctions. If you are looking for rare or vintage salvaged guitars, you may want to check out guitar auctions. There are several guitar auction houses in the UK that hold regular sales of guitars and related items. For example, Guitar Auctions is based in the South-West and offers a large selection of guitars, amps, and memorabilia from various eras and genres.
  • Local shops and markets. You can also find salvaged guitars in local shops and markets that sell second-hand or antique items. You may have to do some digging and bargaining to find a good deal, but you may also discover some hidden gems.
  • DIY projects. If you are feeling adventurous and creative, you can also make your own salvaged guitar from scratch or by modifying an existing one. You can use any materials or parts that you can find or buy cheaply, such as wood scraps, metal cans, plastic bottles, wires, etc. You can also use online tutorials or guides to help you with the process.

 Conclusion

Salvaged guitars are an eco-friendly option for UK guitarists who want to play music while reducing their environmental impact. They are also unique, affordable, and often have a distinctive sound and character. You can find salvaged guitars in various places online or offline or even make your own if you have the skills and tools.

Eco-Friendly Guitar Design

Source: Conversation with Bing, 01/05/2023
(1) . https://bing.com/search?q=salvaged+guitars+UK.
(2) Guitar Auctions. https://guitar-auctions.co.uk/.
(3) Rat Bait Guitars Made From Recycled Wood | Guitar Parts. https://www.ratbaitguitars.co.uk/.

Build a Partscaster – Free UK Shipping

A partscaster is a guitar that is built from parts, typically aftermarket parts that are compatible with Fender-style guitars or basses. Partscasters allow you to customise your instrument to your exact specifications and preferences.

There are several benefits of building a partscaster, depending on your goals and preferences. Some of them are:

  • You can ‘customise’ your guitar to fit your playing style, tone, and aesthetics. You can choose from a variety of parts, such as neck shape, pickups, body wood, fretboard radius, and hardware. You can also mix and match different models and brands of parts to create a unique combination.
  • You can ‘save money’ if you are looking for a high-quality guitar with specific features that are not available in the market or are too expensive. You can also use parts that you already have or find second-hand parts for a lower cost.
  • You can ‘have fun’ and ‘learn’ about guitar building, wiring, setup, and maintenance. Building a partscaster can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience that gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride. It can also help you understand how a guitar works and how to adjust it to your liking.

Build a Partscaster

The difficulty of building a guitar depends on several factors, such as the type of guitar, the method of building (from scratch, from a kit, or from parts), the level of skill and experience of the builder, and the quality and complexity of the desired outcome. In general, building a simple electric guitar is not particularly hard, but it is complex and requires a few, very different skills and quite a few tools. Building a high-end guitar however, is very hard and will require a high level of skill in more than one area.

Building a guitar from scratch is the hardest and most time-consuming method, as it requires sourcing all the materials, cutting and shaping them to the desired specifications, assembling and wiring all the parts, finishing and painting the body and neck, setting up the action and intonation, etc. This can take months or even years to complete.

Building a guitar from a kit is the easiest method, as it provides all the parts needed to assemble a guitar, with some of them already pre-made or pre-fitted. The main tasks involved are finishing the body and neck (if not already done), soldering the electronics (if not already done), attaching the hardware and strings, and adjusting the setup. This can take a few hours to a weekend to complete.

Building a guitar from parts is somewhere in between the previous two methods, as it allows more customisation and flexibility in choosing the components, but also requires more skill and knowledge in fitting them together. The main tasks involved are selecting and ordering the parts that are compatible with each other, drilling holes and routing cavities for the hardware and electronics (if not already done), soldering the electronics (if not already done), attaching the hardware and strings, and adjusting the setup. This can take a few days to a few weeks to complete. This is however probably the most satisfying way to build your own guitar as it will be totally unique to you.

Why not visit our online
store and build yourself your own guitar?

‘Rat Bait Guitars is a company based in Devon, UK, that makes hand-built guitars from recycled materials, such as salvaged wood, furniture, fence posts, etc. They also sell guitar parts, both new and used, that are tested for quality and functionality. They have an online shop where you can browse their products and order them via PayPal. They offer free UK shipping and international shipping on request.

Why not visit our on line store and build yourself your own relic guitar?

We have a selection of new and used spare parts for your vintage guitar, relic guitar or partscaster. Why not visit our online shop and search for that missing part.

All transactions are carried out by PayPal for your convenience and safety. Once payment is received, items are posted within two working days. There is no need to register on this site to purchase goods, just choose what you want and click on the PayPal button, this will take you straight to the payment option.

We only carry a small amount of stock which changes constantly – contact us if you are looking for a part.

All items are posted using Royal Mail and are UK Post Free. Please Contact Us for International Shipping.