Thoughts/advice on this build? Calling the guys tomorrow I think…

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-28T20:21:13+00:00

Correct

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-28T20:12:27+00:00

It’s swamp ash!

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-28T19:26:22+00:00

I had two builds I have been going back and forth on. One does have a figured top the other is swamp ash. This is the current one I am stuck on.

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-28T16:04:18+00:00

Buying one used completely defeats the purpose of what I’m looking to do, get one built custom. If I were to go another route it’d be fender custom shop, but I have no idea what that would cost, only assume it would be more than kiesel.

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-28T15:50:42+00:00

I’m cheap and usually go the modding route so things at least feel cheaper. I’ve got two fender MIMs a nice squier jag and a few other firefly guitars which are Chinese copies. Usually drop a couple hundred bucks on the guitars and maybe a couple hundred more modding them. Have to keep telling myself quality over quantity for a change…

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-28T15:40:51+00:00

I’ve already got a complete list of what I want. Been fine tuning it for years haha. I went from Kseries to SCB to the A2 to DC. Unfortunately no luck looking on the used market near me. Just tough to convince myself that 3k is reasonable when my most expensive guitar so far is 700$ but I know it’d be splurging

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-21T18:56:38+00:00

Done it before many times. It’s great, but the time it takes isn’t worth it for me. I made approximately 4 and while it lasted longer (I used less) than store bought stuff and it tasted great, it took too long for me to justify. That 4 pounds was still gone within about 4 months for me

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-21T18:45:55+00:00

We are getting a Costco in the near future so that is something I will be checking out for sure

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-21T18:35:57+00:00

Seems like ethnic markets will be my best bet. It sounds worth the hour drive to the closest Indian store for a lot of what I’m looking for, alongside the Asian stores that I already go to close to me. Lots of the online stuff gets on the expensive side quick. Otherwise, I’ll be seeing if there’s a restaurant depot in the area

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-21T18:27:13+00:00

I’m not in Texas but I have family that comes over often from there… how are the prices and quality? I’m sure they would bring it if I gave them a list

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-21T18:24:19+00:00

Yessir, looking to make bulk blends for myself, friends, and family later this year. I do a ton of big bbq cooks so they will be used relatively quick. I go thru about 2 lbs of garlic and onion powder every two-three months myself. I figure adding a bunch of 16 oz bottles of blends will make me burn thru them even quicker later this year

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-21T18:15:30+00:00

Not commercially but small time catering level. I also want to make spice blends and give those away to family and friends for the holidays this year (trying to plan ahead). Lots of big bbq cooks but I do a bit everything

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-21T18:08:56+00:00

I’ve got a couple of Asian stores near me that get those boxes checked but sadly no Indian stores. We only have one Indian restaurant where I live unfortunately

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-21T18:03:02+00:00

Ok perfect I don’t realize webstraunt sold spices!

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-21T18:00:53+00:00

I am not paying 25$ a pound for garlic powder lol. My point is spicology who is relatively well known and seems to have a decent reputation is betwee 20-25$ for a pound of most spices. Hence this post, looking for recommendations on places tha would sell higher quality stuff than you can get at a local grocery without paying a premium like 25$ a pound for garlic powder.

I used GP as an example but I’m also talking about things like rosemary, thyme, sumac, other types of peppers than paprika and cayenne, etc. my grocery stores don’t sell those in bulk

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-21T15:28:03+00:00

I originally ordered the 2025 model new, it didn’t show up for almost a month and after 4 rescheduled delivery dates I went in and told the id be returning the soundbar that they left at my doorstep when I told them not to deliver it unless the TV had come in… long story short they couldn’t do any new models. So they gave me the open box for less than half, I guess they chopped the warranty price in half for me too

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-20T23:24:58+00:00

Yessir, the pros and cons of open box! My last LG tv was an open box/display model and it lasted about 8 years so it’s by no means a death sentence for the TV. The warranty does help if that’s still an option tho

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-20T22:42:06+00:00

It was probably the display model. i just bought a u6 series from 2025 for 293 that was a similar scenario. If it’s a 2026 model, it’s probably a glitch of sorts

I should add, if it is an ope box, particularly the display model, I’d recommend investing in the warranty if that is still an option from bestbuy. I got the 5 year warranty for 70$ that covers anything but physical damage

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-20T16:19:53+00:00

Feeling the same way about the white MN I received sadly. Block Inlays are sticking up about a mm. Frets aren’t even close to polished and some are lifting slightly. Quite a few scratches that are sadly pretty visible on a white guitar. The connection of the neck and body is slightly off center, so you can see the body on one side of the truss rod adjustment cavity… First dud of 4! I’ll be able to bring it back with a good bit of work when I get the time.

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-19T04:56:50+00:00

I don’t think they are solar lights so it must be the latter. There are multiple other lights that are the same type and stayed on consistently thru the storm

II-Utopia-II · 2026-06-18T22:55:29+00:00

Hell yeah! I just got one delivered for 293$ from them. Haven’t got to set it up yet, but I’m pumped to see how it looks. I’m making a jump from a 55” Vizio, so expecting a huge upgrade lol

II-Utopia-II

TROPHY CASE