You Asked What Happened
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- Опубликовано: 31 июл 2024
- You guys asked what happened to make me not want to work with Bad Cat Instruments again. I don't think the information will be very helpful to you, but since you asked I am going to tell you.
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Don't forget to ask your questions in the comment section.
Thanks for watching. 
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If a review isn’t honest and unbiased, it simply isn’t a review.
Keep up the good work Brad 👍
That’s a good way of putting it Paul.
Right, that would simply be a commercial.
@@BradAngove It surprises me how many small companies just want to give away stuff to youtubers and influencers for a glowing review. Seems like a cheesy marketing strategy to me. It also irritates me how many instagram, tik tok and you tube "influencers" will take free stuff out the wazoo and just rave about it in posts and videos when it seems like a product they wouldn't buy themselves or could afford to buy. "I'm like obsessed with this body lotion!" Really?!? They just got it for free. And that makes it hard for people like yourself who do reviews. Philip McKnight talked about this once. He had a travel guitar sent to him he thought was really bad. So he honestly stated his disappointment about it and was upset to see some other youtubers give it rave reviews, when he knew that they knew it was not up to par. Did they just expect you to b.s. us and rave about the kit and gloss over things you didn't like? hmmm..
I’m not sure what they were expecting. It’s a strange market honestly. I try to avoid even agreeing to review things that I don’t think are going to be good for my viewers.
The fact that you intend to uphold your end of the deal even when they are not speaks to your own high level of integrity. Thanks for everything you do.
Thank you Allen
The reason it should matter to all of us, even if we don't want a sponsorship, is because integrity tells a lot about a company. They made an agreement with you and broke it. That's enough for me. 🇨🇦🇨🇦
Thank you Brian
High intergrity
Agreed. If they find it easy to give their word and then not honor that word. Nothing at this point would convince me their word means anything.
The old saying that agreements are made to be broken applies...in a world based upon honesty, quality and consumer relations we all agree a deal is a deal but obviously no one in this case signed any binding agreement so both manufacturer and Brad had their own perception of the agreement. I agree with you, but when dealing with others in different societies and countries people have different expectations...different social morals. Where it is acceptable to criticize or question everything to us, it may be an insult in another culture...they may feel they have done everything required under their cultural guidelines. Welcome to the world economy. :)
I appreciate all reviewers who are honest. Us as consumers appreciate it so we don't waste money on crap products that tend to get in consumers hands by companies who basically just want to move cheap product. So thank you for what you do and carry on. I hope you have continued success with your channel.
Thank you Steve. Much appreciated.
I have to agree, that the integrity a company shows speaks volumes to their backbone and core values. You rightfully should do honest reviews of the products, as that benefits everyone. Keep doing you Brad, and thank you for your videos!
Thank you!
I'm sorry to hear that man. I appreciate your honesty though. Also, due to your videos, I am attempting my first guitar refinish job (and filming the process) so I wanted to thank you in advance for the guidance your videos have given me in this area! Your videos have been extremely helpful for me in learning about guitar finishes.
Thank you Levi. I’m glad the videos have been helpful.
Always appreciate the honesty. Thanks for doing what you do.
Thanks Sean
I greatly appreciate your reviews and tutorials. They have come in real handy when tackling a project. I’ve always found your videos to be honest and informative. I still enjoy watching even if I don’t pick up or buy whatever you’re showcasing. Keep up the good work!
Thank you
Thanks Brad, I was curious, but didn't leave a comment on the last video. I thought it was your right to keep what happened to yourself. Keep up the good work, I enjoy your videos. It's kind of cool to see videos from someone close by. I live in St. Albert so we are almost neighbors. 👍
Thanks Rick. That’s interesting; I grew up in St Albert actually.
Brad, your videos have always been informative and entertaining. Don't let a bad experience and comment trolls put you off. Keep having fun with this.
Honesty and integrity! 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks Brad. Yes, I have known (because you have mentioned it) that kits are sent to you. Your arrangements are your own business and I have never felt that you have slanted or hidden issues just to please a sponsor.
I trust (did I just trust a lawyer?) your reviews and your build videos seem very honest. You have pointed out good and bad on almost everything and products you like you seem to use often in other builds (paints, stains, hardware upgrades).
I have never thought of you as an influencer. I enjoy you as the kit builder, luthier, teacher that you are. I have learned a lot over the years from you and have enjoyed watching your skills improve.
I can’t seem to do what you do so I live vicariously through your videos.
Keep on keeping’ on!
Thank you; I appreciate it.
Thank you for informing us about this company. Even though it may not apply to us in the same way, it can still be good to hang out the dirty laundry as a nagging way to get someone to clean it up.
Anyway, I've learned a lot from your painting tutorials and applied them to the guitars I have made. So, thank you for your help and willingness to put yourself out there.
Thank you Daniel
No issues here, sounds like your in the right in this situation, and a very fair comment to what you do not have to explain I you did not have too, thank you for sharing, looking forward to more of your vids
Thank you David. I suspect the company would have a different perspective than me on this, although I’m not sure what it would be.
Keep up the great work man ,we as viewers appreciate honesty 🤘
Cheers
Thanks for being up front. In the past you have always been above board. In reverse of the brasher you mentioned, it sounded like the vendor was trying to get a good review out of you by giving you product. Looking forward to the PG build.
Thanks Scott. I was a bit surprised because I thought my review was pretty positive.
Nice vlog I got it, always good to see you have a good autumn season.
Best David
Thanks David
I really appreciate your honest and unbiased reviews, Brad.
Thank you
Thanks for the honesty.
Thanks for watching
Mystery solved..lol
There's always some bad apples along the way Brad. I'm not sure why a company wouldn't send you the best they have if they really wanted a "glowing" review. Anyway it's good to see the honesty and integrity on your end. A lot of RUclipsrs wouldn't have been so nice.
Thank you. I’m not sure how the kit compares to their others, but it’s not bad. It just needs some hardware upgrades like most kits.
Love your channel, and your honesty!! Now get back to Work😬😎
Thanks for satisfying our curiosity! I got burned once on a review I did for a company on my channel, which now makes me cautious. Most companies I have collaborated with have been great to work with.
Cheers Steve. Most of the companies I’ve worked with have been great too. This was an unusual experience haha.
Thanks very much for the explanation. I trusted your judgement in not telling us earlier, but your reasons for not working with them in the future goes to the heart of your unbiased reviews.
Thanks Jon.
Enough said and well done Brad! Thanks much!
Thank you Chris
Tell it like it is, there is no other way. To be a sponsor, they are going to want only good reviews and I get it. So you are doing the right thing, they just don't see it that way. Thanks for clearing that up.
Thank you
Thank you for the honest video !!!
Thanks Gino
Think I was your third subscriber. Always great videos. I assumed you had reasons for not talking about it. Good enough for me!!
Thank you Tom. I appreciate it.
As a re builder of Pedal steel guitars you have been my go person for spraying and tinting on rare woods. I am starting a project right now using your tinting advice. If you were not honest, it would not help me much as i need informative and correct information in my research. I thank you for doing what you do Brad
Thank you Wayne
Gotta roll with punches on RUclips! Your content is superb, you're skilled and informative. Thank you. My next kit build is going to be awesome. I hope. ✌
Thanks David; and I’m sure it will!
That was great. Professional and informative. Just how it should be.
Thank you
Just, keep up the good work Brad...
I loved the demo....I heard alot of my influence in there.... coarse your honest your Canadian....
The best companies follow through on commitments and use customer feedback to improve products and the customer experience.
If a company backs out of a deal because the review wasn’t “good enough” then they are just bear scat. What they should have said is: “We’re sorry that there were some issues with the kit you received, what can we do to improve it?” In this case it was the hardware wasn’t that great, they could’ve easily decided to offer an upgraded hardware kit for an additional cost. That’s how innovative companies think, they take honest feedback from experienced reviewers like yourself and use that information to better the company, ultimately giving the customer a better experience.
Absolutely. I found the approach odd because I thought the review was pretty positive. Cheap hardware is a standard issue with almost every kit that comes with hardware haha.
@Michael Fryzel exactly right. Companies that care want to hear the negatives so they can be eliminated! (the negatives, not the customer...)
Great review Brad thumbs up
Thanks Joe
Appreciate the follow up, Brad. One sponsor gone, two more will emerge!
Well, maybe! 😂
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Fair enough. Thank you for telling us.
Thanks for watching
Thx for the clairification
Honest review is exactly that. If there are any negatives that the company doesn't want out there, it's up to them to improve on those areas or accept that it's a 'what you see and/or pay for, is what you get' type thing when it comes to the product.
I agree
thnks for clarifying! I was pretty close with my guess.
You were incredibly close if I remember correctly
Unsurprisingly, you’ve handled this whole situation honestly and honorably 👍
Thank you. I’m glad you feel that way.
This highlights the issues with internet "reviews" and why it's important to find people that demonstrate integrity and an absence of bias, if you're looking for opinions on different matters. I appreciate your opinion and your honesty, because anything other than that isn't a review, it's an advert.
Thanks Paul
Ever the professional Brad. When agreements are not lived up to it is never is to resolve to anyone's satisfaction, you can only do what you think is best... kudos
Thank you
Fair is fair. If an agreement was made they should abide by it. Keep on going!
Thank you
Thanks Brad. I’ve been watching you for years, primarily your spray videos. The only tiny gripe I have is that there wasn’t notice at the beginning of the bad cat videos ( I don’t know about other videos ) letting the viewer know the kit wasn’t paid personally by you and the kit was sent to you to demo. This is important for the viewers trust in you, nothing more. The viewers know nothing about you other than what’s in these videos. a notice at the beginning can go a long way in cultivating that trust for the first time viewer and long time viewers alike.
A number of channels have duped viewers in the past, so it’s a bit of sticking point. Thanks!
Thank you; that is helpful feedback. I will try to remember to mention that specifically.
Love Your Videos and That was well Said You Always give Excellent advice on builds and I’ve learned lots, Keep Up the Good Work And Let’s Build some more 👍👍🎶🎶🎸
Thanks John
Well said my friend.
Speaks volumes to you and your integrity that you weren’t willing to give a disingenuous review and still did a review at all. Keep on keeping on, man. You’re one of the good ones.
Thanks buddy
I got the very basic plain strat from them a while ago to do a Frankenstrat project, haven’t done the mods still just plain guitar built and seems real solid. It’s nice quality guitar and that’s what counts so if they had some attitude about you getting 1 for free well ok.
Glad to hear yours turned out well. Hopefully this one does too.
You are a good dude, Brad. Totally admire your candor, and respect your refusal to engage in the Lord of the Flies angle in all of this. As you suggested: people like me are just trying to fudge our way through an amateur home build (in my case, of a six-string version of a Steinberger headless bass). What I need from someone like you? You totally and generously and unselfishly provide. I echo everyone in this thread who feel in our guts that you are a decent person and the fault is probably on the side of the person "trying to make a buck." Totally get that the company in question is just trying to stay afloat, and are doing really amazing work and catering to a (frankly) niche interest, but you are NOT wrong to express concern!
Thanks Thomas
Guitar looks absolutely sick so I think I have to side with your judgement on quality of the components.
At the end of the day it's your business and your channel... run it any way you damned well please... there should be no discussion about it. You're good at what you do and you are valued highly among those of us who appreciate the effort you put into these videos.
Thank you; I appreciate it.
Maybe there needs to be a cooling off period for them. They should reach out after they’re cooled off.
I think mending fences is needed more often then burning them down.
Thanks
Thank you for your honesty and still doing a fair review. Quite a few years ago, I saw it from the other side. If you wanted a review, you had to buy advertising space. Strange how the world changes.
Yeah each of these arrangements tends to be at least a little bit unique. I don’t do a ton of them, but I suppose some of the review-focused channels probably have something along those lines where you pay to play so to speak.
I was curious yet didn’t ask simply cause I figured if it had been about the kit itself you would’ve said it from the very beginning. Thanks and sorry for the ones who questioned you honesty. 👍🤘
Thanks Gil. That’s true; if it had been an issue with the kit I would have pointed it out in the initial review.
@@BradAngove Cool
Stiffing someone on an agreement tells me all that I need to know.
I appreciate the honesty and transparency.
Solo guitars it is
Cheers Matthew
Having been a reviewer since the early 2000s (tech mostly) I know where you are coming from. In most cases these shady practices stem from management, management that very seldom has any working knowledge of the products their company sells. It's all about extracting the maximum marketing value from their budget, bad reviews don't do that. From a purely logical standpoint it makes sense but logic is only a small part of the equation when you are selling a product with a lot of competition, at that point it becomes a pageant, what company looks most trustworthy, has the nicest looking kit, offers the best value etc. Logic falls flat at that point and these business major management staff don't have a clue how to handle it. Their formulaic approach can't account for the variable that is image. I have had this argument with so many companies over the years and in most cases the people I deal with (marketing teams) agree but are forced to do the job they were given as told by their superiors.
You did the right thing, the only way these wet behind the ears marketing managers learn is by experience. Learning that they are the ones who need you, not the other way around, is crucial. A good company will thank you for a bad review and work with you to improve the product. At most they may ask you to hold off on releasing a review while they look at ways to address the issues you found so you can include a fix or workaround at the end of your review/video. On rare occasion they may ask you not to release it at all and actually recall the product to improve it and relaunch. If you feel bullied or like they think they are doing you a favor, cut ties. They need you for your following, killing that following by being dishonest or accepting bribes for good reviews does you and them no good at all. Make it clear that you are not willing to compromise your image and negatively impact your viewer base no matter what deal they offer. Tell them you are willing to review their products only if it is honest but that you would be willing to share issues you encountered and discuss potential fixes for their product before releasing a review. If they don't agree to this, don't deal with them again unless they change their tune.
I know a guy that also had an arrangement with bad cat in another capacity and his experience with them was very similar to what you described. They made a deal as far as what they were going to provide in exchange for his participation but after the fact they went back on it despite him doing what was agreed upon. During that time I built one of their Strat kits as well and my assessment is the same as yours, although you are much nicer about it. The hardware and pickups are basically junk, the body and neck were pretty good overall. The frets on mine needed a bit of work but less than some other kits but everything was sanded nicely and fit together well. I think there are better kits on the market but for the price it wasn’t terrible.
Thanks Chris. Sounds like they’re fairly consistent.
Did you give the vendor a-boot? Done with Canadian class, as always. Enjoyed the low battery distortion. Purdy cool.
That was text message distortion actually haha.
I always go by the saying "when someone shows you who they really are - believe them"
Bad Cat have done that and I won't buy from them.
Keep doing what you do Brad - I really, really appreciate all that you've shared over the years.
Thank you Frankie
When i finished my first guitar your videos gave me the confidence to go for it and just try to do it. I built a SOLO kit when they just started out. It was a real cool journey.
That's probably most people's experience with your channel Brad, you shouldn't engage negative comments. Some of them aren't constructive, they're trying to get attention.
Yeah, I completely agree. Some people just crave interaction and don’t know how else to get it I guess.
I completely understand, i had bought one a little over a year ago frets were level neck straight as can be but i upgraded everything Eric Clapton lace sensors and a babicz full contact trem. The block sticks out the back i had to build up the back cover witch was a pain i also put on a brass nut and locking tuners it has amazing sustaine. But i also no nothing about guitars or wood working. The hardware is pretty bad some of the chrome was pitted witch I didn’t expect. Love the videos and your honesty keep up the good work I’m a fan for life!!!!
Seems like they just wanted that flawless review like all the company’s that give you free stuff for a review this is why crap products are on the market because people would rather have a free gift then be honest i no longer look at good reviews i look at all the bad ones instead!!
Thanks John. I’m looking forward to upgrading this one because it actually isn’t bad, I just have my issues with the company as you know haha.
@@BradAngove awesome be sure to post an update love to see it upgraded!!!
Absolutely, I will still be doing the video series.
I love your videos, best tutorials on RUclips! Gotta say, the bad cat les Paul style kit was fun to put together, but the fretboard is scratchy and makes bends/vibrato sound off. Between that fact and this video, I’ll go with a Solo kit next time.
Thanks Conner. The Les Paul kit looked really cool. Comically, that’s what I was told they were sending me and then they apparently changed their mind haha.
Its speaks to the culture of a company on how they deal with people. In a competitive market, Bad Cat should try to be better Cats than they evidently are. People like to deal with companies they feel like they can trust, and maybe Bad Cat can re-earn your trust somehow and that will help their business.
With the high inflation rate it's hard to see the value in some of these kits when I can get a decent guitar at tradeland for about half price. Still I love doing mods that actually make me want to play more. Your channel also inspires me in many ways from the paint to even the electronics perhaps you can seek sponsor of tools or maybe bands as well good luck Brad
Thank you
What is Tradeland? I'm in NYC -- what kind of store is that and where is it? Just curious. Ty!
@@MashaT22 I'm in Massachusetts but Tradeland is in Nashua New Hampshire 20 minutes away they buy and sell all kinds of stuff and have always given fair price to me . I just traded a Korean mandolin for a line6 4x12 cab. A wah pedal for a metalzone pedal. An old practice amp for a drum simulator .
thanks for the info .
I do like your reviews and bulds ,
Thank you
Honesty is always the best way.
I agree
I saw that comment you mentioned, or one like it that piggy-backed on the comment I left suggesting that you should tell us what happened. It made me feel bad that I suggested that you let us know what happened so I deleted my comment. Sorry if I said anything that contributed to negativity showing up on your channel. You always provide good content that I enjoy, even if I've discovered that I suck at painting, I still like watching your videos from time to time. Keep doing what you do and I'll keep watching.
Don’t worry, you have nothing to apologize for. He left his own comment. I am very fortunate that this many people watch my channel. A bit of negativity now and then comes with the territory so to speak.
I wish companies would work with channels and allow honest reviews. Let the reviewer test/build, get their feedback and address issues to improve the product/kit if necessary. A lot of that can be done before posting. Embrace it, don't be afraid of constructive criticism. Also, we will be livid if what we get isn't what we saw in the sponsored video. If we know what we're getting, warts and all, we're happy. I'm incredibly excited for the Precision Guitar Kit build. I've been wanting to build one for a little while now.
I’ve never had a company ask me for anything other than an honest review before. This is a first. The precision kit is in progress and coming up soon!
Thanks for this. The fact that they treated someone like this when they knew you were going to be reviewing them doesn't bode well for the rest of us. I'm always a little suspicious when someone reviews something they got for free. Your integrity isn't an issue, but a lot of people wouldn't be so honest, not to mention that the company likely sent the reviewer the best they had and the average product might not of the same quality. I'm more interested in the builds themselves. Seeing what you're doing, why you're doing it, and how you're doing it is the reason I subscribed. Love your channel :)
Thank you
Brad there’s always people who seem to complain about everything on the internet. Just do what you do, there’s more positive then negative out there when it comes to what you do. Thanks for everything you do.
Thank you George
I wouldn't want to do busines with a company that dosen't keep to it's agreements so thanks for the information. I'm sorry you had you experience.
Your next video should be a demonstration of the variety of uses this kit lends itself to, for instance, measuring the carbon footprint created upon burning that engineered wood in a fire pit.
I do actually wonder how this stuff would burn.
it should make them up their game in the long run . interesting vid, about the review game back story
Thanks Barry
Don't worry about the haters Brad. Keep doing what you do and keep up the good work.
Thank you
You're doin' a great job Brad. Never mind the dummies that shoot off with the negativity. They live for the drama.
Thank you Jimi
Character and integrity speak alot about people and companies it's common knowledge that companies will either supply a kit or guitar , pedals for a review ect and depending on the business arrangement you get paid or get to keep the item ect
Thanks for the update Brad. Can we have thhe company's response?
The company hasn’t responded to my last correspondence, which was quite a while ago.
This is unfortunate. I’ve been on the fence about ordering a kit from Bad Cat. I really like the look unusual material used for these kits, as there are a sea of inexpensive kits that all have a similar look to them. I may still order one in the future, but hearing stories like this has given me sufficient cause to hold off for now.
They are definitely unique. I’m not sure if anyone else makes them. Regardless, I don’t think you need to be governed by my experience. If this type of kit is what you want, you may be quite happy with it.
You are a gentleman, they came to the wrong channel if they wanted a shill
Thank you
Yep. Keep it honest. I trust ya.
Thanks Jonathan
Finish the guitar with your integrity intact, Brad. You have always been straight with your viewers when doing reviews, if the company doesn't like honesty, that's on them.
Thanks Jim. That’s sage advice.
I was wanting to know, but understood if you didn't want to get into the drama of it. It's actually admirable in my opinion to just let that go.
That would have been my preference, but I can certainly understand the curious.
*curiosity
Anyone who has been watching this channel for any length of time is fully aware that your integrity and honesty is beyond reproach. Just the idea that a company would think that they could pay you to "gush" over their kit shows that not only are they trying to get one over on their buyers, but they don't have a clue with whom they are in business when it comes to this channel. And to the guy who went off on you about influencers getting free stuff and all that...don't watch. Find another builder/influencer who fits your criteria. I'm sure there's one or two of them out there. But I haven't found one with the truthfulness and sheer matter of factness of Brad. Anyway, that's all brother. Thanks for all you do.
Thank you Douglas. I really appreciate that.
Hey! Diogenes! Put down that lantern. I think we've found your honest man.
Hahaha
Brad's an honest craftsman whom we can learn from. He enjoys what he does and likes to pass on the knowledge. Slick manufacturers will endeavour to try to 'bribe/buy' him to get a biased review of their products that would reduce him to a rubber stamp. Everybody seems to be a sellout without principles and standards and I'm glad Brad isn't one of them. Stay true to yourself Brad...
Thank you Duane; I appreciate it.
@@BradAngove We've got your back Brad...
It's often management that cause issues, not customer service! But it brings to light a lot of unknown problems within the RUclips world!
I agree. I don’t want to speculate about their structure either. It could be a large company, or just one guy sourcing from a factory and putting an online retail front on it. I have no idea.
Respect
Thanks Lewis
1. Love your videos, Brad.
2. Always appreciate your honesty and integrity. It is not to be taken for granted.
3. I'm always skeptical of super positive reviews -- except for yours (and maybe Phil McKnight's.)
4. I'm amazed you have time to do these videos given what you do in real life.
5. Don't these idiots know they are dealing with a lawyer who specializes in contracts?!?!
Hahaha I’m not sure what they know about me. I suspect not much.
If I’m being honest I don’t really have time, but it’s what I do with my limited spare time haha.
Ok, that question answered, thank you. BTW, how do you feel the neck will hold up over long time being manufactured wood? I built a bass kit from pitbull guitars, it has the same type of body, but a normal neck. Plays great with no issues.
I don’t think it will have any problems. Engineered wood should be relatively stable because of the amount of glue in it.
5:10 - Why it matters: if a company is trying to bias the reviewer then it's a dishonest organization right from jump and it calls other things into question. I won't buy from anyone who attempts that crap just based on my own values and principles.
- Looking at the wood on this again, it seems less washed out than the last video - never seen one exactly this color in the grain but I bet you can find close color-match for the PG. Warmoth maybe? Just picked up a cream set from them for a Squier Standard I stained (Bombay Mahogany on agarthis) ...Oh! I gotta thank you for that: you taught me how to strip it.
We appreciate what you do man. Haters gonna hate.
Thank you Colton
I think most of those kits do not come with brand pickups, so there is always some upgrades to be made. Funny thing is I guess curiosity killed the Blackcat.
Haha nice
You've always been fair. Sucks that this company couldn't see the benefits of the agreement.
Looks like a good fire starter if your low on wood.
Haha yikes
Saying the hardware isn't "deluxe" actually helps Badcat. How much dissatisfaction would they deal with if a reviewer sets expectations too high? I hope they learn from this, and I wish them well, for the reason of DIY being accessible to as many as possible!
I bought a kit and a guitar from bad cat guitars website from a black friday deal. Kit came, seems fine, but the guitar had damage, one of the pickups was cracked. I emailed them, and they originally responded, but when I asked them how they wanted to handle, they ghosted me. I've been emailing them for a month and they have decided not to respond. They have 2 phone numbers on their website, one for service which is not in service, and another for sales which goes to some guys voicemail, who does not call you back. So good call on not dealing with them anymore, as it appears this company is as shady as it gets.
Damn, I’m sorry to hear that.
I have the same kit, it's been waiting for over a year but when I do get around to it I will only be using the neck and body, everything else can go. I have bought guitars from this company and have no complaints about the quality but they do have a reputation for poor customer service.
I’m glad the quality has been good for you.
That sounds reasonable
Im a drummer but also love guitar. I've bought a few guitar kits. Usually 9 times out of 10 the the parts are crap and the neck and body need a lot of work. That being said a kit guitar is not for a beginner. They arent even for most seasoned guitar players, so why sell them with crappy pickups and hardware? I can understand the neck and body work because obviously if you are building a guitar you understand guitar tech...yea, anyway, I'd rather buy a kit with just the body and neck. I'll add my own hardware and electronics like I always do. Less trash. All that stuff just gets thrown away in the long run. A lot of times whole guitars get thrown away because the components are trash and the owner doesnt know it can be fixed or how to do it.