depends on how good a jig you want. i don't think there is too much argument that the yellowstone is the best. its around $290 + $35 in shipping. the micro-stretcher so you can serve with the string under high tension is another $100. the beiter serving tool is $40, and trust me its worth every penny. 1/4 lb spool of 452x is $47. 8125 is like $37. you'll want 2 colors. and the end serving and center serving stuff is about $10 a spool. then you'll need a winner's choice and a vapor trail to reverse engineer to pick up the tricks you won't learn on the videos. it doesn't take a long time to 'get it', but it will take time and lots of thrown away strings and cables.