My first build! HELP

FriskyDingo

http://imgur.com/hbCXESz

So I'm just getting ready to stain and I notice the neck pocket is not as snug as I like. It's not loose but there's a little movement  How can I fix this? I've seen people use veneer but will this put my neck off centre and no longer aligned with the Bridge? Should I paint the pocket and neck to make some layers? Suggestions please 

Roland

Check the neck alignment and nut to saddle distance of the top E. If either is wrong then it’s easier to adjust it now.

Decide how you’re going to finish it (oil, poly, nitro). 

Cut the headstock profile because you’ll need to sand and round the edges after cutting.

FriskyDingo

What should the neck to saddle distance be? I have a finish in mind but. Don't know what headstock shape I want yet

munckee

Watch six string supplies videos on wiring a telecaster if you haven't done one before. Comprehensive and easy to follow.

joeyowen

Good luck!

I 'built' a lp jr last year, it was great fun

AustrianJohn

Take it slow. Measure, measure and measure again before doing anything. If something isn't going quite according to plan - don't think "well, that will do". It won't. You'll regret it (he said from bitter experience). Go back and make sure you get it right.

Enjoy!

munckee

AustrianJohn said:

Take it slow. Measure, measure and measure again before doing anything. If something isn't going quite according to plan - don't think "well, that will do". It won't. You'll regret it (he said from bitter experience). Go back and make sure you get it right.

Enjoy!

Yup have a wisdom, if it doesn't feel right its pretty certain it isn't right.

FriskyDingo

Some awesome advice guys. I have some experience sanding but none with soldering or finishing, so il be back for help then. Any more video suggestions let me know

munckee

The amount of advice and assistance on here is phenomenal, if you look at my build thread here:

http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/131149/new-tele-project#latest

I asked virtually each step of the way.

Roland

FriskyDingo said:

What should the neck to saddle distance be?

25.5” between saddle break point and near edge of the nut on the top E string, with enough thread on the saddle retaining screw to adjust it either way. The other saddles are further away from the nut. By how much depends on string gauge. My bottom E is about 25.75”.  

I’ve seen a Tele kit the bridge screw holes had been drilled in the wrong place.

Funkfingers

Roland said:

FriskyDingo said:

What should the neck to saddle distance be?

25.5” between saddle break point and near edge of the nut on the top E string,

For all scale length related measurements, the nut is the datum point.

Roland said:

I’ve seen a Tele kit the bridge screw holes had been drilled in the wrong place.

There are now two conventions for where these holes ought to be. One to suit the vintage, stamped steel bridge/tailpiece design. Another to suit some of the machined-from-solid modern designs. Just to confuse matters, some of the machined bridges adopt the vintage hole pattern.

FriskyDingo

I've just measured and its 25.5 so I'm good on that front so it's on to sanding 

FriskyDingo

So, I've shaped my headstock with a small saw but don't have a spindle sander. Doing it by hand would make it uneven. Any suggestions? I have seen people use a drill and sanding drum attached. Seems a good idea

Roland

Drill and sanding drum works well, even better if you have a drill stand. You can make your own drum if you want to save your pennies

FriskyDingo

Roland said:

Drill and sanding drum works well, even better if you have a drill stand. You can make your own drum if you want to save your pennies

I don't mind buying the drum hardly costs anything and I want something professional. What do you mean by drill stand? Thanks 

Roland

https://imgur.com/a/bS3MFyS

FriskyDingo

Gotcha. Ordered a drill, sanding drums and stand. Update mid week. Thanks again 

FriskyDingo

So I'm done with sanding and shaping. I want paint/finish it in a dark blue, with a shade of black underneath. The neck I want just oiled and waxed. What would you suggest buying and how would you apply it? Thanks

poopot

FriskyDingo said:

So I'm done with sanding and shaping. I want paint/finish it in a dark blue, with a shade of black underneath. The neck I want just oiled and waxed. What would you suggest buying and how would you apply it? Thanks

Order from here:

https://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/nitrocellulose-lacquer/

SteveRobinson

Thanks @poopot.

I do have a very dark blue.
https://www.manchesterguitartech.co.uk/product/dark-blue-nitrocellulose-lacquer-aerosol/

FriskyDingo

Thanks for the recommendation. Il check that out. I was hoping not to do any lacquer for my first build. Mainly water based paint and oils, with some waxing afterwards