First build - learning curve Tele!

CaptainBlack

This is my first build and is not going to be anything special compared to some of the great stuff on here, however the little that I do know, I have learned from this forum and links herein so the least I can do is let some of you look at my tinkering. There maybe something of use to other beginners I hope.

Besides @Deadman said he would like to see it!

It started with winning a Guitarbuild Standard Tele body on ebay (nobody else bid)

2 piece Alder 2.1kg £43 delivered, I was up and running.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/barebody_zps42fa0ab4.jpg

jd0272

Every Tele is special mate.

What's the complete spec on the guitar then? Neck, pickups, paint, 'vibe'?

hobbio

Nice body mate, you've scored for £43 delivered.

CaptainBlack

jd0272 said:

Every Tele is special mate.

What's the complete spec on the guitar then? Neck, pickups, paint, 'vibe'?

Northwest Guitars Neck, maple, satin finish, 9.5'' radius

Body finish Wudtone Hot Auburn, gloss finish, no highlights

Chrome Hardware:

Northwest Guitars Deluxe Loaded 3 way Control Plate, 250k CTS pots, 0.022uf Cap

Electrosocket, yes it fits the output jack.

Schaller M6 Mini tuners

Gotoh GTC201 Modern Conversion Bridge

Oil City Honky Tonk Angel pups

Pearl Guard

All collected in CaptainBlacks evil lab (the loft room)

What did I forget?

CaptainBlack

Body is sanded down with 240 grit wet & dry, and finished with Liberon 0000 steel wool, took me about 2 hours.

Hot Auburn comes in 3 stages, deep colour coat, base coat and I chose gloss finish.

This is after the deep colour coat.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/Deepcolourcoatfront_zps7b96e16e.jpg

CaptainBlack

hobbio said:

Nice body mate, you've scored for £43 delivered.

Thanks mate, probably turned out to be the bargain of the build, they do seem a great way to get started for not much money.

CaptainBlack

The Guitarbuild body has a neck pocket of 56mm, Northwest Guitars do a tele style neck with a 55.5mm heal plus I want modern tuners and their neck has 10mm holes so no reaming needed.

Ok it's not Nitro but I ordered the satin poly finish with a 9.5" radius and was really pleased with it, it's almost like bare wood a really fine finish.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/neckfront_zps340eabc2.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/neckback_zps2da5777a.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/radiuscheck_zps12bdc39a.jpg

I downloaded and printed out a free radius gauge for when I set up but thought I would at least check they sent me the right neck!

jd0272

That'll be a cracker when it's done. What's your opinion on the neck? Just curious, I've mulled them over before but always seem to go for Allparts.

CaptainBlack

I forgot to mention that I clamped and drilled the neck for bolt pilot holes before commencing any work on the body.

This is how she looks as of this afternoon with the 4th base coat. I am waiting 2 days between coats.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/basecoat4_zps99fec1e8.jpg

CaptainBlack

jd0272 said:

That'll be a cracker when it's done. What's your opinion on the neck? Just curious, I've mulled them over before but always seem to go for Allparts.

I am no expert but it seems well made, nice smooth fret ends, no high spots. The nut may need a fettle but I am going to put all the pieces together first and do a basic set up then teach myself the finer points while doing a full on set up.

CaptainBlack

Schaller M6 Mini Tuners were chosen because I want modern looking hardware contrasting with a fancy old-fashioned pearly guard.

Line up with a straight edge, drill pilot holes and use plenty of candle wax on those pesky little screws! 

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/drillingtunerholes_zps6e791e6e.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/tunersfitted_zps45d6193b.jpg

hobbio

Coming on nice mate.

jd0272

Ta. Keep the pics coming

speshul91

Looking good man

CaptainBlack

speshul91 said:

Looking good man

Cheers, I have been following your progress too, looks good.

Deadman

Fantastic!

That 'Hot auburn' is a lovely colour. I've just completed my first tele build too, so God bless you my son and welcome to the club

TTony

Nice choice for a first build.

The Wudtone looks to be developing nicely.

And you can't go far wrong with Oil City PickyUps.

ThePrettyDamned

You've managed a really rather nice looking finish for a first attempt, mine didn't come out that well! Bravo. 

I expect it will surprise you, how good it'll sound.  Partscastering really opened my eyes as to what you pay for when you buy a guitar in a shop (ie a brand and model number). 

Andyjr1515

CaptainBlack said:

Schaller M6 Mini Tuners were chosen because I want modern looking hardware contrasting with a fancy old-fashioned pearly guard.

Line up with a straight edge, drill pilot holes and use plenty of candle wax on those pesky little screws! 

Given you a wisdom for that little tip...most of us have learnt the hard way!  

speshul91

CaptainBlack;470284" said:

speshul91 said:

Looking good man

Cheers, I have been following your progress too, looks good.

Cheers man,that's my first build too (possibly of many) just waiting on electrics arriving

CaptainBlack

Thanks guys.

The hanging to dry pics do not really do the Wudtone justice because of side light from a velux window, I have taken some laying on my bench. The alder has taken the colour quite well, it's not really soaking it up but is gradually darkening. I have done 4 coats and still have half a bottle of base coat left. The side grain is darker so I just plan on doing front and back for a few more coats.

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/closeup3_zps9825e095.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/closeup2_zps877d71c4.jpg

http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah253/stev8e1/closeup1_zps7b6c7e60.jpg