Can I do it? a *klutz* - two options, plese opine:

Yea, I admit it, I'm a klutz working with my hands, but in my twilight yrs if I could pull something like this off ( with your help ) it would give me great self esteem - yea I know it's a little late for that, but what the hang. This would be my fall/winter project.

I'm thinking in terms of two options as follows:

1) Buy a butterscotch affinity and change tuners, bridge, guts etc. Why? because I love the color and neck, I'd change the pickguard to white and call it my Gatton' model, finding pups that are close to bardens. Drawbacks ? drilling those holes through the body, or does it really change the tone that much.

2) Build from scratch - buy a body, neck, guts.. etc and do everthing from scratch. drawbacks ? - I'm a klutz..remember. *

* The thing that intimidates me is well...everything, especially the wiring, lining up the bridge right etc. Please opine..thanks

Do a test subject 1st. A Saga or Grizzly kit will set ya back $150ish by the time you are done. Then give it away as a present, or for a charity auction and move on with some experience to # 2.

Do search for Tele Kit, and read all what some other Klutz's opinions are, I say. ;)

Dive in Bro!


Grizzly Kits page here (http://grizzlyindustrial.com/products/searchresults.aspx?q=guitar)

Saga kits, search on eBay and the net in general.

Saga kits are a bit cheaper I think...

That's excellent advice. Once you see how easy it is and no magic is involved you'll just to #2 in no time. The more times you do #2 (no jokes, please) the easier it gets and the better the result.

Collinsman....Only thing I would add is, have you played an Affinity...and did the narrow nut width bother you ?...that's my main problem w/ Affinnitys...just very cramped for 1st position chords (I guess folks still play chords?)...sometimes around here it seems like the whole World is nothin but Lead players.....:wink: ....To be quite Honest, a Saga or Grizzly Kit would be my last Choice of how to go about it....anyone of many Squiers, or various Asian Tele Clones, would get you a lot more Bang for yer Buck IMO.

Take a shot at scratch building everything but the neck and guts. I did my first one with only a jig saw, router, palm sander and oscillating sander; and I really could have got by without the sanders (just used a block).

The more times you do #2 (no jokes, please) the easier it gets and the better the result.


Your killing me Otis... :lol::lol::lol:

Collinsman....Only thing I would add is, have you played an Affinity...and did the narrow nut width bother you ?...



1) Buy a butterscotch affinity and change tuners, bridge, guts etc. Why? because I love the color and neck, I'd change the pickguard to white and call it my Gatton' model, finding pups that are close to bardens. Drawbacks ? drilling those holes through the body, or does it really change the tone that much.

Question answered before asked...

If you've never worked on a guitar, I recommend option one since you will just be replacing parts. Once you get a taste of that, you'll feel more confident about a scratch build.

I think the Affinity deal is the right one, and keep the guitar top loader. There's nothing inherently better about string through; it is just different.

If you start with that or a Squier Standard Tele (Indonesia), you can dabble. When you start with a player or near-player, you can usually return safely to where you have begun. I'm impressed with the skills and guts of the guys pouring big time into Grizzly or Saga kits; I fear most of those kits get thrown away.

You can start with the Squier Standard and do the 'Nail Soup' or 'Trigger's Broom' approach. Replace one or two parts or sub-assemblies at a time. Eventually you have a fine guitar with no original parts at all. The original stuff can then be reassembled and resold.

I think the Affinity deal is the right one, and keep the guitar top loader. There's nothing inherently better about string through; it is just different.

If you start with that or a Squier Standard Tele (Indonesia), you can dabble. When you start with a player or near-player, you can usually return safely to where you have begun. I'm impressed with the skills and guts of the guys pouring big time into Grizzly or Saga kits; I fear most of those kits get thrown away.

You can start with the Squier Standard and do the 'Nail Soup' or 'Trigger's Broom' approach. Replace one or two parts or sub-assemblies at a time. Eventually you have a fine guitar with no original parts at all. The original stuff can then be reassembled and resold.

+1

I just got word from GFS that my "hot lead" pups have shipped that I will install into my Indonesian Squier Standard Black & Chrome that I bought a few months ago. I bought it for $200 new off the web from GC. It plays well with a pretty fast neck, and is as heavy as my '85 MIJ Comtemporary Standard, I'm just not crazy about the stock pups. I'm changing the pickguard, pups, string trees, and maybe the tuners. It only cost a little more than a Griz kit and was playable right out of the box. Will take pics and post the upgrade for those who are interested. Thought about building a partscaster using Warmoth stuff but when the estimate went over $900 w/o pups I changed my mind. I do have the woodworking and finishing skills to put one together,but don't have the time. Maybe later.:smile:

Boris, do you know what size these guitar headstocks tuner holes are drilled for the stock tuners? Is it 10mm? Are the GFS locking tuners any good?

Thanks for all the tips & suggestions. Q: If I go with the butterscotch affinity, I suppose the bridge, pups and tuners should go, I'd also like it to have a Gatton/Barden type of sound - any suggestions on where to get the parts ( pups bridge etc..) and what to stay away from...again much thanks for all the help.