The TeleStrat Club

Searched through the clubs and couldn't find one so I guess it's time to start a club for those who are into Strat necks on Teles or Tele necks on Strats. Here's mine for starters. The neck is a slim profile "D" shape with 12" radius and I've had it refretted with medium Jumbos.

FSR BSB Tele with 83 American Strat neck.
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/beachbum47/TELESTRAT/FMT022.jpg

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/beachbum47/TELESTRAT/FMT043.jpg

Mine is more a Stratelecaster, I put it together from Schecter parts, back in the mid '80s:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/skb/misc%20stuff/Guitars/frankencaster3.jpg

I've got a few other projects on the back burner. One in mind is a Strat body with Telecaster bridge plate and 3 Tele pickups & Tele neck. Need to find the right hard tail Strat body and then do some routing.

Mine is more a Stratelecaster, I put it together from Schecter parts, back in the mid '80s:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v390/skb/misc%20stuff/Guitars/frankencaster3.jpg

I've got a few other projects on the back burner. One in mind is a Strat body with Telecaster bridge plate and 3 Tele pickups & Tele neck. Need to find the right hard tail Strat body and then do some routing.


Beautiful guitar. That's my favorite guitar color. I've got a Studio and a Gretsch that are pretty close to that. Make sure to post those new projects you've got planned.

Yup, count me in!

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/fendersam_sunny.JPG

Mine is more a Stratelecaster, I put it together from Schecter parts, back in the mid '80s
Nice. It's hereby decided: I'm gonna try building myself something like that soon.

this is my favorite Tele, I made it back in the early 90's. LH Fender Strat neck from an '83, Warmoth swamp ash Thinline body, Chandler lipstick tube pups, Graph Tech bridge saddles, 5 way, 1-V/2-TBX'es, Schaller locking tuners, zircon side markers, Varathane finish. Light, resonate and really soulful.

Yup, count me in!

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/fendersam_sunny.JPG

I'm thinking a neck humbucker is the next thing on mine. Any thoughts about the best way to go?

I'm thinking a neck humbucker is the next thing on mine. Any thoughts about the best way to go?


a.) Choose a donor body that is already routed. You don't really want to take a wood chisel to it. . .

b.) 500k pots - you can always turn the tone down if you don't like icepick tones.

c.) Split coil FTW. Plenty of wiring diagrams out there. Whilst you lose the classic Tele neck tone, split coil humbucker gives you a few more options.

d.) Don't go out of phase. I like to be different. (Actually you will find wiring diagrams that give you this as an option)


e.) Go for it.

a.) Choose a donor body that is already routed. You don't really want to take a wood chisel to it. . .

b.) 500k pots - you can always turn the tone down if you don't like icepick tones.

c.) Split coil FTW. Plenty of wiring diagrams out there. Whilst you lose the classic Tele neck tone, split coil humbucker gives you a few more options.

d.) Don't go out of phase. I like to be different. (Actually you will find wiring diagrams that give you this as an option)


e.) Go for it.


The body is already routed for a humbucker. I was thinking of getting one of those Toneshaper gizmos that are set up for 500k at the neck and then switch to 250k for the middle and bridge position. They come in 3, 4 and 5 position configurations. I've never done wiring before and my tech wants $100 to do it for me. The Toneshaper is $115 so I figured it might be worth the bucks to go that way. Any thoughts?

Hmmmm. I had never heard of Toneshaper, so I did some research.

Well, it has bells and whistles I can tell ya. It also does a whole bunch of cool things. Also the plug and play seems easy.

However, there is no way I am gonna have all that electrickery between my pups and my amp.

It's not for me.

If you do go for it, let us know how you like it.

Hmmmm. I had never heard of Toneshaper, so I did some research.

Well, it has bells and whistles I can tell ya. It also does a whole bunch of cool things. Also the plug and play seems easy.

However, there is no way I am gonna have all that electrickery between my pups and my amp.

It's not for me.

If you do go for it, let us know how you like it.

Ya, I was wondering about the same thing. Think I'll try some You Tubing and review reading first. Thanks.

I'm in - my 2011 project...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/JCBurke59/2011%20guitar%20project/100_2462_35-1.jpg

I'm in - my 2011 project...


Cool project. What is that bridge?

Sweet looking guitar. Looks like you've got some very nice flaming on that neck as well.

I'm in: 72 Tele Deluxe RI, and 1973 Telecaster Deluxe... couldn't be happier.

Beachbum: get either a Lolar Regal WRHB ir a "Telenator" modes RI WRHB... Don't accept ANY substitute. A WRHB (or two) in a Tele is something special. A Tele with just some Humbucker in it is just MEH... unless you want REAL dirty or dark tones, a WRHB will just sound better (plus you can run a pedal to GET the dirt or darkness, but you can't go the other way) then any other HB out there. If you can find one, an ORIGINAL 72 or later WRHB too will also do nicely. Skip the tone shaper. Definatly upgrade to 500k. Push-pull if ya REALLY want it, but... far from necessary. I find WAY too many people overestimate their ability to really utilize all those added controls. If you're just playing for fun, sure, but if you're performing skip it. YMMV.

X marks the spot..big head and all...:roll:

I've just been sitting out on the back stairs in the late afternoon sun playing this sucker to the trees and birds....LOUDLY!..:twisted:

along with my 83 blade thin necked tele ...:smile:

geez the dust/marks show up out in the sun...

...What is that bridge?
It's a 'Rutter's Chopped Bridge'.

http://ruttersguitars.com/Hot_Rod_Parts.html

...Looks like you've got some very nice flaming on that neck as well.

Thanks, yeah it's a Warmoth Vintage Modern (SRV carve) - found it in the 'showcase' a couple of years ago. I'm a sucker for a nice flamey neck. Actually had it for quite a while before I figured out the 'right' project for it.

http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/JCBurke59/2011%20guitar%20project/25_100_1955.jpg

I like the look of these hybrid telestrats. I would buy a Pawn Shop model of a non-contoured Strat with a rosewood fretboard baja-shaped tele neck.

I'm in: 72 Tele Deluxe RI, and 1973 Telecaster Deluxe... couldn't be happier.

Beachbum: get either a Lolar Regal WRHB ir a "Telenator" modes RI WRHB... Don't accept ANY substitute. A WRHB (or two) in a Tele is something special. A Tele with just some Humbucker in it is just MEH... unless you want REAL dirty or dark tones, a WRHB will just sound better (plus you can run a pedal to GET the dirt or darkness, but you can't go the other way) then any other HB out there. If you can find one, an ORIGINAL 72 or later WRHB too will also do nicely. Skip the tone shaper. Definatly upgrade to 500k. Push-pull if ya REALLY want it, but... far from necessary. I find WAY too many people overestimate their ability to really utilize all those added controls. If you're just playing for fun, sure, but if you're performing skip it. YMMV.


Thanks for the tip. I'll check them out. My only interest in the Toneshaper was that it's wired with the ability to have 500K at the neck and then switches to 250K for the middle and bridge positions. Other than that I don't really need the out of phase stuff. And, of course, the fact that I can't follow a road map to Pasadena much less figure out a wiring diagram so I figured that at least I won't be making a total solder mess while I go through the learning curve.

As far as dirt goes, when performing, I play it through this so I'm already depending on pedals for my overdrive.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/beachbum47/TELESTRAT/FMT024.jpg

this is my favorite Tele, I made it back in the early 90's. LH Fender Strat neck from an '83, Warmoth swamp ash Thinline body, Chandler lipstick tube pups, Graph Tech bridge saddles, 5 way, 1-V/2-TBX'es, Schaller locking tuners, zircon side markers, Varathane finish. Light, resonate and really soulful.

All these are nice...... but the reverse neck/thinline thats about as cool as it gets!

I'm kinda thinking about a reverse neck/Steve Morse for the build off next year.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check them out. My only interest in the Toneshaper was that it's wired with the ability to have 500K at the neck and then switches to 250K for the middle and bridge positions. Other than that I don't really need the out of phase stuff. And, of course, the fact that I can't follow a road map to Pasadena much less figure out a wiring diagram so I figured that at least I won't be making a total solder mess while I go through the learning curve.

As far as dirt goes, when performing, I play it through this so I'm already depending on pedals for my overdrive.

http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j356/beachbum47/TELESTRAT/FMT024.jpg

Ah, I see, interesting idea aye. BTW, lovely guitar you've built yourself. I think you'd be REALLY happy with a WRHB in there. That "roadmap" comment made me spit my soda all over the place. Good stuff mate, I'll be really interested to see what you decide to do aye. I'm lucky, with my Classic 50-212 I've got one of the best "dirt" channels out there with no pedals needed... course SOMETIMES I wish I had a basic distortion pedal cause using the.amps channel for dirt and running other pedals means the distortion incoming in at he wrong point in my signal chain. Delay before distortion can make some REAL odd tones (and not ones I'm necessarily LOOKING for aye :mrgreen: )

Ah, I see, interesting idea aye. BTW, lovely guitar you've built yourself. I think you'd be REALLY happy with a WRHB in there. That "roadmap" comment made me spit my soda all over the place. Good stuff mate, I'll be really interested to see what you decide to do aye. I'm lucky, with my Classic 50-212 I've got one of the best "dirt" channels out there with no pedals needed... course SOMETIMES I wish I had a basic distortion pedal cause using the.amps channel for dirt and running other pedals means the distortion incoming in at he wrong point in my signal chain. Delay before distortion can make some REAL odd tones (and not ones I'm necessarily LOOKING for aye :mrgreen: )

Thanks. I checked out the Lollars. Seems to be their upgraded answer to the Fender Wide Range? Great sounding pups. I think you've put me onto something.

OK, I've rounded up a donor body: an old Samick Strat-style with a humbucker route.
I figure the Tele pickup & plate will fit right in, just have to cut it off a few mm from the end of the saddles on the bridge, so I can use the Samick's vibrato bridge.
I've got a Strat-style neck with the peghead re-shaped into a Tele-style.
I need to cut the pickguard and decide on which pickups to use.
Maybe 3 x Tele bridge pickups or Tele bridge, Strat middle and Tele neck?
Hmmmm...

I'm in - my 2011 project...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/JCBurke59/2011%20guitar%20project/100_2462_35-1.jpg

that's my dream guitar right there.

well, apart from my tele of course :wink:

52 reissue with 57 reissue neck.

I'm in - my 2011 project...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/JCBurke59/2011%20guitar%20project/100_2462_35-1.jpg

Seriously cool.

mispost.

52 reissue with 57 reissue neck.

Now that there is one fine looking guitar.

I'm in. My cheapest guitar but embarissingly my favorite.
affinity neck, gfs body


130306

My Fender CS "Tennessee" Strat clone.

My take on the tele strat combo

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/335301_4567522873238_1720706561_o.jpg

You know, BeachBum, these don't look half bad. Pretty cool with the standard Strat headstock.

Can I join?

Here's my Telestrat,

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o553/tabdog2/6-22-3-1.jpg

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o553/tabdog2/9-22-5_zpsa080cbd4.jpg

http://i1147.photobucket.com/albums/o553/tabdog2/6-17-12.jpg

It has a real 1968 Fender Telecaster
bridge pick up and a Texas Special in
the neck. I bought the 68 Tele pup
for $15 in 1971. They sell for $400 to
$600 on eBay now. I already had a
bridge also.

Here's a price break down. I came in
just under $200.

Neck with $70 Schaller
tuners already installed___$60.00
Telecaster Body__________74.98
Output Jack Cup__________7.90
Loaded Control Plate______19.75
Tele String Ferrules_______10.48
Tele Neck Pickup_________24.18
Original Tele pup__________-0-
Replacement Bridge________-0-

Total cost $197.33

Tabdog

I'm in - my 2011 project...
http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm243/JCBurke59/2011%20guitar%20project/100_2462_35-1.jpg

Stratelesquire? :shock: :razz: :wink:

Razzing aside, that is one cool look! :cool:

oooh, love this thread.... how about my old schecter? telestrat that gets it for me.....
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc383/axepics/photo-9.jpg

Superrock, that's another looker in this fun thread. Tell us more. What pickups? And what about those selectors? Body wood?

glad you dig it! that is a schecter f400t assembly on a one piece brazilian rosewood platform, chunky wide D maple with a matching BRW 'board... sing'n'bloom with the 27 possible switchings. each pup can be full-on or vintage voiced or off... :) the hardtail brass bridge is an 80's dimarzio piece... just a wicked toneful player. one of a kind i suspect...

here's the backside:
http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc383/axepics/photo-10.jpg

Wow! Thanks for the information. That Rosewood body is beautiful, back and front. Brazilian, you say? I would think that's kind of rare these days. Speaking of which, I think you're right. The combination of features, woods, Tele body shape, Strat-style neck and pickguard, 3 pickup configuration, selector switches, 2 control knobs makes for a unique instrument.

groovy! the original owner traded it to a builder for a custom in about '80, and the guy kept it until two years ago when he passed it over to me. i am the lucky caretaker now... :) it will do the knopfler sounds, but really cops both a steve miller clean and gilmour vibe on the driven tones... that with the wide 10" radius neck and bloomy brazilian board puts it at my go-to slot for most styles i play...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v715/ckbcustomshop/IMG_6141.jpg

Hi guys, just thought i would add myself on here, i hadn't found this club before! I have a home built strat o tele made from a hardtail strat body finished in matt fiesta red and a mij fender strat neck, wilkinson bridge, tonerider hot classic pickup and 2 custom wound alnico 3 strat pickups with vintage 3 way wiring. Brilliant project to do. I will confess to finding the look and feel of a standard tele to be ugly and cumbersome but i much prefer the twang compared to a strat. So much so that i took a belt sander to my home build esquire and gave it strat like contours. Now i have the other way round, nashville twang and blues tones all in one, comfortable to boot! I am in heaven. Only problem was routing the pickguard as the screwholes for the strat bridge pickup are slightly in the way so the routing is a touch too big. May get a blank guard and redo it.
Got some nice looking tele/strat hybrids on here. Am now thinking about doing a version 2!

These guitars are crimes against nature.

These guitars are crimes against nature.

What is wrong with modifications, innovating, improving? Surely that was all Leo Fender was doing all those years go. He designed what some believe the perfect guitars. I just don't don't find them perfect and like the way i can change them to fit my ideals. Isn't that what making music is all about? It is not a one size fits all hobby.

I guess this guitar is eligible:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/Bubbanov/98FEB152011008.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/Bubbanov/media/98FEB152011008.jpg.html)

But I think Randy's orange model is more what I think of when I hear this term. Looks great, Randy!

As soon as I can get a shop set up in WNC, I want to complete this:

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t25/Bubbanov/17JAN132010001.jpg (http://s156.photobucket.com/user/Bubbanov/media/17JAN132010001.jpg.html)

Cheers. I was always a Hank Marvin fan so have a fondness for fiesta red, i like the orange feel. I also have a metallic orange flake strat but don't ave the guts to play it live much. It is a bit too much! I like the look of the strat. / esquire look. I might try that myself! I could just convert my own esquire with new body and pickguard.

Here is my l'il Blue baby.

Mighty Mite V neck
GFS Vintage Bridge
GFS Fatbody Neck ( installed since photo)
Standard 3 way switch and 250k pots
Gotoh tuners

Routed and finished the Strat shaped body of White Spruce.
Lightest guitar I've ever played. 5.25 lbs total weight!
Reranch Ice Blue Metallic


181720



181721
I get back with more on the Natural Tele-Strat hanging to the left!

Here is my l'il Blue baby.

Mighty Mite V neck
GFS Vintage Bridge
GFS Fatbody Neck ( installed since photo)
Standard 3 way switch and 250k pots
Gotoh tuners

Routed and finished the Strat shaped body of White Spruce.
Lightest guitar I've ever played. 5.25 lbs total weight!
Reranch Ice Blue Metallic

I get back with more on the Natural Tele-Strat hanging to the left!

Great colour, i like the look. Looks like a muscle car from the 70s! Good one for doing your own body.
Just got a new body myself for new Telestrat project. Arrived today. Walnut hard tail strat body but rear routed (not confident to rout my own body!) so no need to cut scratchplate. May go the whole hog and have hot rod flames! I already have a great *** squier neck and hot p90 like handwound pickup to drop in. Should be awesome.

Here are two of mine.

Great colour, i like the look. Looks like a muscle car from the 70s! Good one for doing your own body.
Just got a new body myself for new Telestrat project. Arrived today. Walnut hard tail strat body but rear routed (not confident to rout my own body!) so no need to cut scratchplate. May go the whole hog and have hot rod flames! I already have a great *** squier neck and hot p90 like handwound pickup to drop in. Should be awesome.

Thanks for the kudos. That color is ice blue metallic. Ford used it as a factory color in 1966. Fitting because that is the year I was born.
That walnut body looks killer. I have a walnut fingerboard on one of my TeleStrats. Very slick feeling!