Thickness question

[Sarrkazztic]

Does the thickness of the body make any difference? I see most of these Tele builds are at 1.75 inches.....my question is since i have no access to a planer...would a 2" thick body cause any problems? As long as the neck pocket is cut to the right depth the action should be the same regardless....you would just have extra beef behind it. Body material will be Mahogany.....with a spalted maple top if I get lucky :-)

[otterhound]

You are correct about the relationship of the essential things , neck pocket , etc. I have used a relief on the back sides of thick bodies for playing comfort . 2" think Mahogany will be heavy to some . Have at it and post some pics when done .

[KevinB]

I would agree about the weight issue. Mahogany usually starts off being heavy and a 2" thick piece might be very heavy. Other than that I certainly can't see any issue, other than you'd need longer than stock neck screws.

You might consider chambering it though?

[guitarbuilder]

If you have a router, you could set up a routing sled and mill off the 1/4" of wood that way. Check out the scatterlee 100 challenge thread for pics.

[otterhound]

Unless the weight is an issue , you need not remove any material at all . I only used a relief in the neck/neck plate area for comfort . This eliminated the need for longer screws as well .

[onenotetom]

I vote that you build it. Should be a very pretty guitar.

Weight is often discussed but I do not see that as a negative unless you gig or play standing up. In addition to having different styles of guitars I think different weights is a good thing. I have a Peavey T-60 slab and an even heavier Telecaster that you only notice the weight when you pick them up. My guitar that sits next to the chair is my tele equipped cigar box guitar. It plays very nice, has some acoustic volume, and is very light and easy to grab.

[LeroyBlues]

Originally Posted by guitarbuilder

If you have a router, you could set up a routing sled and mill off the 1/4" of wood that way. Check out the scatterlee 100 challenge thread for pics.

This is the method I use all the time. It's easy, just a bit time consuming. If you had a thickness planer you'd put some time into that process too, so... The end product is a bit rougher than using a surface planer but it just takes a bit more of sanding is all.

[otterhound]

If you have access to a thickness sander , that's even better . Plane it to almost correct thickness and then use the sander . This will result in less finish sanding because you will likely have a smoother surface to start with . I agree , build it . Weight is not an absolute negative . My Rosewood as well as most of my builds are on the heavy side to most . In the end , unless you are building it for someone else , please yourself and feel no guilt about it . This is the beautiful thing about building your own .

[BillyC]

Clarence Whites old Telecaster that Marty Stuart plays is two bodies nailed together.I'd say the thickness doesn't matter at all,if you can stand the weight.

[Sarrkazztic]

Thanks guys for all the input. Weight is not an issue at all as I only play seated...bad back problems. I think it is going to be an interesting winter :-)

[Flynman]

You could also find a local cabinet shop that might thickness plain it for a small fee..sometimes even free.