Tele Self build with e-bay parts

[Dr John]

Hello Telecaster lovers, I am thinking of having a go at building a telecaster using parts from e-bay, BUT, my manual dexterity and assembly skills are next to non existent, should this put me off? I have heard all sorts of stories about bridges that are too wide and necks that don't fit the neck pocket of a body, oh yes and I can't solder. Any tips would be gratefully received.

[KokoTele]

Projects are a great way to build your skills, but if your manual dexterity is lacking, maybe this isn't the kind of project that's right for you yet.

The problem with guitars is that the difference between a great one and a lousy one is just a few thousandths of an inch in key places. You're better off developing your skills on projects where thousandths don't matter and working your way up to a guitar.

If you really want to get used parts and put a guitar together, it's much better to take a box full of parts to a luthier or tech who can do a good job for you. It cost a hundred pounds or so, but probably save you lots of money in parts that you ruin or just can't use.

[trickyvic3]

You may want to think about just buying a complete guitar and tweak/learn as you go.
I just bought a new Squire tele for under $200.00

Another route you could go, would be to pick something up used but complete. There are tons of cheep used guitars on eBay, Craigslist, or pawn shops. Find something you like for cheep money and then go from there. Building a complete guitar from scratch is no easy task if you are not experienced. I'm not saying don't go for it, as modding any guitar is half the fun. But if it were me, I'd start out slowly with easy mods and work your way up slowly. The guys here are always willing to help with any questions you may have as you go. Also, tons of great info here on every aspect of mods.

Just my personal opinion and something to think about .

Vic

[dsutton24]

The 'can't solder' thing will be the biggest stumbling block. If you can find a prewired control plate, you can always mount the pickups, then take the guitar to a guitar tech or an electronics repair shop to get the final connections made. Or, crazy as it seems, you can almost certainly learn to solder...

Other than that, Telecasters are remarkably friendly as far as parts interchangeablity goes. Stick to a theme on your first build, probably the safest guitars to start with are the MIM Telecasters of the last fifteen years or so. Not a lot of changes were made. If you buy the major components one at a time, you can always measure things, and make sure the next component is going to fit by researching, asking the seller, asking here, etc.

I started out by buying guitars that had problems and restoring them. In a way that's easier, the neck to body fit is a known quantity. But in other ways it's tough, trying to identify a part, and what repalcements will work can be tricky.

Good luck with it, this place is a great resource. And if the worst happens, you can always resell the parts and probably recoup most of your investment.

[dutchgoff]

A guitar kit such as the ones sold by Guitar Fetish and others may be a way for you to build your skills. They come with all the components you need and will provide a moderately priced platform for you to learn the skills you need (and see if you really have the desire) to produce that masterpiece you are dreaming of. Basic soldering you can learn. A good soldering iron, some wire and lots of practice. Patients and perseverances. There are no mistakes at your level only opportunities to increase your skills. Good luck.

[hemingway]

I'm halfway through my first complete parts build, and I'm really enjoying it; and I haven't destroyed anything yet. But there are a few hurdles to overcome, and things that you have to make fit. I'm really glad that I did 2 things first.

1: messed about on smaller projects first, such as the odd sanding job, and changing a bridge, and a bit of wiring repair. I'm really grateful to the friend who gave me a crappy old Squier that has become my guinea-pig guitar.

2: Read a lot of advice on here - some of which led me to a good book or two. There are no stupid questions.

The key is preparation. If you do that, and you feel confident, then it's time to go for it. I would bear in mind that everyone has a different level of imperfection they're prepared to live with. There are going to be some compromises.

For me, on my first build, the priority is that the guitar plays well and sounds good; and I'm not too worried about that store-bought, glass finish. That might come later.

But if the thing works and plays well, and doesn't look as though it was painted by primary school kids, I'm gonna be chuffed to bits.

Pictures to come.

[Colt W. Knight]

You will spend a fortune on S&H ordering everything from eBay.

[Tuxedo Poly]

+1 to Hemingway
Your budget is an important factor and while ebay uk may be a source of cheap bodies and necks I would seriously consider Axesrus for the hardware and, if you can afford them, the wooden bits as well.

[raito]

Originally Posted by Colt W. Knight

You will spend a fortune on S&H ordering everything from eBay.

Not if you buy multiple items from sellers who combine shipping.

[Dr John]

I have seen the axesrus website, it looks useful, I have also seen the axecaster website with mighty mite parts, can anyone comment on the quality of mighty mite bodies and necks?

[PhilT]

I've had some great quality Mighty Mite necks, my no. 1 guitar for 5 years had one. Have seen some dud ones from them though. I'd say Allparts is a better bet but they are more expensive.

[huckdeuceman]

When I buy parts off Ebay I always try and get them from company's that have free shipping!! and a lot of them do, ps, one other thing to keep in mind is to buy genuine fender tele parts so most will fit your project! the cheap nockoffs are a hit and miss and
a head ake to boot!!!