Greetings from the north

[MrTortoise]

Hello folks.
I live far in the north in the middle of the Atlantic ocean and for years I have had a dream of making an electric guitar. Of course I have been in love of the Telecaster since I first saw it. There is something absolutely perfect how the oval outlines contrast the straight, geometric lines of the strings and the pickguard and control plate. A perfect fit, exellent balance. Not to mention the tone - it gets under your skin.

Two years ago, after years of classical guitarplaying, I purchased a Godin Freeway Classic, in fact an excellent instrument but now I´d like to add a Telecaster to my small collection and of course build it myself entirely. I´ve read Melvyn Hiscock´s great book on electrical guitar making thorougly and I look at the project as a long journey, where I need to take care in every step, because it is very important to focus on the work, every detail matters; "The devil is in the details". Since I am an artist I think it helps to approach the guitarmaking just like my paintings.

This forum is terrific (I´ve been browsing here for a month or so), professional guitarmakers are sharing their work and knowledge. Everybody seem to be very enthusiastic and friendly. No arrogance here, just humble respect.

So. I´ve started my work, I bought wood (alder) cut it down, laminated, thickness planed, made a jig of MDF from the famous drawing of Mr. T. Downs. I´ll cut the contours soon and hopefully I´ll finish the project within a year. The neck, though, is the most complicated part and I fear it a little. If I screw it up I can always buy one.

[ROADMAN]

hello Mr. Tortoise...welcome ..sounds like your on the way to Tele heaven...I'll bet you'll be using one of these on your build....

[fenderix]

Welcome to the TDPRI, MrTortoise! Yet another Telecaster fan - nice to have you among us.

Enjoy!

[DustyDave]

Welcome to the forum. Reading about all these builds here makes me want to try it too. Definitely a rich source of info for building, and playing, too.

[goz211]

Hello up there in Iceland from another 46 year old a bit south of you in Scotland. I'm interested in how you'll be playing your Tele once it's built.

Are you going to use a plectrum (a pick) or play with your fingers? I notice you've mentioned a classical background.

I switched to fingers only on my Tele a few months back.

[Blustele]

Late welcome!

[FrankJames]

Welcome to the forum !!