Worlds First Res-o-glass (plastic) Tele

[kingjack]

Ok so here it is the worlds first res-o-glass telecaster. I first started trying to build one of these about a year ago and after a lot of trial and error I finally finished the first prototype. My company is King Guitars based in North Carolina, and we plan on making these guitars available for purchase in about two months. We still have a few kinks to work out but we should be taking orders soon.

If your not familiar with res-o-glass guitars its basically fiberglass(or plastic). Guitar makers first started building them in the 60's and called them res-o-glass just to make it sound better. But a res-o-glass tele has never been built. And I dont know why because this thing sounds amazing. And I know this one is technically a "esquire" but we only went with the one pickup for the prototype.

Playing it unplugged it is really loud and resonant, but it has a darker more mellow tone than with wood. Once you plug it in you have the same resonance which gives it a real open sound. And it has a lot of spank and a real aggresive bite to it.

So I just wanted to see what everyones opinion was. Be honest, would you buy it?

And now here are some pics, the white body at the bottom was a blem body that I cut open the back so you could see the construction.

 

[paranoidsam]

Who would know...? A couple of days ago I took a chunk out of my Tele using my big toe... whilst I was a bit annoyed at this... it was nice to see that under all the paint, it was actually made of wood.

 

[Spaceboy]

I can't say for certain that I'd buy it, but it's interesting and definitely would take it for a test drive.

 

[elmicko]

Nope. Sorry, it may sound better than any tele ever made, but in my mind a guitar is supposed to be wood. FWIW I don't like polymer stock shotguns either. Some things are just supposed to be wood.

 

[RocknDrTom]

I'll be looking forward to hearing these, since I loved the national newports and valco guitars from yesteryear.

 

[Chet Johnson]

I would lobe to play one. Anything that improves resomance is worth checking out. Might not be for everyone, but someone out there will love it.

 

[joyster]

Sure looks lightweight...

 

[stinkey]

It's all depend on the sound. Maybe it's different in a good way, maybe in a bad way. And maybe it's impossible to hear any difference. I would not turn a guitar down because it wasn't made of wood. If it's priced right it could be a good business.

 

[BigDaddyLH]

I'd worry that it would shatter or splinter the way that fiberglass does.

 

[T_Theory]

Do you plan to make any with an F hole in it? I'm definitely interested, and will keep an eye on this thread.

 

[paranoidsam]

Do you plan to make any with an F hole in it? I'm definitely interested, and will keep an eye on this thread.

Have you come up with any more new words yet?

 

[ThreePlyGuy]

Look forward to more info on these, best of luck with your enterprise.

 

[kingjack]

Sure looks lightweight...

Yeah its definetly light, the neck is actually heavier than the body.

I'd worry that it would shatter or splinter the way that fiberglass does.

Thats something that i was worried about too when i first started building but its very durable, and even the old airlines and others held up well over the years. Ive seen 50 year old resoglass guitars with only a few stress cracks, and even wood guitars split and crack over the years.

Do you plan to make any with an F hole in it? I'm definitely interested, and will keep an eye on this thread.

I havent really planned on it, im personally not a fan of the f holes on tele guitars but who knows maybe one day ill make a few and see how it turns out.

 

[BigD]

Nice, a lot if guys don't mind a plastic covering(poly). A guitar made of resin is not that different. Tough, won't get scratched easily, takes a tumble.

Can't wait.

 

[tele salivas]

I think it's pretty cool. If I wanted another Esquire or tele, and it sounded good and provided good feedback properties at high volume, I would really consider it. I have all the wood Tele/Esquire I need, but I do not have a plastic one. Nice job, man.

 

[BrianNY]

Cool as hell

 

[Glen Smith]

What is the weight? Can it take Fender parts? Have you tested resistance to heat and cold? Is it easily repaired in case of a chip, crack, split, or general wear?
Have you considered facing Fender in court about the headstock shape?

PS: is it painted or is the resin colored?

 

[BassmanM]

Do you know the German company Basslab? Their instruments are made with no wood at all. Check out the "Theta" guitar.

http://www.basslab.de/

 

[T_Theory]

I'm not a fan of the F hole myself either, but have a friend that's interested in getting one. I actually like the black Esquire one in your photo. Why don't you send that to me and I'll give it a proper shakedown and write a glowing review.

 

[Stringbender11]

I'm not in the market for a guitar right now, but if I was yeah I'd buy one. I always thought the ones made in the 60's were cool, and it looks like you've done a great job on the Tele version.