Atomic Age (Atompunk) tele build - absolute novice

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VeryExciting

VeryExciting

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jstream said:
Funny, I just went to the grand opening of a new high-end boutique shop in town, and they had one from a local builder (forgot the name already) who's using boomerang Formica to great effect. I'll check on the name when I get another chance. Edit: the D Minus BoomerAnger... Aptly named. Attached pic is all I have ATM.
Click to expand...

That's fantastic! That gray Boomerang Formica is all they sell on the Formica website anymore.
 
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Madmike8

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Hmmm wonder if you can find some old radium gauge faceplates... Atomic and glows in the dark...
 
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raito

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VeryExciting said:
hey look at this Body with a speaker.

(link removed)
Click to expand...

Ah, yes, one of the old Synsonics bodies. The first electric guitar I owned (and still own) is one of the first models. 24" scale, very nice clean tone. Bought it for $30 from a guy who was moving out west and didn't want to take it.
 
jstream

jstream

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Must play it through this!
 

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VeryExciting

VeryExciting

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Hey everybody, long time no post. I was swept up with working on a movie and I've been pretty buried finding parts for a UAV Ground Control System (the trailers pilots sit in and pilot drones in Afghanistan from Los Vegas). most fun part is that I got to start working with Fender product Placement a little.

Anyway, this project is not dead, but I have scaled back. I am thinking more Guitar First, Art Second. If I can hit the atomic age look on the head with a working beautiful guitar I can worry about everything else later. Here are the questions I've had recently.

What is the right bridge to use an Ashtray cover on?

What sort of neck Humbucker (preferably of Fender manufacture) would go best on a 1950's styled Tele?

What are the best pots to work with a Neck humbucker and single bridge pick up arrangement?

If you were given the choice between the Jim Root Squier tele, the Fender Blacktop Tele HH, and the Fender Standard Tele which would you choose and why? (Aesthetically I lean towards the Jim Root, bang for buck I lean towards the blacktop)

More questions to come, and photos of progress, I have a ton of parts to paint and put together.
 
loopy reed

loopy reed

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VeryExciting said:
...I am thinking more Guitar First, Art Second. If I can hit the atomic age look on the head with a working beautiful guitar I can worry about everything else later. Here are the questions I've had recently.
Click to expand...

Good. You'll be happier with function more than form in the long run.

VeryExciting said:
What is the right bridge to use an Ashtray cover on?
Click to expand...

A vintage style bridge, either three or six saddle. Scripture calls for three saddle.

VeryExciting said:
What sort of neck Humbucker (preferably of Fender manufacture) would go best on a 1950's styled Tele?
Click to expand...

Fender didn't have a humbucker (the Wide Range) until the 70's (anyone correct me if I'm wrong), and their full size PAF style humbuckers are ok. Of course any PAF-type humbucker would fit the 50's theme and look appropriate. I'd rather have a brighter, more focused mini humbucker in the neck. That would look good too. They aren't humbuckers but Charlie Christians, the old Harmony/Kay "Speedbump" pickups, or even a Dearmond foil top pickup would look and sound great in the guitar.

VeryExciting said:
What are the best pots to work with a Neck humbucker and single bridge pick up arrangement?
Click to expand...

I prefer and recommend 500k's any time there is a humbucker involved.

VeryExciting said:
If you were given the choice between the Jim Root Squier tele, the Fender Blacktop Tele HH, and the Fender Standard Tele which would you choose and why? (Aesthetically I lean towards the Jim Root, bang for buck I lean towards the blacktop)

More questions to come, and photos of progress, I have a ton of parts to paint and put together.
Click to expand...

Standard Tele, not a big fan of double humbucker tele's. With the exception of the Deluxe. Just personal preference.

Get to work!
 
VeryExciting

VeryExciting

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loopy reed said:
A vintage style bridge, either three or six saddle. Scripture calls for three saddle.

Fender didn't have a humbucker (the Wide Range) until the 70's (anyone correct me if I'm wrong), and their full size PAF style humbuckers are ok. Of course any PAF-type humbucker would fit the 50's theme and look appropriate. I'd rather have a brighter, more focused mini humbucker in the neck. That would look good too. They aren't humbuckers but Charlie Christians, the old Harmony/Kay "Speedbump" pickups, or even a Dearmond foil top pickup would look and sound great in the guitar.

I prefer and recommend 500k's any time there is a humbucker involved.
Click to expand...

Ok, so If I'm wheeling out my shopping cart for Parts I'd grab one of these:

(link removed)

and then Maybe a...

(link removed)

Maybe these tuners

(link removed)

I thought Doing something different with the knobs would be fun like...

(link removed)

Then one of these

(link removed)

and 2 of these

(link removed)

and neocaster is helping me with Formica for the Pick Guard.

Then I just need the Surf Green

http://www.reranch.com/colors.htm
 
loopy reed

loopy reed

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VeryExciting said:
Ok, so If I'm wheeling out my shopping cart for Parts I'd grab one of these:

(link removed)

and then Maybe a...

(link removed)

Maybe these tuners

(link removed)

I thought Doing something different with the knobs would be fun like...

(link removed)

Then one of these

(link removed)

and 2 of these

(link removed)

and neocaster is helping me with Formica for the Pick Guard.

Then I just need the Surf Green

http://www.reranch.com/colors.htm
Click to expand...

That would make for a pretty classy lookin' Tele.
 
VeryExciting

VeryExciting

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I'm thinking, now looking at it, that the gold, while nice, isn't very atomic age. While nice, not fitting the build.
 
VeryExciting

VeryExciting

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VeryExciting

VeryExciting

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EricIndecisive

EricIndecisive

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Not sure what wood.. sanding down is the worst! Those other guitars looked more steam-punk to me.. when I think atom-punk I think all of the sci-fi type looks. Radioactive tubes / canisters. Antennas. Ray guns. Swooping, aerodynamic shapes. I think the coolest inspiration for this would be from cars & pictures of ray guns. Definitely like the surf green idea though ;)
 
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