Limba Contoured Telecaster

azureglo

TDPRI Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2020
Posts
64
Location
United Kingdom
Having introduced my self properly,

Here's my first DIY project. I have thread running on an Offset and a Strat elsewhere but this will follow the same general idea so here’s my wish list:

*I play jazz/soul/funk & sessions, rarely use overdrive or distortion so A2 pickups suit me

*I’m into natural wood as I’m learning as an apprentice to a master cabinet builder, so natural finish with black plastics like the 70’s versions I grew up with. As an experienced car sprayer, that will be my method of finishing guided by my mentor

*I use Squier CV necks as they suit my small violin players hands perfectly. I also like the aesthetics of a Strat head stock compared to the Tele

*Have a Vintera Deluxe whose rear contour makes it so much more user friendly, why not a forearm contour as well?

*Light weight matters a lot to me, my main studio guitar is a modded Squier CV Thinline that weighs 6lbs

So first off a super light 1.6kg/3.5lb, two piece white Limba body. This came with a rear contour from the CNC so I just need to add the forearm contour that suits me.
52249295688_1eb01efd0b_b.jpg

52249295443_96833c0012_b.jpg

52249295198_1a0947a862_b.jpg


Becoming a fan of these lovely low output A2 pickups that have a muted treble response, they sound like very Cornell Dupree when run through my Polytone.
52250089102_c1bd17d250_b.jpg


The low profile bridge is a simpler, cheaper version of the Gotoh In-Tune item on my CV Thinline: No ugly logo or "authentic" rough finish after pickup opening and I might upgrade to the swivelling brass saddles that allow for slightly better intonation but not by much.
52251061681_d30e7c1828_b.jpg

52249699478_314934f826_b.jpg


Neck is this lovely Squire VM 60's Strat piece, this has the same profile as my 24 year old American Standard Strat & Tele, as well as the same high gloss finish. Will be getting a Strat cut pickguard to cover up the neck pocket gap. Nice bonus is that is apparently a real rosewood board not the Indian Laurel used on current CV 60s models.
52249331968_3716147365_b.jpg


Finish will be cellulose sanding sealer followed by water poly as shown here: a first test showed that grain only darkens slightly unlike ash or alder. I will do some tests to tint the poly coats to a Gibson 50s "Korina" shade or something more Oak like. That said my woodworking mentor pointed out I should accept it for what is and simply seal and protect it...being clear coated in water poly means I can easily add a coloured tint later, so that may the first step, after all, it is a musical instrument not a house ornament, form follows function etc.

A quick mock-up, looks jolly nice to me.
52249567014_7b2408d893_b.jpg


Cheers,

A.
 
Last edited:

azureglo

TDPRI Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2020
Posts
64
Location
United Kingdom
Forgot, front contour added and now finally being assembled. Body was intriguing to try and clearcoat as it the white Limba simply soaks up all and any clearcoat. Gave it a coat of automotive two pack and called it a day: lots of grain visible but I may revisit it and perhaps create a mirror gloss using more two pack or leave it as an an "open pore" finish

52650445471_dd78a3a88e_b.jpg


Note fully contoured Tele Deluxe awaiting its turn.
 

Freeman Keller

Doctor of Teleocity
Joined
Aug 22, 2018
Posts
10,774
Age
78
Location
Washington
I was going to say that I believe limba to be a very porous wood but it looks like you've found that out. I would sure consider pore filling with a product you are comfortable with. Otherwise that should be a nice guitar.
 

crazydave911

Doctor of Teleocity
Joined
Feb 23, 2010
Posts
14,435
Age
63
Location
East Tennessee
I wanted limba for my dream Esquire but basswood fit my purse 🙄. I too love the Strat headstock on a Tele. And if it were me I'd do a vintage Strat pickup in the neck (have never cared for Tele neck pickups, but love the bridge pickup). My neck has a rosewood board too ( I did the board and neck. Love carving 😁).
Make it your way and enjoy!

Love A2s myself 😃
 

azureglo

TDPRI Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2020
Posts
64
Location
United Kingdom
More progress: Buffed the body and starting to like the hard gloss (auto 2 pack clear) and the open grain. Had a few non guitar visitors who admired it, "natural" was how it was described by one,

52661629564_2a9d4fe53e_b.jpg


A little bit of adjustment to get the vintage ferrules in: I've seen baboon grade mallet work that chips the finish and cracks the wood frequently. Patience and paste wax are your friends,

52661629374_2b74701d2e_b.jpg

52661628719_f51a491678_b.jpg


Hardware neatly laid out, have moved over to a reversed plate with a 3 way toggle for the majority of my studio/live work,

52661343411_05dc39b7c8_b.jpg


52661786420_e18e2604e8_b.jpg


Wired up, tested and ready for a neck! The sanding sealer and auto 2 pack clear is definitely attractive to my eyes. If the urge to get a glass like gloss finish takes me, I might try the coating in Cyanoacrylate method or perhaps the less toxic Z-Poxy which should fill the open grain and build easily. One thing that impresses me is how light the body is, I can pick up the loaded body with thumb and forefinger...

52661341871_174269da46_b.jpg
 
Top