new project! check it out! =]

hey T- forum!

I finally got the funds to start a new build, as some of you guys may know, i have an old Fender telecaster, with a vintage blonde body. its not the best looking color for me. So i decided to go on a different approach. Many people do not like this idea, but this is what i am planning. Check it out:

I just bought an ash body, i wanted something lightweight. its a 2 piece? from ebay. cost was 57.50 total. with stringthru,neck,and bridge drilled for me. all i need to do is sand and finish!
heres a link to the ebay auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150369331821&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT


neat huh? i love the way it looks.
anyways, i came by a few pictures.

here is what im planning on doing.

-using my old fender neck, and placing it on the ash body.
-upgrade all internals: 4 way switching, copper shielding, blah blah.
-upgrading to higher output bridge + using my ex fender neck pickup.
-buying a wilkinson bridge, and making it short*** see picture.
-no pickguard.

i came by this picture.
it will look pretty identical.


i just love the way it looks!

ive seen many people make the 3 saddle telecaster bridge short?
i may go with this approach. i like it alot.
please give me some insight and feedback! thanks!
im 17 and i love to just work on projects. so some help may be needed?

also does anyone know how i should apply shellac? i want a natural finish.
just like the one in that picture!

 

i definitely couldn't leave it in the condition it comes in from the mail.
you would have to sand it down then finish it. It would be too rough on your arms and not even be playable.
and to get that finish, i believe im going to have to use shellac or maybe ill do a wipe on stain finish then top it off with a clear coat.

 

no need to wry about that! i saw it coming, and emailed Barry, the seller of the ash body. it was listed only as an option, so on the ash body coming in the mail, it will not have that special truss rod cut out. just a normal ash body! and i decided i wont have the bridge pickup showing like that. ill show you what i intend to do ;]

 

yes, actually both pictures ive posted came from him. i really like his idea and looks on a telecaster. no means to be a poser. it just seems like me and him would rather like the natural finish and feel rather then most telecasters which are painted... this is just where i am getting my "idea" from.

last night i planned ahead.
I will be doing a 4 way switch wiring kit, that i got from guitarpartsresource and ill be ordering my "keystone" pups set. and using those on this telecaster. its gonna sound amazing! i wish i got more help tho =/

 

oh ive seen the idea before jay1970! the whole look of this next project is not to have a bunch of screws and shine. I just want to keep it simple, i love your idea, but im definitely saving it for my next build. I bought a vintage fender bridge, with brass saddles. ill show you, i got it off of ebay for 16.00 bucks!http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260469534473&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
i believe thats a steal!

my only problem is that the only finish i really want is a natural finish, no tint of brown or gold or anything in it. just a clear finish. Im having a hard time finding out if tung oil or tru-oil has a tint to it.

I want it exactly to be like the picture above^^^ with a little gloss, and a satin like feel.
I wont be using any grain filler either.

If anyones got feedback please tell me so.

Does anyone know if tru-oil or tung oil by formby's is clear?

 

oh i believe you man! i picked it up somewhere, and thats where i got my new scheme from. simple but beautiful piece of wood no doubt! reminds me of the spruce top on my taylor acoustic almost with a varnish finish.

 

Ah thank you!
After all the research and talk with a specialist at Lowes, i got a good deal with Formby's satin/low gloss tung oil. I would of bought tru oil or danish, but i didn't see any. Anyways, the telecaster body comes in this week or early next week, im really excited! I'll post every step on this thread!
thanks for the help man, i really appreciate it!

 

I surely will! =]! thanks Jay!

 

UPDATE!!!!:

Hey guys its gia again. So my ash body is still on its way to my door. I recently ordered the following items so you guys expect whats coming out of the build:

-Mighty mite rosewood fingerboard neck.
-GFS gotoh style tuners + tortoise button.



neat huh?

so far i spent around:

52 -body.
90 -neck.
15 -tung oil + tools
20 - fender 3 saddle bridge.
38 -tuners,jack,string guide. shipped from gfs.

so it comes to be around 215. not too bad! =]


btw does anyone know how to drill neck holes in the neck?
im kinda scared of doing this! =/

 

UPDATE =]

So my ash body came in today! its amazing, only sad thing is the bridge mount holes dont line up to the ones that were drilled already on the body. i filled those holes up with dowel and glued/sanded it down. now all i need to do is drill the mount holes and everythings nifty!

I sanded the body with 330 grit sand paper, and its as smooth as a babys butt!

My seymour duncan hot rails came in too! they look amazing as well hopefully they give me that clean gain sound i want!

Anyways here are a few pics:





TUNERS they are sexy!



I am only waiting on my 500k pots and switch + new control plate.
+ neck which comes in tomorrow! =] so excited.

I'll let you guys know more when i progress! thank you for ur input!:mrgreen

 

btw no neck pickup right now simply because i am broke now =/. so until then ill be saving up! and maybe even more another project ;]!