Tele-Caster Intepretation Build

C Squared · 10-21-2009, 07:25 PM

So I've been thinking about a tele for a while. Finally decided just to build one with my own eccentricities. Since I have moved and no longer have a workshop, this is going to be a budget build with real basic tools, a ton of sawdust in the kitchen, and on very irritated fiance'.

Here we have some wood. A coat of stain has been applied to pop the grain, a stencil of my interpretation of the telecaster, and some basic hardware that will be utilized.

Here is some other oddball information that make catch your fancy. It's technically a 4 pc body. Two pieces of poplar, and two top pieces of oak

My experimental body I made with poplar and maple and some light chambering on "Hellion" body proved to have a ton of bottom end and sustain. So I figured since I'm experimenting with the curves, why not try another oddball combination. The poplar and oak have been here hanging around for a while. You can see on the outlines where I added some tone chambers.

Here the body is routed, and rough cut. I gave it a slightly rounder bottom end ( as bottom ends should be). From here it will go to the pattern sander to even out her curves. But that will be tomorrow's project. For now, I've got a TON of sawdust to clean up before the lady gets home

Guitarsquirrel7 · 10-21-2009, 07:32 PM

I can tell already by the grain that it's gonna look great!
Any finish in mind?

C Squared · 10-21-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarsquirrel7

I can tell already by the grain that it's gonna look great!
Any finish in mind?

Something like a honeyburst is what I'm leaning towards. Think it'll look quite nice

Paragon · 10-21-2009, 08:18 PM

That will be nice. Are you going to just have the one switch LP style by the strap and two knobs on the cavity plate or are you thinking something more on the plate?

C Squared · 10-21-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paragon

That will be nice. Are you going to just have the one switch LP style by the strap and two knobs on the cavity plate or are you thinking something more on the plate?

Switch will def be Les Paul style, it's where it belongs

I got a blank control plate (guitar fetish) since I'm thinking two volumes and a master tone. I've also seen tele base plates on bay drilled for three pots which I may grab since the asymmetrical end looks sweet to me

C Squared · 10-21-2009, 08:35 PM

A few more pics

The body (on kitchen table) with the template I used for chambering, routing, etc

A better view of the template I used

C Squared · 10-23-2009, 10:26 AM

Sanded out the snipe and beveled the edges 1/4" instead of the traditional 1/8. Have a few more holes to drill but it's just about ready for some finishing.

Had really planned on going with a honeyburst-ish finish, but the blue or green are options as well. Feel free to shout out any recommendations.

Willy · 10-23-2009, 11:04 AM

C,

Love this concept type "Heinz 57" guitar (I'm working on one myself right now). Last year, I made a Tele out of a single piece of Red Oak, the guitar is HEAVY but does it ever sustain! It looks like you are definitely moving in the right direction!!! I look forward to your progress, If I get around to it, I'll post a pic of my Oak Tele.

Willy

C Squared · 10-23-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willy

C,

Love this concept type "Heinz 57" guitar (I'm working on one myself right now). Last year, I made a Tele out of a single piece of Red Oak, the guitar is HEAVY but does it ever sustain! It looks like you are definitely moving in the right direction!!! I look forward to your progress, If I get around to it, I'll post a pic of my Oak Tele.

Willy

Would love to see it!!!

I've heard different things about oak as a tone wood. Most kudos to go to its sustain, but a little lacking in bottom end. What's your take on tone for yours?

C Squared · 10-23-2009, 03:26 PM

Touch of honey. Pretty close to the shade I envisioned and wanted. It has a dark brown back and sides, now just have to work on blending the edges into "burst"

SG Lou · 10-24-2009, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Squared

Touch of honey. Pretty close to the shade I envisioned and wanted. It has a dark brown back and sides, now just have to work on blending the edges into "burst"

Looks pretty freakin AWESOME to me..............

I too plan on doing a Tele someday. I had a 52 RI and sold it...still regretting it to this day. Anyway I'm gonna shoot for a replica, right down to the router hump and the flattened area for the jack.

C Squared · 10-24-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SG Lou

Looks pretty freakin AWESOME to me..............

I too plan on doing a Tele someday. I had a 52 RI and sold it...still regretting it to this day. Anyway I'm gonna shoot for a replica, right down to the router hump and the flattened area for the jack.

Thanks man. Seller's remorse is something I can relate to. There is a few I wish I still had. I'm sure when you get to it, your build will be awesome

When I mentioned to a friend I was gonna do a "tele" style he emailed me a blueprint for the body. But since I was going to be experimenting with oak, I figured may as well experiment with the body lines a tad, plus after playing Les Pauls for so many years, if the damn pickup selector isn't up top I get pissed and get rid of the guitar.

All the compliments are most appreciated, though hard to take since so many here are so talented, I don't feel my efforts compare, but I really do love doing these, and really appreciate the kind words.

C Squared · 10-24-2009, 08:43 AM

So last night I mixed up some dark brown/black stain and rubbed it into the sides. It gives it an almost "burnt" appearance that I'm really diggin'. Still need to mix up some lighter brown for the "burst" edges.

GreaseBox · 10-25-2009, 09:48 AM

C Squared · 10-25-2009, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreaseBox

Thanks man

Guitarsquirrel7 · 10-25-2009, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Squared

So last night I mixed up some dark brown/black stain and rubbed it into the sides. It gives it an almost "burnt" appearance that I'm really diggin'. Still need to mix up some lighter brown for the "burst" edges.

What makes these build threads so awesome is seeing the people do personal touches like that.

It makes it unique.

Lookin' great!

C Squared · 10-25-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarsquirrel7

What makes these build threads so awesome is seeing the people do personal touches like that.

It makes it unique.

Lookin' great!

Thank you, and I agree completely. Everyone's builds, even the "replicas" seem to incorporate a touch of their own personalities, which is so damn sweet. I really appreciate all the talent and ideas here.

I'm at a stand still right now since I have two necks available for use. One is along the lines of a traditional "Fender" neck, the other more of a "Metal" neck, which has an awesome profile and a flatter radius which I prefer, but not sure how out of place it would look. The mounting difference between the two is about an 1/8", so I'm not drilling the bridge just yet. Plus after getting the "burnt honey" look going, I really feel like the bridge I have with steel saddles just is gonna throw off the whole vibe, and that I really should use a bridge with brass saddles...

So here it is hanging out with his bro, waiting for the next steps....

C Squared · 10-28-2009, 06:32 PM

So initially I was thinking the reverse headstock and sharkfins totally killed the vibe on this, but it has since grown on me

GreaseBox · 10-28-2009, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Squared

So initially I was thinking the reverse headstock and sharkfins totally killed the vibe on this, but it has since grown on me

The Packers blanket totally killed the vibe for ME!

Had to say it Bro! Just joking.

C Squared · 10-28-2009, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreaseBox

The Packers blanket totally killed the vibe for ME!

Had to say it Bro! Just joking.

I actually threw that on the couch just for you

GreaseBox · 10-28-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Squared

I actually threw that on the couch just for you

Sorry, off topic, are you going to build a v?

C Squared · 10-28-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreaseBox

Sorry, off topic, are you going to build a v?

I'm building it on paper and in my mind at the moment. Going to decide on a neck tomorrow for the tele, get the rest of the holes drilled for mounting bridge and neck, and shoot some clear lacquer on it over the weekend. While it's curing I'm gonna start another tele build, more traditional lines, but with a TOM, humbuckers, and a custom pickguard (like the blue one in the other thread)

But since Jackie keeps reminding me that I DON'T have a V, I've been sketching a few out trying to put my own stamp on it...

GreaseBox · 10-28-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Squared

I'm building it on paper and in my mind at the moment. Going to decide on a neck tomorrow for the tele, get the rest of the holes drilled for mounting bridge and neck, and shoot some clear lacquer on it over the weekend. While it's curing I'm gonna start another tele build, more traditional lines, but with a TOM, humbuckers, and a custom pickguard (like the blue one in the other thread)

But since Jackie keeps reminding me that I DON'T have a V, I've been sketching a few out trying to put my own stamp on it...

I love / respect how you really put your stamp on your builds / ideas!

C Squared · 10-28-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreaseBox

I love / respect how you really put your stamp on your builds / ideas!

Thanks man, that compliment is most appreciated. I'm very new at this whole woodworking thing, and practicing very slowly and enjoying the hell out of it (except when the guitar leaps to its death

) There is a TON a tremendous talent here and I'm NOT in the same league as most of the craftsman and luthiers here, so whenever another soul enjoys my ideas, it really is a very inspiring feeling.

Rock On my friend

Guitarsquirrel7 · 10-28-2009, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C Squared

So initially I was thinking the reverse headstock and sharkfins totally killed the vibe on this, but it has since grown on me

It does kinda kill the tele vibe, but it gives it a whole other one!
I actually think it looks great

And I have a question for you that I have been wondering lately. Why can't a tele-caster have a set neck? Does it have to do with the fact that the body doesn't have the space for a tenon?

C Squared · 10-28-2009, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarsquirrel7

It does kinda kill the tele vibe, but it gives it a whole other one!
I actually think it looks great

Thanks man. It does kill the whole vintage tele thing, but it looks like a beast with the reverse and inlays

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guitarsquirrel7

And I have a question for you that I have been wondering lately. Why can't a tele-caster have a set neck? Does it have to do with the fact that the body doesn't have the space for a tenon?

In the hands of a good luthier, I'm sure it could. I'm pretty sure I've seen set neck and neck through "tele" style guitars over the years

C Squared · 10-29-2009, 03:03 PM

Gonna go with the "metal" neck after all. With the rail pups and reflectors I'm feeling it

Time to set the drill press up in the kitchen and finish getting all the mounting holes set. Once that's done I'll shape the heel of the body a little more then take it all apart for some sanding and some clear. I'll try and get some pics up of the heel once its done.

Now the question is what to do with the "vintage" neck...

shtdaprdtr · 10-31-2009, 08:12 PM

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

C Squared · 11-01-2009, 12:58 PM

OK, update after some progress and some set backs

Got the rest of the holes drilled, neck mounted (came out super tight fit

) which was great

What wasn't so great was finding out my drill press is a about a hair too small to get at all the holes I Needed to drill for the ferrules and string through for the bridge. A slight challenge as I've been spoiled by the drill press, but I managed.

The biggest rookie mistake (or simple fever induced dumbassness

) was not to recheck my center line (with neck mounted) before mounting the bridge. Consequently when I first strung it up it was off enough to have the high E string right at the edge of the fingerboard.

Plugged the holes last night. Sanded everything nice and flat this morning, centered bridge properly to the neck (duh) and got it strung up now.

Need to get a chrome locknut (since the only one I had in the bin was gold). Anyway, time to disassemble everything and get some clear squirted on it. The only thing I'm not sure if I'm going to do first is wire it up and plug it in to check it out before giving it the clear. Football day today with the Packers hosting the Vikings, so not sure how much more time I'm going to invest in this today

Guitarsquirrel7 · 11-01-2009, 04:08 PM

Looking Good!

Are you going to put anything on the headstock?

10-21-2009, 07:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
C Squared Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Waterbury, CT Posts: 1,561 Thanks: 75 Thanked 86 Times in 21 Posts	Tele-Caster Intepretation Build So I've been thinking about a tele for a while. Finally decided just to build one with my own eccentricities. Since I have moved and no longer have a workshop, this is going to be a budget build with real basic tools, a ton of sawdust in the kitchen, and on very irritated fiance'. Here we have some wood. A coat of stain has been applied to pop the grain, a stencil of my interpretation of the telecaster, and some basic hardware that will be utilized. Here is some other oddball information that make catch your fancy. It's technically a 4 pc body. Two pieces of poplar, and two top pieces of oak My experimental body I made with poplar and maple and some light chambering on "Hellion" body proved to have a ton of bottom end and sustain. So I figured since I'm experimenting with the curves, why not try another oddball combination. The poplar and oak have been here hanging around for a while. You can see on the outlines where I added some tone chambers. Here the body is routed, and rough cut. I gave it a slightly rounder bottom end ( as bottom ends should be). From here it will go to the pattern sander to even out her curves. But that will be tomorrow's project. For now, I've got a TON of sawdust to clean up before the lady gets home

10-21-2009, 07:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
Guitarsquirrel7 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,426 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build I can tell already by the grain that it's gonna look great! Any finish in mind? __________________

10-21-2009, 08:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
Paragon Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 801 Thanks: 3 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build That will be nice. Are you going to just have the one switch LP style by the strap and two knobs on the cavity plate or are you thinking something more on the plate? __________________ Memphis "The Paul" • Mightymites Partscaster • Lace Sensor Gold Vox AD60VTX • VC12 Vox VT30 • Crybaby Classic Danelectro Nifty Fifty 4Sale?

10-21-2009, 08:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
C Squared Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Waterbury, CT Posts: 1,561 Thanks: 75 Thanked 86 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build A few more pics The body (on kitchen table) with the template I used for chambering, routing, etc A better view of the template I used

10-23-2009, 10:26 AM	#7 (permalink)
C Squared Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Waterbury, CT Posts: 1,561 Thanks: 75 Thanked 86 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build Sanded out the snipe and beveled the edges 1/4" instead of the traditional 1/8. Have a few more holes to drill but it's just about ready for some finishing. Had really planned on going with a honeyburst-ish finish, but the blue or green are options as well. Feel free to shout out any recommendations.

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10-23-2009, 11:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
Willy Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 196 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build C, Love this concept type "Heinz 57" guitar (I'm working on one myself right now). Last year, I made a Tele out of a single piece of Red Oak, the guitar is HEAVY but does it ever sustain! It looks like you are definitely moving in the right direction!!! I look forward to your progress, If I get around to it, I'll post a pic of my Oak Tele. Willy

10-23-2009, 03:26 PM	#10 (permalink)
C Squared Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Waterbury, CT Posts: 1,561 Thanks: 75 Thanked 86 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build Touch of honey. Pretty close to the shade I envisioned and wanted. It has a dark brown back and sides, now just have to work on blending the edges into "burst"

10-24-2009, 08:43 AM	#13 (permalink)
C Squared Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Waterbury, CT Posts: 1,561 Thanks: 75 Thanked 86 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build So last night I mixed up some dark brown/black stain and rubbed it into the sides. It gives it an almost "burnt" appearance that I'm really diggin'. Still need to mix up some lighter brown for the "burst" edges.

10-25-2009, 09:48 AM	#14 (permalink)
GreaseBox V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Home of the COLTS Posts: 2,557 Thanks: 19 Thanked 25 Times in 8 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build __________________ "...I've eaten the sun so my tongue has burned of the taste..."

10-28-2009, 06:32 PM	#18 (permalink)
C Squared Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Waterbury, CT Posts: 1,561 Thanks: 75 Thanked 86 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build So initially I was thinking the reverse headstock and sharkfins totally killed the vibe on this, but it has since grown on me

10-29-2009, 03:03 PM	#27 (permalink)
C Squared Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Waterbury, CT Posts: 1,561 Thanks: 75 Thanked 86 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build Gonna go with the "metal" neck after all. With the rail pups and reflectors I'm feeling it Time to set the drill press up in the kitchen and finish getting all the mounting holes set. Once that's done I'll shape the heel of the body a little more then take it all apart for some sanding and some clear. I'll try and get some pics up of the heel once its done. Now the question is what to do with the "vintage" neck...

10-31-2009, 08:12 PM	#28 (permalink)
shtdaprdtr Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: new york Posts: 1,211 Thanks: 0 Thanked 9 Times in 5 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build HAPPY HALLOWEEN

11-01-2009, 12:58 PM	#29 (permalink)
C Squared Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Waterbury, CT Posts: 1,561 Thanks: 75 Thanked 86 Times in 21 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build OK, update after some progress and some set backs Got the rest of the holes drilled, neck mounted (came out super tight fit ) which was great What wasn't so great was finding out my drill press is a about a hair too small to get at all the holes I Needed to drill for the ferrules and string through for the bridge. A slight challenge as I've been spoiled by the drill press, but I managed. The biggest rookie mistake (or simple fever induced dumbassness ) was not to recheck my center line (with neck mounted) before mounting the bridge. Consequently when I first strung it up it was off enough to have the high E string right at the edge of the fingerboard. Plugged the holes last night. Sanded everything nice and flat this morning, centered bridge properly to the neck (duh) and got it strung up now. Need to get a chrome locknut (since the only one I had in the bin was gold). Anyway, time to disassemble everything and get some clear squirted on it. The only thing I'm not sure if I'm going to do first is wire it up and plug it in to check it out before giving it the clear. Football day today with the Packers hosting the Vikings, so not sure how much more time I'm going to invest in this today

11-01-2009, 04:08 PM	#30 (permalink)
Guitarsquirrel7 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,426 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Tele-Caster Intepretation Build Looking Good! Are you going to put anything on the headstock? __________________

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