FIN - MIM Tele

Deadman

Yesterday I got my hands on a MIM Tele from @Travisthedog that I believe @Che was the original owner of. It's a 2007 model and is (was) nicely worn in with a few small chips. I think it was Che who modded it with a set of frankly some of the best pickups ever created; Bare Knuckle Flat 50's. I'd promised myself ages ago to get a beat up Tele and grace it with some nice paint. Although not completely beat up, begrudgingly I put it down this afternoon having enjoyed a night and day of playing the hell out of it and thoroughly enjoying the noise this beauty makes.

I haven't completely decided what I'm doing yet but the following pics show the guitar firstly in it's from the factory guise at 3pm today. At 4pm I used a hot air gun to remove the poly (sorry ICBM). Although super-thick this went in my favour and it came off extremely easily (I was finished by 4.25).

A very quick flat down with some 400 wet and dry and around 6 good coats of cellulose sander sealer and that's where I've finished for the day. Some of will know that initial sealing in this manner is very easy and good quality sander sealer is a joy to work with. And obviously it's old school which is always nice. Where I'll go from here is anyone's guess but I've considered candy green, candy tangerine, daphne blue, surf green, dakota red, seafoam metallic, LPB and even sunburst. It's a big list, I know!....

Regarding the sunburst, I expected as this was black that Fender wouldn't have bothered with a maple veneer as I presumed this was reserved for actual sunburst-destined guitars. I was surprised to see underneath, it was like opening presents on Christmas day! So although this is no less than a 6 piece body (alder, but possibly basswood), it actually would take a burst IF I decide I fancy it. 

I also have plans for the anaemic looking neck and that decal. Time for a beer. Here's the pics for anyone who's interested:

Lixarto

Lovely.

Now just put it back together and be amazed:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v349/Lixarto/DSCN1871.jpg

Deadman

I do like a blonde. But obviously it's a bit of an ugly duckling for that. I considered getting a replacement body but I'm a big believer in making the best of what you already have. Nice Tele though!

Lixarto

Deadman said: Nice Tele though!

Thanks!

Deadman

Can't decide what to do here. One third of me is thinking a creamy vintage white, the other surf green, the other tobacco burst.
I wanted to be all flash and do it candy green but I just don't think it will feel right on me.

DrBob

Lake Placid Blue ! Sparkly AND classy

Gagaryn

Sherwood green! 

Deadman

All great choices and ones I've thought long and hard about gents. However, I had some surf green anyway and thought what the hell as I was going round in circles in my mind. 

So this afternoon this is how it looks after I've re-sanding sealed, basecoated and lacquered the body then flatted back the neck (was forced to remove the MIM decal and serial no.) and applied a tinted sanding sealer to the neck. I've ordered a vintage cream guard and spaghetti logo so hope it will all go together when I re-assemble (hopefully next weekend). Excuse the arm/hand selfie!

DrBob

Hmm, well I suppose Surf Green doesn't look toooooo bad ! ;-)

benmurray85

love it!!!

Ché

Ha, this is mint. Well done bro, you've given it a new lease of life for sure. Surprised at how good it looked natural.

Deadman

Cheers lads. And I couldn't either Che. Good choice of pickups though mate, they're amazing.
I'll update the thread when I lacquer the neck. I'm thinking matt 2 pack for a silky feel at the moment but might still go gloss for a classic look.

paulnb57

What are the 3 holes on the lower bout for? Never seen such a thing! Nice ax! Paul

Deadman

paulnb57;300374" said:

What are the 3 holes on the lower bout for? Never seen such a thing!

Nice ax!

Paul

I believe they're for CNC guidance Paul, although there is some speculation that they're for identification purposes. Some have 1, some have the 3.

Deadman

Well, I'm officially back to square one on this. My sander sealer did not bond and the result was poor adhesion. I've stripped the lot off! Lucky I enjoy hard work.

Lixarto

You're clearly meant to leave it that way

Deadman

Lixarto;320123" said:

You're clearly meant to leave it that way

Ha! Like I said, what a month or so ago? I would Lixarto, if it wasn't an ugly duckling.
I'm now toying with the idea of a very thin coat of nitro. Maybe a two tone tobacco burst. And a shellaced neck. Maybe.....

juansolo

The grain looked nice enough for oils. I'd go that way.

mrn1989

Lixarto said:

Lovely.

Now just put it back together and be amazed:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v349/Lixarto/DSCN1871.jpg

Love the B&Q bridge screws, thats my style lol

Deadman

juansolo;320431" said:

The grain looked nice enough for oils. I'd go that way.

Only problem is it's a maple veneer over a five piece body or I would. I'm just gonna thin skin it with nitro of some colour/description.

Lixarto

mrn1989 said:

Lixarto said:

Lovely.

Now just put it back together and be amazed:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v349/Lixarto/DSCN1871.jpg

Love the B&Q bridge screws, thats my style lol

Yes - it ain't pretty, it's a Telecaster!

(Original knobs back on now - the Jazz ones didn't suit it)