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:
Comments
Now just put it back together and be amazed:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v349/Lixarto/DSCN1871.jpg
I wanted to be all flash and do it candy green but I just don't think it will feel right on me.
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.
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.....
(Original knobs back on now - the Jazz ones didn't suit it)