First DIY Tele Kit complete (sort of)

FriskyDingo

Well it's finally done! With some help from you guys and some learning curves I've completed my first kit. I know it isn't snazzy or unique, but the neck is the smoothest thing I have in my collection.
I still want to upgrade the hardware (tuners, nut, bridge, pups) but it's set-up ready to play. I m ay sell my Fender Tele usa to help pay for the upgrades.
Mistakes were made and lessons learnt, but I'm proud. Thanks again

FriskyDingo

https://m.imgur.com/a/zE0iUTQ
Shows building progress 

Roland

That’s really pretty. Which kit did you use?

FriskyDingo

Gear4music Knoxville . I wanted a cheap option in case of serious mistakes, but there’s was nothing horrendous or that couldn’t be fixed

Roland

How much is routed out under the scratch plate. Is it just the neck pickup cavity, and possibly a wiring channel down to the control cavity?

FriskyDingo

Pretty much. If you click the link to the full album it shows the body beforehand. It is heavier than a fender tele and its an ash body

paulnb57

Thats really nice! Careful though, it gets addictive!

BillyK57

Looks great. Thinking of doing one myself. What stain / finish did you use for the neck & body ?

FriskyDingo

paulnb57 said:

Thats really nice! Careful though, it gets addictive!

I already have my next two projects planned. It’s too late for me!

BillyK57 said:

Looks great. Thinking of doing one myself. What stain / finish did you use for the neck & body ?

Crimson water bass stain. Navy blue and black for the body and a diluted amber for the neck. Both had tung oil and wax applied after which made it deep and richer

FriskyDingo

 the other pictures were dark. This shows it in a better light

dirty_p90

Well done

FriskyDingo

dirty_p90 said:

Well done

Cheers. Still want to replace the hardware. Trying to think what bridge to get I want six saddles but may have to drill through the body

BillyK57

Just ordered the same kit, so the thanks for the help - let’s hope it works out as good as yours. Another stupid question: What type of wax ? Any brand advice ?

FriskyDingo

Liberon black bison wax (natural colour) but I think most wood waxes will be good. Just watch out which oil you use if you're using any and leave time between oiling and waxing. I made that mistake but recovered 

Sesh

Really impressed with the finish on the body. Well done.

stephen.wood125

I think that looks superb, lovely job on the finish!

FriskyDingo

stephen.wood125 said:

I think that looks superb, lovely job on the finish!

Cheers man. I used wez's technique for oil and wax. There are some blemishes but the neck finish is so nice I'm keeping this and selling my Fender usa tele to fund some improved hardware 

BillyK57

Thanks again for the advice. @WezV can you direct me towards your thread that covers the ‘oil & wax’ finish. For newly ordered guitar kit - not my bikini line. Thx.

WezV

Sure

http://thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/235/oil-finishes-little-tutorial-for-my-wet-sanded-oil-finish-technique


The thing to remember here is that experimentation pays off and oil finishes rarely feel worse for a bit of back and forth between the stages.  It’s what makes them good for this kind of thing.  Most oils can just be wiped on and feel fine like that.   This is about taking it to another level

FriskyDingo

From experience leave time in between oil coats. And only wax after you're sure you have finished oiling.
Also Danish or tru oil if you want quicker drying times. Tung oil is great but slow drying 

BillyK57

Again, thanks for the advice @WezV and apologies @FriskyDingo for highjacking your thread, however your kit build looks excellent and I’d like to get close to that with my first attempt at one.