Hi thar!
I don't own a Tele. I'm considering building one from some high quality components ((roasted?)maple neck + ebony fboard, bone nut, candy red body with double-binding, Gotoh bridge with compensated saddles, Kluson tuners, Mojotone '52 clone Alnico 3 PUPs, puretone jack, fancy boutique wiring, etc).
Thing is, I can attach a neck to a body, etc, but I'd need a guitar tech/luthier to do the electrics / proper first-time setup / etc. So I wouldn't be able to play the guitar before it's built. So I really don't know if it's going to work!
If I bought one pre-built (say a 50s Vintera), the overall components would be of lower quality, but I'd be able to try it and I'd know it would work.
I've built a partscaster from a MIJ Squier strat, but then I had it/played it when it was in original state (before I started changing parts, replacing neck, etc).
Anyway. Advice greatly appreciated. If it helps I have a very good luthier near-ish (Feline in S London).
Thanks all,
C
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https://imgur.com/Y4MPPIo
ive just done a red Strat. Lovely guitar but best part of £1000 in the end. Sheesh sounds even worse as I write it
My gut instinct is that, unless you are hell bent on the self-assembly approach, put your money towards something that you can resell if a Telecaster turns out not to suit you. e.g. Pre-owned Fender USA Standard or Performer series.
You almost certainly won't with a partscaster.
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Metallic paint finishes and binding rarely come cheaply.
When taking the partscaster route you are it risk of assembling something that is dead and lifeless.
You can find all this out with a pre-made fender or 20
If you want an instrument that is made to your specification and it's not something that is commercially available without a very expensive custom build then speak to your local tech, supply them with the parts and have them assemble it. You can do some of the prep work (preparing and painting the body, sorting the finish on the neck and so on) before hand, and they can then assemble it and set it up.