Finally finished my custom Tele

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/280/40161256.jpg

Yup, the custom tele that I was putting together is finally finished! I have to say that I am extremely pleased with it, and to be honest it feels like a cure for electric guitar GAS as I can't imagine wanting anything else. I don't pick up any of my other guitars any more, it is so perfect for me - playing-wise (may yet tweak the pups though!).

The styling won't be to most peoples taste as it is very specifically Christian themed, but I like it and that's all that counts!

Spec:

Body:
Telecaster shape, Swamp ash.
Body routed for standard Tele bridge pickup plus large rout under scratchplate to accommodate 2 pickups (at a later date).
Wilkinson VS-100 trem.
Battery compartment on the back,
13 pin Midi connector next to standard jack plug.
Extra cutout on rear for switches/acoustiphonic/hexpander boards,
Rear ‘speed’ contour for upper fret access.
Rear ribcage contour.
Front aquaburst, black sides and grey burst on the back.

Neck:
Telecaster headstock.
24 3/4-inch scale length (like a Tom Anderson short T).
22 frets, stainless steel, vintage size.
Compound radius fretboard (vintage to 12” I think?).
Slim C neck profile.
Ebony fretboard, only inlay 'fish' at the 12th fret.
Black tusq nut.
Sperzel locking machine heads (25/64ths)

Pickups:
Dimarzio Chopper in the bridge with coil tap and a twang king at the neck.
Piezo saddles for acoustic sounds and midi as well.

The scratchplate is perspex so I can drop different images behind should I wish, although to be honest I'm happy enough as it is.

Excellent spray courtesy of Feline guitars - whom I wholeheartedly reccommend. Jonathan also did a lovely job on SIMS somewhat untidy fret ends. Full marks to Feline: A+, SIMS: must try harder ....

Here’s some more pix:

Back, showing grey burst, speed rout, ribcage contour and cool plateless neck fitting
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/1182/66575963.jpg

Controls layout
http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/473/79529565.jpg

Headstock: IXOYE is a Christian thing for those that don't know (it's the name of the fish symbol) and I did it in Gold, not that it shows on the pic! the 'I' having the bend of the Fender logo appealed to me
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/1949/23552468.jpg

Fish inlay
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/5537/65394352.jpg

Looks very tasty indeed. If I may say, the icthus at the 12th fret looks excellent, but on the scratchplate it's just too much.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by axisus

The styling won't be to most peoples taste as it is very specifically Christian themed, but I like it and that's all that counts!

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meh, i can ignore that enough to see a pretty nice guitar underneath a few christian decals

the finish is awesome

That looks like one fun guitar! Nice work :)

I'd preferred it with a white scratchplate but very nice overall. :)

That is beautiful...

It's the total opposite of anything I like but it looks like a great bit of work. Glad you're happy with it; there's nothing like the feeling of a new guitar when it takes over every spare minute begging to be picked up :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by daveyh

Looks very tasty indeed. If I may say, the icthus at the 12th fret looks excellent, but on the scratchplate it's just too much.

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+1

Personal preference, i would have gone for a lighter scratchplate (or none at all) and a neck humbucker that could be split. Seems like you have a lot of ground covered in that guitar. Nice Work!

Wow, I can even forgive the fish/christian theme because that thing is gorgeous! Good work.

It reminds me of an early Levinson Blade Telecaster, I think that's why I like it so much. Quality :D