Advice needed: Tele body

[Pantone 333]

Forgive me if this has been covered before. I'm thinking of putting togehter a parts-caster and am looking to get a great Tele body. What's the difference between 1-piece light swamp ash vs 2-piece or 3-piece? It's quite a price hike for 1-piece I see. As well, if I am looking for something light, what would be the desired weight for the body alone? Ideally, I'd want the finished Tele guitar to weigh no more than 7 lbs.

[jamester]

I just put together a Warmoth Tele partscaster myself. I think most people would agree that there's basically no sonic difference between a one or two-piece body; more an asthetic, so if you're finishing clear or translucent you'd want a one or nicely matched two-pieced for good looking grain qualities.

I'm a stickler for weight also - don't go over four pounds for the body and you'll be fine. Mine was 4.4, and the finished guitar is 7.5 pounds.

[gkoelling]

jamester is correct, no sonic difference. Leo used plenty of three piece bodies that sounded great and people today pay huge sums of money for.

Yes, keep it under 4 pounds. The three piece body on my black guard was 3 pounds, 10 ounces and it's a very comfartable guitar. I built one for a friend using a 4 pound body and it, too, was a real nice weight when finished.

[K-Line]

Generally the rule of thumb for me is 3lbs 2ozs added to body weight. Fat neck add a couple Ozs. Do not get caught up in the 1-2-3-4-5 piece hype. Three is the most I would go just do to finish seams. If the wood is good, the body will resonate. Call Tommy at USACG for an awesome body.

[Boris Bubbanov]

Originally Posted by K-Line

Call Tommy at USACG for an awesome body.

1 and even 2 piece bodies can have nice resale value if they're from a sought after source like USACG.

To me, as a finisher and assembler, I like a handsome 1 piece body because of the design freedom it grants me. No, that's not right. The one piece body usually demands of me I take great pain to do everything in my power to make its beauty evident. With a three piecer, I can tone it over to the point only trained eyes know how many pieces there are. I suppose finishing a 1 piecer in a toned or clear finish is simply much more rewarding, aesthetically.

In terms of sonic benefits, I see only anecdotes. No real evidence of an advantage at all.

[Pantone 333]

Thanks all, this has been very helpful.

[tibobibo]

On my latest tele build, i got a 3.5 lbs body that came out to just over 6.5 lbs which is a great weight. It's a two-piece body and it sounds great.

[Pantone 333]

Besides USACG, what other places would you suggest to get the body from? I heard a lot of great things about Brian Poe. Money is not an issue as I am looking for ultimate top quality.

[cherrick]

If you're looking for ultimate top quality you want USACG

[K-Line]

Originally Posted by cherrick

If you're looking for ultimate top quality you want USACG

I know of only one other but I am biased. Tommy has treated me very well and everything I have gotten from him was top notch.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Pantone 333

Besides USACG, what other places would you suggest to get the body from? I heard a lot of great things about Brian Poe. Money is not an issue as I am looking for ultimate top quality.

Contact Mike at Switchback Guitarworks. Excellent wood, service and prices........