Putting together a tele

I've been wanting to add a telecaster to my collection for a while now, and recently decided to do a parts "build" like I did with my strat since I love that guitar.

So far I've picked up an American Standard body in "blizzard pearl", and a Glendale Am. Std. "Blackguard" bridge w/ brass saddles. I've also ordered most of the hardware and electronics, with the exception of the tuners and pickups.

I'm going to go with a neck similar to my strat, a USACG maple/maple neck with 9.5" radius, 1 11/16" nut width, and their "The '54" back contour. It's a soft V that softens to a C around the 12th fret, and tapers from .850" thick to .900" around the same point. I went birdseye with the strat neck though, and I'll probably just go plain maple this time. I'm not sure what tuners to use yet, though. I want something locking but with a somewhat vintage look. As for pickups, I'm leaning heavily towards the DiMarzio Area Ts.

Anyways, on to the good stuff, here's what I've got so far. I've got a white guard on it here, but I really think I'll wind up going with a black one instead.

 

I've got all of the non-pickup-related wiring done and mounted more hardware. The only parts I don't have now are the tuners, neck, and pickups. You might notice I decided to go with an LP-style jack plate instead of the typical tele cup. I *really* dislike the cup and decided I just didn't want it on this guitar, and personally think the plate looks nice.

 

I'm really leaning towards the Gotoh vintage locking units. I like the classic looks, but I'm forever ruined to non-locking tuners by the Sperzels on my strat. They just make string changes a breeze.

 

I agree, I actually like it more than I expected. The black Warmoth guard I ordered will be in Tuesday, so I can do a real comparison then. I was going to sell whichever I didn't prefer, but I think I'll wind up keeping it in case I have a change of heart down the road

 

Quick update, things are coming right along. The black Warmoth guard came in and I must say I like it better than the white. The pickups came in today and I got them installed, I'm really liking the way they sound. I'm using the neck from my strat for now, I ordered the tele neck last week from USACG. They told me they are turning orders out in about two weeks or less right now, so I should have it soon.

I decided to go with a one-piece rosewood neck with MOP inlays, and judging by how it sounds with the maple neck right now I fully expect to be very pleased with the final product. I'll be picking the tuners up at the post office tomorrow, I went with the Gotoh Vintage Locking tuners.

 

Agreed. I had originally planned on using a Callaham bridge but someone recommended I look at Glendale, and it wasn't long before I changed my mind. Mainly because I prefer the thinner plate. I love the saddles, too.