Modified Tele Project

[Michael Baresi]

Hi All
Just wanted to share my latest project. Comments and tips ($ ) are always welcome.

Working from the mimf tele plans (ty) I have made a few changes.

Spanish Cedar 3 piece body.
Hard tail string thru bridge.
2 Humbuckers
1 vol 1 tone and a 3 way switch.
Arm bevel and belly contour
Binding on top and roundover back
I usually prefer a transparent finish but this time I'll be painting it.
Heres a few pics so far

The bridge is not attached yet and its waiting for the final sanding and binding.
Im waiting on the pickups in the mail so I haven't routed for them yet.

I prefer this type of output plate

I decided to route the control cavity from the back for a cleaner look on top

[Brian Wilson]

nice project Michael. amazing how those arm and belly cuts make a Tele feel really comfy!

[Michael Baresi]

Yes and since I will probably be playing this one myself, I might as well be comfortable.

[Michael Baresi]

I mounted the neck, bridge and string ferrules today.
The neck pocket is very tight. I can lift the guitar with no screws in the neck.
I aligned it with my laser level and drilled the first neckplate hole.
I then attached the neck with one screw made sure it is in alignment with my laser and drilled the second hole. Then I mounted the neck and checked alignment for the bridge, again with the laser.
(The fretboard is still covered with masking tape)
I drilled the string thru holes etc etc. Everything lined up perfect.
Binding is my next task and then routing for the pickups. (when they arrive in the mail)

Aligning the bridge with the laser level

[Michael Baresi]

I routed for binding using my poor mans binding jig. (See my post under tools)
All went well and I installed the binding using acetone.
I still need to do some sanding. (does it ever end?)
ETA on the pickup delivery is tues 19th.

[Dan Warren]

Sure looks good so far. That's a good trick with the laser level. I've had one of those for years, and I never thought to use it for neck alignment.

[Michael Baresi]

Thanks Dan.
I had the same epiphany recently when I saw a guy on youtube do it.
I've had my level for years too and never thought about it till now.

[Michael Baresi]

Finished the binding cleanup.
I sprayed a coat of lacquer as a sealer.
This was the first time I've used acetone to glue the binding on. I'm sold. It was so much easier than glue.

[Jedi Clampett]

I just wonder if the controls are comfortable for you? I do tremolo and volume swells and the placement of the controls looks awkward from a playing point of view, not telling you this, but asking if they are comfortable for the way you play?

[Michael Baresi]

Hi Jedi
I placed the controls there because it allows me to use the volume with my little finger as i play.
I find them very accessible and comfortable.
thanks

[Michael Baresi]

I finally finished this tele.
It plays and sounds great.
I need to upgrade the tuners when I have some more cash.

Telefront.jpg [attachment=2]Telefront.jpg

[Mark Langner]

OOOH! Good color! And a nice looking guitar.

[Michael Baresi]

thanks Mark
I was a little hesitant about using yellow but Im happy with the way it turned out.