TLA-1F (First Build)

[jsergeant]

My first build. Keen to get working on it, only ordering today though. Probably jumping the gun with this diary.

[jsergeant]

I was originally hoping for the quilted maple veneer (TLA-1Q) however they'd appear out of stock for a while and keen to get started so decided the Flame Maple (TLA-1F) was a very acceptable second choice.

I'm hoping to achieve something along the lines of this colour body on the front with fairly natural wood tones on back, neck and head stock.
http://bit.ly/2pXFZjB

I'll be getting the grover 406C tuners when they become available again. With respect to other hardware I'm not yet fully decided. I rarely use a neck pickup so was considering finding an engraved metal plate to cover the routing. Would probably prefer to go without a scratch plate, but will see how it looks once the body is done, then may install a bridge pickup afterall. Various other hardware may get upgraded but quite probably at a later date.

Hmm I guess that'll do for now, things may change when I get the kit. I'm completely inexperienced but from what I can tell, this is an amazingly helpful forum. Cheers.

[wokkaboy]

hey JSergeant, welcome to the forum and no that's not jumping the gun. The diary starts when you click on the sale of the kit !
What are your plans for finish and any hardware upgrades ?

Edit just saw your last post. Plans sound great. Ask any questions you have on this build diary and you will get some good advice.

Good luck with the build

[JohnH]

Look forward to watching your build!

[Drummerdude]

Me too and I really like the Ash bodies. What color scheme are you thinking about?

[wazkelly]

Hi JSeargent. Nice kit and love the proposed colour scheme.

Big tip.....DO NOT SAND THE FLAME MAPLE VENEERED TOP.....clear coats can be used to level things out and you will appreciate more grain definition too.

Too many folk have sanded through as the veneer is so thin. Best way to pop the grain like on the Gibbo LP is to apply a slightly darker shade of the stain, preferably water based, and wipe off as much as you can whilst wet and then leave to dry for 24 hours. Next day use a damp but not too wet cloth to wipe off as much of the stain as possible and leave to dry for again another 24 hours. Next step is to apply the lighter stain and probably best to go one or 2 shades lighter than what you are trying to achieve as you can always add a 2nd coat later to darken but not so easy to lighten things up if it ends up darker than what you intended.

Cheers, Waz

[jsergeant]

Thanks guys. Have been poking around the forum entirely too much the last few days. I'm already addicted and haven't even started my own yet. Will have to try and restrain myself from buying a second one before finishing the first. The Spalted LPs look amazing...

So while I'm waiting for my kit, I do have some questions.

1) I'm not massively familiar with the structure of the neck. Is it possible to shave a C-profile down to a D without effecting it's integrity?

2) Can the neck plate / tele control plate be engraved? Any suggestions where I can get it done or how to do myself?

3) Alternately, any suggestions where to purchase engraved hardware? (plates, bridge, knobs) Just looking for options on something a little different. Though I guess I should be wary of having too many elements clashing.

4) I'm a little concerned with the veneer. Have seen some builds where its been very thin and concerned I'll stand through too far. Any general advice here?

5) If I decide to go with different pickups, is it wiser to choose them asap to check fit or are all tele bridge pickups relatively similar? Considering a single coil sized humbucker (e.g. Seymour Duncan Little 59).

I guess that's probably enough for today. Thanks in advance

[jsergeant]

While writing that long post, Waz you already answered one of my questions and thanks for the staining advice. That was probably going to be in next round of questions haha. For the colour I'm hoping to achieve someone recommended to talk to dingobass. Haven't done so yet but will be soon. I'm surprised at the variety of staining methods people use including printer ink and the like.

[wazkelly]

Hi Sarge, neck can be sanded or shaved down a little bit without too many dramas. Personally I find the stock profiles just fine.

As for engraving hardware, not an easy DIY project and maybe Mister Minit might be the cheapest option however there are multitudes of aftermarket bits on eBay and other online stores too.

As for the veneer, read my previous post and maybe check out my 3rd build in signature below.

Finally, different pickups should be purchased sooner rather than later as invariably they will require the bridge cavity to be enlarged so that they fit.

Cheers, Waz

[Dedman]

1. you can do moderate reshaping of the neck.
2. Talk to your local trphy center or some key cutting places about engraving. Also gun shops if you want really fancy stuff.
3 RealParts had some engraved tele bits
4.h As Waz said don't sand the veneer. I haven't sanded any of mine, clear coats will grain fill and level it .
5 Best to test fit everything before any finishing, that way there is less chance of accidental damaging of your finish. Most aftermarket pickups and bridges will need some slight work to make them fit. Can be achieved with sandpaper on a dowel or a dremel tool or sanding drums.It's not much material to remove.

welcome to your new addiction ;D