TL-1A: "Danny", and a couple of issues...

[Bass Guy]

Whilst I summon the nerve to complete the wiring of the Crimson King :D I thought I would take advantage of Adam's Sunday Special offer, hence I am now the proud owner of a Alder Tele kit.

I have done a very basic hardware dummy build and already some issues present themselves.


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/62wex-image.jpg

The neck heel/pocket isn't as flush as it might be- plenty of wiggle room, and the back of the heel has a pronounced gap. Not too much of a problem as I could always fill it.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/en357-image.jpg

I am not convinced the face of the heel is flush with the body pocket. Is it worth planing/belt sanding the neck to get it flat? Will the screws fix it anyway? Yet to decide.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/z482s-image.jpg

I may replace the pickguard as the gap at the bridge plate is a little unfortunate. I am not able to move the bridge that much more forward, as the next pics will show why...

[Bass Guy]

This is a biggie.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/9i959-image.jpg

The bridge pickup cavity is unbelievably snug. Unless the bridge plate placement gives a spot-on scale length measurement, I will have to rout this out a bit more. It only just fits as it is.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/a1sf8-image.jpg

Teensy weensy fill spot. The least of our worries for now.

All these issues are surmountable, and in no way make this kit a dud. Imwill just have to proceed with caution. Maybe that wiring job isn't so hard after all... ;)

[Bass Guy]

All the above being said, there is some lovely grain going on here...
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/c7e73-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/isq9l-image.jpg

Oh, and why Danny? This is going to be my tribute to my favourite guitarist ever- Danny Gatton. Check him out if you've yet to do so. He's incredible.

This will be finished in Wudtone Honey.

[jarrod]

All my tla's have needed a touch of router work on the pick up recesses . It's not much and easy to do.

[lawry]

Into it, BG. I have no doubt this will come up beautifully. And what's not love about a Telel?

[Fretworn]

http://s4ede7b949a432.img.gostorego.com/809E82/cdn/media/s4/ed/e7/b9/49/a4/32/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/f/i/finger_frights_rubber_monster_finger_puppet_toy.jp g

Are you getting one of these for it?

[dingobass]

Hardly a challege BG.

With the neck heel, a touch up with a file will get that sitting hard up in the pocket.
Check that there arent any dags on the bottom of the neck pocket and if there are attack them with file to flatten.

[Scott J.]

Hi BG,

On the Bridge-pickguard gap - that's normal ... Tele's always have a surrounding "gap" between the bridge and the pick guard.

Its going to look great in the Honey colour ... and wonderful see a Tele dedicated to the late, and truly great "Telemaster", Mr Gatton.

[adam]

You missed my Birthday BG, but I will still accept a late gift.

[gazzman]

Hi Danny
I have similar issues with the bridge p/up and measured the scale length and if the bridge was left in the factory position the saddles would be near on full adjustment towards the pick up. So Im thinking routing may be the best solution as well as giving some gentle feedback to the factory to lift its game. Teles have a gap around the bridge and pickguard but not this big (see pics below)
Cheers
Gazzman
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/c2752-image-2.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/yo16s-image-3.jpg

[wokkaboy]

Hey Gazzman is that an ash or alder body tele ? Grain looks awesome !
nice colour stain too, what is it ?

[lawry]

@Fretty. What the hell are those things?

[Bass Guy]

@Fretty- haha, I think I might learn to play the tele first before going for the real Gatton cosmetics.

Thanks for the input guys! I will get cracking over the weekend.

I have decided on a slight modification already- check out this video with Bill Kirchen. He reversed the control plate so the 3way was at the back and the volume up front. Also, the story of the pine Tele is pretty special....

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w5Rfv0dQttM

[Fretworn]

Lawry, they are little rubber finger puppets. Danny Gatton used to put one over the volume control on his Tele so his finger wouldn't slip when he did volume swells.

[wokkaboy]

Hey BG,
I routed my bridge pup route lastnight so the bridge plate would sit closer to the pickguard and intonation will be more correct. You can see now the bridge plate can sit flush with the pickguard now.
If you want a hand routing the bridge pup route I can help, I had a template close enough to the shape.
I recommend getting this done before you start sanding as you may mark the top with the template.
I'm going with a humbucker neck pickup and not using the pickguard (see last pic)
BG are you still going to use the pickguard and lipstick neck pup ?
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/f0559-2014-04-03-21.12.35.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/4nzb2-2014-04-03-21.12.08.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/24214-2014-04-03-21.22.28.jpg

[gazzman]

Thanks wokkaboy
I'll put up a build diary with the info and pics
Cheers Gazzman

[lawry]

/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from Fretworn on April 4, 2014, 10:17
Lawry, they are little rubber finger puppets. Danny Gatton used to put one over the volume control on his Tele so his finger wouldn't slip when he did volume swells.
Rubber finger puppets as a musical prosthetic, huh? Well, I'll be hornswaggled. But I'm sure BG knows how to use the finger. ;-)

[Bass Guy]

Wokka, I may just take you up on your kind offer of routing assistance. Will be a chance to give you that lesson I've been promising too! ;)

I am keeping the pickguard and pickups as is, however. Only the wiring plate will change. Anyone know where I can purchase spare wire, and what do I ask for when I'm there??

In the meantime here's a photo of the shaped headstock- not Fender style, but I like it... :)


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/4t0r4-image.jpg

[dingobass]

BG, I can sling you the right wire...

[Bass Guy]

Thanks, DB- I'll let you know when I'm ready for it. 8-)

[dingobass]

Kewl... Might have to get you up here to get your input on the homage to the Ricci 4001 (code name Tina)

Had a mate here today who fell in love with her, but he is a drummer so........

[wokkaboy]

BG love the headstock shape ! very original and cool !
Let me know when you want to bring the body to the workshop and we'll route it out and a quick bass lesson would be awesome ! Flick me an email mate !

[gavinturner]

Headstock shape looks awesome BG!

cheers,
Gav.

[Bass Guy]

One coat of Dark Onyx base all over the neck, to be sanded back to pop the grain.

We'll see how this goes before trying the same on the body.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/068d5-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/8zk19-image.jpg

[Bass Guy]

Bah! Caution to the wind! :)
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/z6848-image.jpg

[wokkaboy]

looking good BG,
I wouldn't go too far on the finish if we're still going to route the bridge pocket, easy to scratch the top when we do that ! Can always put a bit of cardboard between the body and the template

[SIMpleONe89]

/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from Bass Guy on April 1, 2014, 17:11



The neck heel/pocket isn't as flush as it might be- plenty of wiggle room, and the back of the heel has a pronounced gap. Not too much of a problem as I could always fill it.

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/en357-image.jpg

I am not convinced the face of the heel is flush with the body pocket. Is it worth planing/belt sanding the neck to get it flat? Will the screws fix it anyway? Yet to decide.


Hey guys is the fingerboard meant to be much higher than the body? My piece is similar to bass guy's one, and there's a fair bit of clearance between the 22nd fret and the pickguard, compared to my Fender strat. Hopefully this doesn't affect string height.

[Bass Guy]

This is two coats of Honey Base over sanded back Dark Onyx. In hindsight I think the Dark Onyx was a mistake, but this is how we learn.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/nm44o-image.jpg

[Bass Guy]

The back with one coat of Honey Base over cutback Dark Onyx.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/es35t-image.jpg

At this stage I am considering doing the sides as Dark onyx with Gold highlights. We will see. I also realise that this is deviating from the Danny Gatton replica I initially had in mind, but that's the fun of these things...

[Bass Guy]

Mind you, I'm quite pleased with how the neck turned out....

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cl882-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/l3d6w-image.jpg

[Bass Guy]

Mind you, I'm quite pleased with how the neck turned out....

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/9tb1b-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1l75a-image.jpg

[stan]

Looks good BG, a bit of a recycled timber look

[wokkaboy]

honey looks good BG with a trace of dark onyx. Presume the honey is wudtone and not dingotone ?

[Bass Guy]

Yes this all,Wudtone. Can't wait to test the new stuff though...

Couple more pics for you all
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/777rw-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/3735p-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/8cu0h-image.jpg

[ihasmario]

I like it. Kind of has a feeling of old wood you found and decided to build a guitar out of. Like an authentic kind of rustic.

Relickers with their cheese graters can eat their hearts out.

[dingobass]

Nice work BG :)

[Bass Guy]

Testing the aesthetic. I think this is going to be lovely.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1cwf-image.jpg

[wokkaboy]

looking good BassGuy. The bits of dark onyx give it a real vintage look. You up to clear coats yet ?

[gavinturner]

Really love the look BG. Once the black pickguard goes on it really brings all the elements together. Beautiful. The clear coats are going to bring out the colours 10 fold!

cheers,
Gav.

[Fretworn]

Quote from Bass Guy on April 23, 2014, 18:13
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/p1cwf-image.jpg

Great job, but after seeing this picture I think it deserves to become an Esquire, with one pickup and the oddball wiring.

[Bass Guy]

Hahaha, I've yet to get my head around the Esquire wiring. I did at one stage toy with the idea of the Ultimate Tele, which would have wiring for both standard Telecaster, and with a flick of a switch could also have Esquire wiring (Esqwiring?). It nearly broke my brain trying to work it out- I am, after all, only a humble bass player.

One day, maybe...

[stan]

waiting to see this finished, very good looking axe

[Brendan]

A very talented humble bass player though...

[Bass Guy]

@Brendan- flattery will get you everywhere... ;)

These shots show the body with its last application of Honey. Awaiting the extra gloss coats once dry.


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/0bb4y-image.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/npeld-image.jpg

[wokkaboy]

looking good BG, look forward to seeing it after gloss coats
I agree with Brendan, BG you are the best bass player I know !

[Bass Guy]

Hardware test- big thanks to Wokka for allowing me into the hallowed halls of the 4D workshop to sully his tools.

Just a couple more coats of top coat and we are done.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/m866l-image.jpg

[Brendan]

OOohhh impressive! Looking great Eliot!

[WeirdBits]

Echoes of a '50 Broadcaster.

[gavinturner]

Loving it BG. Looks a hard rockin beasty!!

cheers,
Gav.

[Bass Guy]

Ready for the wire up.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/z6d6k-image.jpg

Not only a Danny vibe, but a hint of Mike Stern too....

[wokkaboy]

looks great BG, well done on the routing, you did well !

[bargeloobs]

[quote]/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from Bass Guy on May 4, 2014, 16:38
That's the perfect colour for a tele imho, I'm jelly.