Intro to the GTL build.....my first build

First build. Have scoured the interwebs for all the things that I think I need for the build. The idea is to get a tele out of this. Mostly, I’m getting parts from pit bull but other specialist parts from wherever I can.

So, this week the GTL American ash body and a 21 fret maple/rosewood neck arrived. 21 fret because it is closer to the original tele spec (although the neck profile is modern).

Looks to fit together pretty ok, so far. See photo.

Will be doing a fairly simple paint job...no fancy stains or stuff. Just a blue solid body colour. Keeping things simplish for my first build.

The neck is going to be finished with dingo bass bloodwood neck finish and finishing oil.

I have managed to get obsidian wire electronics for a 4 way switch and solder less wiring. Haven’t got pickups or pick guard yet but found a nice engraved cover plate for the switch gear, which is in the photo.

Hoping to get a gotoh engraved bridge for telecaster to match the electronics cover and maybe the tone rider TRT2 pickups but open to better suggestions. Also thinking about staggered height, locking tuners to do away with the need for sting trees...not even rollers, I hope.

So...week 1 and sanding looks before me.

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...maybe the tone rider TRT2 pickups but open to better suggestions. Also thinking about staggered height, locking tuners to do away with the need for sting trees...not even rollers, I hope.

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Welcome Eponymous. A tele kit is a great first.

As for pickups, there is an overwhelming number of choice nowadays, but you can't go wrong with Toneriders for sure. They punch well above their weight dollar for dollar. I have a set of TRT2 (Hot Classics) and they sound great. Very genuine.

Staggered tuners are good, however an incorrectly or poorly cut nut, won't necessarily eliminate above nut resonance (which is commonly why string trees are installed).

I don't know what your level of skill is as this is your first build, but cutting nuts takes practise and of course nut files. That said, replacing the stock plastic nut with a bone or GraphTech nut (or even synthetic bone) is a good simple upgrade.

Below is the headstock of my last ST build with standard tuners, bone nut (cut by me) and it does not require a string tree, even on the B & E strings. (note: this is a non-PBG build)

Attachment 38889