TL-1TB

So, My TL-1TB is ready to be sent off, should have it in a couple days.

This kit is going to be a bit different from the standard set-up that is comes with.

I am not keen on the 'bigsby style' tremolo, so am going to go for either stop tail or string though, anyone have any thoughts on what might be more suited to a thinline ? I am undecided as to which route I want to take on this one.

The rest of the hardware has all arrived, I am going for all black bits and pieces, with a pair of EMG HZ's. On a black neck/back with a lime green (fluro almost) top, see-through enough for the grain to pop, I was thinking of applying a little black timber stain to the top cap before I paint it to bring the grain out a bit more, thoughts on this ?

Cheers.

What!!??? Send the Bigsby to me and I'll dispose of it Carbon-friendly for you! ;)

I'd be applying some black stain then cutting back, certainly! This will really highlight the grain. In terms of the bridge I have a Wilkinson standard bridge and I have a Bigsby on my second Tele. Here are three options including a tune-o-matic....
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...178n-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...db2c-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...igvk-image.jpg

So you won't mind if I steal the Bigsby before I ship the Tele to you then? :D

Have a look at the tele bridge made by Babicz... www.fullcontacthardware.com

Babicz was with Ned Steinberger in the early days and has come up with some killer hardware, worth checking it out.

Hmmmmmm, Black Magic Woman and Emerald Isles Wudtone finish would really suit the colour scheme you have in mind.. 8-)

Haha, yeah fellas, I know - sacrilege huh ? But I just honestly don't like the look of them on teles, and I doubt I would use it anyhow. I will be selling it on eBay (the tremolo) or maybe someone here might want to buy/trade it ?

I have a tune-o-matic I am using, just wondering really if the stop tail piece or string through would look better with it. I have seen that first image you posted before, I like the look!! but I cant seem to find one with a tune-o-matic and string though!

The Babicz stuff looks great!! cheers, had not heard of it before!

I will definitely use some black stain and a rub back first, as the grain is what I am after, this squier strat is one I done in the same colour recently, without any stain underneath,... although it looks great, I would like the grain to be more prominent on the tele.
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...g-DSCF0001.JPG

No reason why you can't have a string thru and just use the tune o matic bridge... Can't say as I have ever seen it done but there is a first for everything.

String ferrules are easy to get, good ole Stewmac.com is my favourite supplier of all things Lutherie

I would be keen to hear Gavins thoughts on this idea...

So, you want the grain to leap out and cause grievous bodily harm to your eyes... Wudtone is the answer!

I have used so many different products I have lost count, everything from French Polish through to Waxed finishes and nothing brings out the grain and figure of timber quite the way that Wudtone does.

And you won't loose any of that delicious tone! 8-)

Never seen it done in conjunction with a thinline. I guess it should be doable with the kits we have. I'd caution though that the drilling should be done at the right drill speed and using a drill press and appropriate drill bit (brad points). Otherwise you are likely to rip the top and back of the guitar to shreds! Use a depth stop or simply tape wrapped around the bit too when srilling to house the ferrules at the top and base of the guitar body. It is really important to get your ferrules lined up and hence further reason why you would use a drill press. Also make sure your drill press has a deep enough 'mouth' to accomodate the positioning of the ferrules otherwise you are back to a handheld drill....not good!

Some examples lifted off google....
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...bubl-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...82xg-image.jpg
http://pitbullguitars.com/wp-content...jl62-image.jpg

Yeah true, I had never seen it on a Tele before either! That's why I wanted to have a go at it, but I think the stop tail looks pretty good, I really don't have access to the right equipment to house the ferrules properly, and I would hate to make a mess of it! So stop tail it is I think!!

I did think seriously about getting my hands on some Wudtone for this job, but I already have all the paint/prep/stain I need!

Anyhow. I will keep the thread updated later in the week with my progress and any questions that may arise! Thanks guys, for the info/advice!!

So, Its been a while since I have had the time to do much work on the tele, But I just thought I might update the forum here with a couple pictures of my progress.

My personal style is somewhat DIY punk/ska - with a hard/heavy edge, so that's what I am going for here with the TL-1TB.

I am yet to lay down the burst effect I am going for on the body, I should be able to get to it tomorrow weather permitting!! but as you can see from the head stock I am going for a 'spatter/splatter'burst effect, this is for a couple reasons; one being I love the look, and you don't see it done alot. Mostly a burst is done with a soft fade in/out with the colours, I want a raw obviously spray painted look. And secondly I am ultimately pretty lazy, and this is the easiest/quickest way to spray a bust and get the effect I want. (in my opinion, or to my skill set rather)

So I started with a heavy black stain on the cap, just to bring the grain out a little more...

http://i.imgur.com/pFQ8Muz.jpg

Sanded it off some

http://i.imgur.com/ufm1kSH.jpg

and some more

http://i.imgur.com/O9tmsOm.jpg

Before I put down a thin coat of fluro green paint.

http://i.imgur.com/f9gbl0W.jpg

I have all black hardware for this build and a pair of EMG HZ's the throw in.

http://i.imgur.com/cfHYHOx.jpg

I am not using the bigsby style trem. I opted for a stop tail and TOM instead!! I am not sure if I should have drilled the holes out first - before paint - but a mate told me not to, just to tape the finish up when I drill.

Headstock face finished (still to be glossed + my decal added)

http://i.imgur.com/X8DNb97.jpg

Body before burst (cap finished/back + sides painted gloss black)

http://i.imgur.com/MsADQ8E.jpg

Anyhow, Thoughts anyone ?

Wow. That's green alright. Looking forward to seeing it bursted.

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Have a look at the tele bridge made by Babicz... www.fullcontacthardware.com

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+1 for full contact hardware. I put a tune-o-matic style one on my Gretch and it made a world of difference to the sound. Individual string height adjustments are brilliant too.