Paddys TL-1TH Build

Cavity will files away to the appropriate size very easily if you have a steady hand and a Dremel!

Here's an imgur album

http://imgur.com/a/5AYkN

Paddy, looks like you don't need to remove much of the cavity for the pups to fit. As Gav suggest if you have a dremel with a sanding tool (and a steady hand) that will be the easiest way, otherwise a rounded edge file or rasp. Keep checking the fit regularly so you don't remove too much of the cavity !

I've sanded quite a bit of it back at the moment, and they seem to fit a little better but it'll take a bit of work. Shouldn't be too great a hassle though.

From here, the mock build will continue, in these tentative steps:

1. Fit pickguard and pups
2. Fit neck
3. Fit bridge
4. Fit other assorted hardware (tuners, output jack, strap buttons)

How does that sound?

sounds good Paddy, don't go ahead and drill any holes until you are happy with the mock fit and read the 'how to build' section of aligning the neck before drilling the neck holes, you need the bridge screwed in place and low/high E strings fitted to align the neck

So I was being bloody impatient and I managed to snap the pickup out of its housing. It looks as though I've snapped it at the point where it's soldered, so it shouldn't be too difficult to fix. That'll teach me some patience.

Another slight issue I've found is that the pick guard does not fit snugly against the bottom of the neck. It actually seems like its a few mils too narrow. Wokkaboy have you noticed this with your TL-1TH build?

I have noticed with a couple of the pickguards that they are very snug - that said - better that way than the other - given no-one's going to see the bit around the neck, you can gently sand / file it to get a better fit.

In terms of snapping the pickup out of its housing, what do you mean?

Hi Paddy,
yes my pickguard was too narrow around the neck when I did an initial mock setup. Easily fixed with a round and straight file try and match the neck profile shape and widen it to suit. 5 min job. Again keep checking the width before filing too much off.
Unsure what you have done with the pickup, the pickup surrounds won't be required as they will be screwed to the pickguard, if you snapped the wire going into the pickup you will have to re-solder a join and make sure it's well insulated.

Hi Paddy

I also have a TL1TH kit and have noticed the same with the pickup route and the pickguard fit around the neck.

Gav, Brendan and Wokka's advice for these issues will definitely work (I have done similar on a previous build). Certainly they reflect my planned approach (when I get to my TL1TH build).

If you are using a Dremel and have not used them much/before, I would warn you to test your technique on some scrap wood. This helps you to get a feel of how they can run away of you aren't careful.

Cheers

Darren

Hey Darren,

I'll stay away from something like a Dremel as I'm not the best with power tools. I've been using a wood file at the moment and it seems to be doing the trick. The problem at the moment is more finding the time unfortunately. I've just ordered a T-Bird Wudtone Finish for the body, and an aged vintage finish for the neck and headstock. The headstock is just about ready to go. It needs more sanding but aside from that, hardware wise it's ready to be painted.

Next step is to continue with the mock build. I'm still wrapping my head around exactly what order everything will need to go in, so once I've got a more definite idea of what I'm doing I'll take plenty more photos.