TLA-1F (First Build)

That's not a bad idea, makes it a little less obtrusive. I was thinking I would just keep it blank but putting something there does get me thinking. I was also considering the option of instead engraving some sort of logo on the neck plate.

So while I was dropping someone off at the airport this morning... Excited. On first inspection, no major dints or anything. Haven't wiped down to test for glue spots yet but I suspect there are a couple and unfortunately some on the veneer. Will do the damp cloth thing later today and try to get a better idea. I'll also do a mock up at the same time.

Noice, verrrry noice!

nice looking kit Searg

Hey Sarge, that kit looks pretty clean and free from glue spots. Good score.

Cheers, Waz

Alright a bit of an update. Did a mock build and damp cloth test for glue. Everything looking pretty good, no major glue on the veneer that I could find. Decided to do some body contouring for a belly cutout (forgot to take a pic, will add tomorrow). And have shaped the headstock but will probably do a little more fine work on it. Both body and neck/head still require more sanding but there's no major tooling marks which I was also happy with.

Something I didn't notice when I first received it, the four piece body is at a massive angle. Very disappointing as it will be very noticeable.

Also the veneer seems to be off center somewhat, maybe angled slightly too.

As I've mentioned in a previous post, I've never actually played a Telecaster. Is it normal for the neck to sit so high?

I don't have a picture but I have a long dent on the fret board (may have done it myself, though was being very careful), how much sanding if any should be done on the fret board?

Well first of all sorry to see the back pieces glued up like that but at least thy are on the back. The factory doesn't take time to match any pieces they just use every thing they can and glue it. But at this price you can't complain. 2 of my kits had similar issues. As for the veneer unfortunately that is another issue you see with almost every veneered top. As long as the glue between the join line stays hidden you won't notice it too much when finished my quilted tele had the same issue.
Now to the fret board you can sand it but depending how deep it is it may be difficult to get out completely. Make sure to mask off the frets before sanding or you will discolor the maple board and it will look bad. And try to sand with the grain which is tedious but will give better results.. but the top looks good and nice contouring on the head stock.