Custom TL-1A

Here is my custom order Tele.
I spec'd and ordered this last year for delivery in March.
I am very happy with what showed up.
The body is amazing, neck fit very precise and the fret board has great figuring.
It has been in my workshop since to acclimate the wood.

NECK
7 String Maple Neck - bolt on
27″ Scale length
C profile,
Rosewood fret board
24 medium jumbo frets
MOP offset dot inlays
Reverse paddle head stock – No pre-drilled holes
Bone Nut

BODY
TL style guitar - alder body
Rear control cavity and layout as per IB-1F model

Attachment 43021

I have big plans for this.

Headstock

Attachment 43022
The headstock is reverse cut and curved. This matches a Strat style i build a few years ago.

The only thing i didn't like was the nut. It has been distpatched and a Black Tusq nut is ready to go.
Attachment 43023

Plans for the body.....
Shorten the traditional Tele by about 10mm and narrow it by about 15mm.
Reshape the lower horn and do a load of carving and contouring.

Template first
Attachment 43024

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Body cut and carving done. Lots of sanding over the next few weeks to get it ready for painting.

Refining the horn and upper curve. Comfort carve to heel and neck pockets area
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Rear cavity adjustment and control area
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This is fantastic! Can't wait to see it ifinished

Nice work John!

Trying something new this time. Dupli-color Metalcast.

I have learnt i would never want to paint a whole car with this stuff. It is incredibly wet to spray compared to regular paints. So small light passes and build it up slowly. Which is difficult, but that's what trying something new is all about.

Base coat first which is a silver-ish metallic look. Then orange. This color really didn't like the end grain. Last is a grey for the burst.

It works a bit like nitro.

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Looks good enough to eat! Like caramel or toffee!