Which Tele?

I’m going to buy a Tele solid body but unsure which one. Either the TL-1 or the TLA-1.
Has anybody got any experience with either. Any feedback would be appreciated.

I built a TLA, finished in dingotone natural clear. It’s a solid unit, the ash finishes well but has a tendency to splinter and tear out when drilling or routing.
if you want a flat finish you’ll need to grain fill. The ash in mine had some nice grain feature that ended quite prominent as the finish sunk into it.

Ash is also a fair bit heavier than basswood if that is a consideration. I've built 2 basswood tele's and they are a lot of fun and very straightforward. Sometimes the bridge cavity needs slight enlargement, in which case the basswood is far easier to work if you have limited access to tools.

Thank you both for your feedback, it was really helpful. Gonna order mine today.

I have built a Basswood and Alder Tele and both are quite light but reckon Alder is the lightest. It can have an interesting reddish colour and grain but on mine there was too much variation with light and darker strips of timber used and it ended up looking like this.....
Attachment 30473

Have done a J Bass in Ash, and yes it is a much heavier wood with stunning grain that does tend to shrink back any grain filler which I left as a feature on mine. You can check it out in my signature.

Cheers, Waz

That might be the nicest looking Tele I've ever seen.

Wazkelly, that is definitely an awesome looking Tele, you did well.
I actually ordered the basswood yesterday so I’ll see how she goes.
Thanks for your feedback.


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Basswood is a good place to start with. Just remember not to oversand if you are planning a stained finish as it polishes up way to easy. Suggest stop sanding after 180. I usually go nuts with 80 to knock down machine marks then as smooth as possible with 120 before deciding next step. Maybe light 180 and the apply 1st coat of stain.
Multiple top coats help to smooth things out plus all the wet sanding sessions akong the way.
Cheers, Waz

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Thanks Waz, I’m going to paint it like a very light blue, almost vintage like. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...94737a1f86.jpg


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Then finish with this. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...2f6cc50407.jpg


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Never done a solid spray job.
Sonic Mountain has and in a similar colour too.
Best to wait for his advice as i recall others having issues with Rustoleum.

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The general consensus is steer clear of Rustoleum. I few people have had successes with it, but it can have issues with curing properly. And it can react with the rubber on guitar stands. I can’t remember what rattle cans get better results though.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fretworn

I can’t remember what rattle cans get better results though.

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I've used Belton Molotow with good results.
Auto touch up cans from AutoBarn did my JM-1 quite well.
SuperCheap Auto (SCA) clear gloss is probably the best I've used thus far.
I can only guess that the colour cans work just as well.

I would steer clear of Rustoleum as Fretworn says.

cheers, Mark.

I used SCA clear on both The Count and the Tuff Dog and they stick to the stand with the Tuff Dog being the worst offender

This is great feedback, thanks guys.


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Bit late to the party.. I’ve had some success with Rustoleum but it can be problematic as others have mentioned. It takes a really long time to cure and can react with the foam on guitar stands. For a rattle can spray job you are probably best to use an automotive acrylic lacquer- super cheap has a huge range of dupli colour paints, which are compatible with thier primer/surfaces and clear coats (SCA brand). They are probably the best option for a solid colour finish.

Thanks Sonic


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Wow Pit Bull are fast, my guitar was delivered or attempted delivery today. I only ordered it Friday morning.
I will pick it up next week when I get back from Bali. Time for another cold Bintang then. I will now consider what my logo will be on my head stock.


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