Just ordered my first kit a few days ago, Thinline T ATL-1SB. I had planned to keep the body really simple with Tung Oil and a clear urethane varnish, depending on the grain of the body.
I had wanted to upgrade the pickups and was about to get the Tonerider Hot Classics with the kit but they sold out while I was dithering. After watching a few videos and reading a lot on this forum (which is so helpful - thank you everyone!) it seems there's are a lot of tools I could do with which I don't have. I have somewhat limited funds and was hoping if I could list the things I was thinking I need, maybe someone could let me know if there was something I had missed or something that actually I don't really need!
Tools
Long Steel Rule
Notched Straight edge
Axe & crowning file for the frets
Fret Eraser?
Is a fret rocker needed? If I go ahead and do the felt tip on fret trick in the guide it seems I might not need this?
Upgrades
I have found a Gotoh BS-TC1 that looks decent for the price £38 (not bought yet).
I did want to upgrade the pickups and read that if I am going to do this I should do before I start - any alternatives to the tone rider Hot Classics that seem to be out of stock everywhere? - I play Rock mainly but not full overdrive - esp like the clean gritty sound (when the turned up full) I ve heard with some Teles. Also if I am doing this do I also need to upgrade to a premium wiring kit for this to have much of an effect?
And finally, is there much difference in ferrules? I ve found Fender ones for £20 (inc P&P) on Amazon - does this sound ok?
This is a really great resource and so glad that I found it, I ve spent hours and hours reading threads and looking at the guitars of the month! Thanks everyone
Alex
Reply With Quote
