Tele build countdown...

[neverwas]

Headstock holes are 10mm.
The SD91s come with 8.8mm bushes, adapter bushes like these for 10mm should be what you are after.

https://www.allparts.com/collections...apter-bushings
Grant

[fender3x]

Thanks, Grant! Just what I was hoping!

[neverwas]

Just came back to me. Before you order the adapter bushings, please check the pre-drilled tuner holes are evenly spaced so the tuners can sit together properly. I used SD91-HAP (height adjustable post) on a JMA build and wasn't so lucky.

Had to plug and redrill.

If you want a natural headstock face, you may have to veneer it.


Hopefully you won't need to.

Grant

[fender3x]

Too late! I already ordered them... Now we will just need to see if they fit or if I have to do something creative. Keeping fingers crossed. Will post whichever way it goes.

[fender3x]

...and you were right! The vintage keys don't fit even with the new bushings. So...the ones I have will probably go back on the market. Meanwhile I have ordered a set of Gotoh SG381 to replace them. As an old friend used to say "Too soon old, too late smart" ;-)

[fender3x]

I got a bridge with raised sides. I *think* it's a Sung-Il BT-006. Raised sides "ashtray" style. Six individual saddles, but barrel type.

I also realized that the four way switch is probably incompatible with the pickups I ordered. The neck pickup will have a metal cover that is connected to the ground, which would need to be disconnected to properly wire the series setting. My understanding is that not doing so would make the pickup noisy. Also, it kind of appeals to me to keep things simple.

Also, I have been thinking of other ways to over-complicate things. Like...How do those of you who've built them feel about PB Telecaster necks? My strat neck is what Warmoth calls "standard thin" Strat...which tapers from about 20 mm at the 1st fret to 22 at the 12th fret.

https://warmoth.com/guitar-neck-profiles

The Tele neck I got from PB corresponds roughly to what Warmoth call a "fatback"...closer to an even 25 mm at 1st and 12th.

I just ordered a shinto rasp to carve the body contours...and got to thinking about the neck...should I try to get the profile close to the Standard Thin Strat? Or should I keep the fat neck?

[Trevor Davies]

My PB tele necks are about 0.86 inch (2.2 cm) from the 1st to 12th fret. NOTE - I do not have calipers to measure accurately.

I have not considered changing the profile before! If you really like the Thin style then give it a go. I like the idea of trying a non-symmetrical neck.

[fender3x]

My PB tele necks are about 0.86 inch (2.2 cm) from the 1st to 12th fret. NOTE - I do not have calipers to measure accurately.

I have not considered changing the profile before! If you really like the Thin style then give it a go. I like the idea of trying a non-symmetrical neck.

I have a feeling that if I carve it, it may be asymmetrical whether I intend it or not. About the closest I'll ever get to SRV ;-)

I'd probably try to get it a little thinner, although .86 thinner than what I thought mine was. Will measure again. I may also go to Sam Ash and play a few necks to see what I like. The PB neck is thicker but also a bit narrower at the nut than my Warmoth...I have read that may make a difference in how it feels. It's funny how little attention I paid to such things until I started building.

[WeirdBits]

Use at own risk: thinning a PBG neck.

(for what it’s worth, that neck is still straight and playing nicely)

[Trevor Davies]

Use at own risk: thinning a PBG neck.

(for what it’s worth, that neck is still straight and playing nicely)

So, it is possible to thin a PB neck. Good to know.
I think you did a great job WeirdBits. I like the method you used!