Ian's TLA-1 Build

[TC1600]

Yeah I'll stop at 4, the tin says 2 coats is sufficient, and it's supposed to be a satin finish anyway, which is what I was after. I'll have a close look and decide for sure then if I'm happy with it, but so far that's the plan.

[wokkaboy]

good stuff Ian, how did you apply the floorseal oil, rag or brush ? Does it self level ?
I'm sure you have added another product to DB's list of entry to the naughty room products !

[TC1600]

I pretty much used the same technique DB used in his dingotone demonstration videos, just a small cloth folded up and dipped in, it gave a nice thin coat that seemed to level well, I just made sure there were no drips or ridges anywhere after each coat.

Truth be told I'm surprised no one has tried this stuff out before, maybe it's a new product, or maybe it's the fact I'm a first time builder, I don't have any preconceived ideas of what I "should" be using.

[wokkaboy]

good one Ian, sure its been out there for a while, just no one has looked into what's in it and not recognised it as a possible clear coat

[stan]

you're getting good result Ian, am following this one

[TC1600]

It's been a nice warm week here, the finish is curing nicely, I will probably start fitting up the neck and bridge on Monday (got to love a public holiday!), but couldn't resist a sneak peek

[TC1600]

With a quiet long weekend, I managed to get it finished over a couple of days.

Aligning the bridge


Drilling string-thru holes


Fitting ferrules...


...and they are almost straight!


Shielding cavities with copper tape

[TC1600]

And the result!


The good- plays great, nice and light, good tone and level of output

The bad- the nut seems too far away from the first fret, so open strings are quite flat in relation to fretted notes. I imagine I will need to either offset the nut or file the slot closer to the bridge. There is still a bit of hum even with the cavities shielded, but its the same on my strat, so is probably a normal level for single coils. I slipped with the screwdriver when fitting the string trees and put a tiny dent in the headstock

Overall pretty happy with it as a first attempt, I have learned a lot that I can apply to my next build, that's for sure

[gavinturner]

Looks great Ian - that is some lovely grain! A great job. You must be very pleased with the outcome. A sweet, sweet Tele you have there!

cheers,
Gav.

[bargeloobs]

You gotta be happy with that result, she looks unreal mate. Bit odd about that nut position, might be a good opportunity to throw the plastic one away if you're making alterations.