Damn you FB Marketplace!
I've been wanting to do something for a while now, and yesterday my impulse buying took over...
This Squier Affinity Tele popped up and fit my budget as well as aligning with my intentions.
I have all the parts I need (all which I have accumulated over several years and multiple builds) with exception to a string-though bridge which I ordered today. Pickups will be a set of Fender Gen 4 Noiseless. (love the Gen 4's)
I'll change all the electronics as well.
I plan to refinish the neck with my own satin poly. It has a factory "satin urethane" finish but I hate the way it feels.
I'm undecided on the body finish at this time. I want to contour it and modify the neck join, but I think I'll just do the string-through first and play it that way for a while. Surprisingly the slightly thinner body is already an advantage with the upper fret access.
It's only 3 months old and as new but for a small chip in the finish near the neck pocket. A part from slightly high action, it plays quite well already. Neck pickup is horribly muddy though.
So this will scratch an itch without diving into a full build.