TL-1A: "Danny", and a couple of issues...

[Bass Guy]

Whilst I summon the nerve to complete the wiring of the Crimson King I thought I would take advantage of Adam's Sunday Special offer, hence I am now the proud owner of a Alder Tele kit.

I have done a very basic hardware dummy build and already some issues present themselves.




The neck heel/pocket isn't as flush as it might be- plenty of wiggle room, and the back of the heel has a pronounced gap. Not too much of a problem as I could always fill it.



I am not convinced the face of the heel is flush with the body pocket. Is it worth planing/belt sanding the neck to get it flat? Will the screws fix it anyway? Yet to decide.



I may replace the pickguard as the gap at the bridge plate is a little unfortunate. I am not able to move the bridge that much more forward, as the next pics will show why...

[Bass Guy]

This is a biggie.


The bridge pickup cavity is unbelievably snug. Unless the bridge plate placement gives a spot-on scale length measurement, I will have to rout this out a bit more. It only just fits as it is.



Teensy weensy fill spot. The least of our worries for now.

All these issues are surmountable, and in no way make this kit a dud. Imwill just have to proceed with caution. Maybe that wiring job isn't so hard after all...

[Bass Guy]

All the above being said, there is some lovely grain going on here...



Oh, and why Danny? This is going to be my tribute to my favourite guitarist ever- Danny Gatton. Check him out if you've yet to do so. He's incredible.

This will be finished in Wudtone Honey.

[jarrod]

All my tla's have needed a touch of router work on the pick up recesses . It's not much and easy to do.

[lawry]

Into it, BG. I have no doubt this will come up beautifully. And what's not love about a Telel?

[Fretworn]

Are you getting one of these for it?

[dingobass]

Hardly a challege BG.

With the neck heel, a touch up with a file will get that sitting hard up in the pocket.
Check that there arent any dags on the bottom of the neck pocket and if there are attack them with file to flatten.

[Scott J.]

Hi BG,

On the Bridge-pickguard gap - that's normal ... Tele's always have a surrounding "gap" between the bridge and the pick guard.

Its going to look great in the Honey colour ... and wonderful see a Tele dedicated to the late, and truly great "Telemaster", Mr Gatton.

[adam]

You missed my Birthday BG, but I will still accept a late gift.

[gazzman]

Hi Danny
I have similar issues with the bridge p/up and measured the scale length and if the bridge was left in the factory position the saddles would be near on full adjustment towards the pick up. So Im thinking routing may be the best solution as well as giving some gentle feedback to the factory to lift its game. Teles have a gap around the bridge and pickguard but not this big (see pics below)
Cheers
Gazzman