Build #2 - TL-1

[Island_Moose]

I'm in the planning stage now for the TL-1. I'm getting closer to a design concept, but some of my ideas have been undone by the size of the neck rout. Does anyone know why it's so large? (was it to allow a humbucker or P90?) It prevents the use of a standard Telecaster neck p-up with a pickguard. I'm not anti-pickguard, but I'd like to have the option of going without.

I suppose this would require filling the cavity and then re-routing a standard hole? Has anyone ever done this? Where would one obtain a pattern for a router?

That section will be under paint, so it's not an issue to match the wood.

[keloooe]

Hey Moose I have seen adapters around where it fits a Humbucker rout but has a hole for a singlecoil, maybe look into one of those?

If you are doing a solid colour you can fill it up and rerout. To get a template you can PM Pablopepper, he can make you a template or go to places like StewMac and get one there.

[andrewdosborne]

Yes the route is quite large. Ive got a tele neck pup ring laying around somewhere as once had the same idea as you.. My f#er teles all have the same size route plus a surface channel for wiring

[pablopepper]

My f#er teles all have the same size route plus a surface channel for wiring

Without fail, every time you write Fender like this I do a double take and assume you are swearing.

Moose, single coil template is easy enough to make yourself, or as Pest so kindly suggested, I can furnish you with a spanky looking laser cut example.

[Island_Moose]

PP...thanks, I'll make a decision and let you know.

[wokkaboy]

Hi Moose,
I noticed the same I got no idea why the neck pup cavity on TL kits are so big. A standard humbucker ring barely covers the route and leaves little/no room for the 4 screw holes. I think you have no choice but to fill it in and re-route a smaller cavity.
Solid paint should hide different timber type no problem

[Island_Moose]

Long before I decided to build guitars, I restored/refurbished boats. I've gotten pretty good at interior joinery as a result, working with marine products and finishes.

I've decided to apply some of this experience to the latest build. The oversized neck pick up cavity needed filling and re-routing, so instead of filling it with a block and glue, I filled it with epoxy.

I started by running a paper straw up the wiring hole, and sealing this off, to be discovered later.

I then mixed up 100mL of 2 part epoxy, thickened with teak sawdust I kept from a recent yacht restoration. I poured it carefully into the cavity (it's 93mL) and used a lamp to keep it warm through what is still a chilly night.




I'll finish with some Epiglass filler, which is very easy to sand, then re-rout with a telecaster neck template.

I wonder if the dense surround will have a favourable acoustic result?

[Island_Moose]

In the back of my mind I am developing a plan for a super-cheap spray-booth. I came across these last year when I was moving. They are cardboard wardrobes, about 1.2m high and 600mm deep/wide. The neat feature is that they have a built in hanging rail at the top. I reckon for infrequent use of enamel these would be ideal. I suppose a small fan could be added to draw overspray through a filter of some sort.

[wokkaboy]

just seen your post Moose, think the epoxy should work well. If they make epoxy body guitars sure it will sound fine.
Love the cool spray booth idea, nice cheap option

[stan]

wow, nice fill Moose!
I personally doubt that it will have any effect other than what you want