Pablo's TL-1Q

[pablopepper]

For my next build, I wanted to delve back into the world of telecasters and after seeing this kit pop up the other day, I had to have it.



Say hello to the TL-1Q. Quilted veneer with the new black wood binding. Sexy.

I'm aiming for a fairly modern take on a tele. The rear will be getting a tummy contour, a lower horn access contour and a reworked neck joint. I plan to reprofile the neck closer to a strat profile and chuck in some Tonerider hot classics for the pups (first time with single coils since my very first guitar).

A wipe over with a damp cloth shows quite a lovely top.



But, it is super thin. Gonna have to be extra careful not to burn through when sanding.

[pablopepper]

Unfortunately it's not a perfect example. There are a few issues which will need to be addressed as the build progresses.

The heel of the neck has been woefully shaped.



This leads to a terrible fit in the pocket.


This is pushed back as far as it will go. :|

And some uneven shaping here.

[wokkaboy]

nice one Pabs. Pity all the holes are pre-drilled. Are you going to put a pickguard on or fill the holes and show off the choice quilted top ?
So is the bridge rear string access ? No string through holes are drilled
What colour stain/dye are you planning ?

[pablopepper]

There are a couple of small discolourations on the cap.



And what looks like a drag mark.



I'm hoping that will steam out.

None of these issues are deal breakers. Very happy with the kit. Can't wait to get stuck in.

[wokkaboy]

gee that neck heel will need some re-shaping and the contour is pretty average.
Since the neck holes are pre-drilled you would need to fill a hole for a curved neck plate

[Island_Moose]

That neck pickup rout will require a pickguard or a humbucker anyway, not an issue on a solid-paint finish...but if you solid paint a quilted top I think you go to prison. Shame to put a pickguard over a quilted top.

[pablopepper]

nice one Pabs. Pity all the holes are pre-drilled. Are you going to put a pickguard on or fill the holes and show off the choice quilted top ?
So is the bridge rear string access ? No string through holes are drilled
What colour stain/dye are you planning ?

Cheers Woks. Yeah, ALL the holes are predrilled, which means I'm going to have to fill most of them. I'll definitely have a pickguard on there, but might modify it a little to show off some more grain.

I got this as a bare bones kit, so I've got a string through bridge on the way.

As for colour...maybe orange, maybe green.

[pablopepper]

Shame to put a pickguard over a quilted top.

Haha, not if you're me, Moose. I prefer pickguards.

[wokkaboy]

sounds cool Pabs orange or green.
Interested to see the pickguard shape you have planned. So black hardware ?

[pablopepper]

Yep, all black hardware.