Hi everybody this will my first attempt at building my own guitar. I'm thinking of starting with a TL style guitar. Is that a good starter or can someone recommend something more suitable?
Hi everybody this will my first attempt at building my own guitar. I'm thinking of starting with a TL style guitar. Is that a good starter or can someone recommend something more suitable?
Last edited by Aadamdun; 22-08-2016 at 03:36 PM. Reason: Error in spelling
Welcome Aadamdun,
As Wokka said in the other thread, it comes down to your experience. You can make any kit "harder" if you plan to modify bits and pieces or do a more complicated finish, but straight out of the box as an exercise in assembly and finishing a TL would be a good choice. I'm sure others with more experience with the kits will weigh in with more informed answers though!
Completed Builds: #1 TL-1 "Telemaster" (GOTM Oct 2016); #2 The "Maplecaster" scratch build; #3 JB-4 "Bass IV" (co-winner GOTM Jan 2017); #4 ST-1M "Surfcaster" (GOTM Apr 2017), #5 JZA-1 "EC Deluxe"
In Progress:
Build #6 N1R "Semi-scratch" build
Build #7 JZA-1 Baritone
The Cavan Project
The Magnificent Compaņeros
I've been a floor sander for 17 years and run my own business so my sanding and finishing skills are pretty good. Also use a range of hand a power tools so I'm ok there. It will be the electrical side I'll struggle with most but I'm keen to learn and can buy whatever in need to get the job done. I'm interested in doing this as a hobby so I'd like to work my way from easy to hard builds.
Hi Aadamdun, yes a TL style kit is a good kit to start on. There are probably about 7 wire solder joins to do but with a bit of practice and the wiring diagram should be fairly straight forward
Last edited by wokkaboy; 22-08-2016 at 03:51 PM.
Current Builds and status
scratch end grain pine tele - first clear coat on !
JBA-4 - assembled - final tweaks
Telemonster double scale tele - finish tobacco burst on body and sand neck
Completed builds
scratch oak.rose gum Jazzmaster - assembled needs setup
MK-2 Mosrite - assembled - play in
Ash tele with Baritone neck - neck pup wiring tweaks and play in
Thank you,
Aadamdun - TL's would have to be one of the easier kits to start with if you're worried about the electronics. As Wokka says, there are not all that many solders to do.
Current builds:
GPB-4B: https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...548#post184548
Hi Aadamdun and welcome to the forum. the TL is a fantascic first kit.
I was just thinking the other day as I was tinkering with the wiring on mine, how easy and accessible on the guitar everything is.
Build #1 - ST-1 - Completed
Build #2 - LP-1SS - Completed
Build #3 - TLA-1R - Completed
Build #4 - SGD-612 - Completed
Build #5 - ES-1G - Completed
Build #6 - STA-1HT | Completed
Build #7 - ST1JR - Completed
Current Build #8 - JBA-4
Build #9 - Semi-scratch build Tele x 2 - Completed
Current Build #10 - PRS-1H
Current Build #11 - AGJR-1 - Completed
Current Build #12 - ATL-1SB
Current Build #13 - GST-1
Current Build #14 - FBM-1
welcome and the TL is a perfect choice
Stan's LP Build for my Sister: http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=3146
Benson Pickup Strat mod: http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=5229
Epiphone LP headstock fix: http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=3410
Martin Backpacker Repair: http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...?t=5038&page=3
'57 Harmony Jazz guitar project: http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...ead.php?t=2972
I'm trying to decide what TL kit to buy, I'm ready to pull the trigger now but not sure which one. I'm thinking the TL1 because you can chose no pickups. The tuner upgrade and a bone are a must other then that are there any other extras that I'll need?
sounds good Aadamdun, what pickups are you planning if not ordering stock ones ? Be worth upgrading the pots/switch/jack/wiring and copper shield the cavities. Also worth looking into an upgraded bridge.
Current Builds and status
scratch end grain pine tele - first clear coat on !
JBA-4 - assembled - final tweaks
Telemonster double scale tele - finish tobacco burst on body and sand neck
Completed builds
scratch oak.rose gum Jazzmaster - assembled needs setup
MK-2 Mosrite - assembled - play in
Ash tele with Baritone neck - neck pup wiring tweaks and play in