TLA-1F (First Build)

[jsergeant]

Cheers for the tips Drummerdude

[jsergeant]

I'm considering my options re: neck pickup mounting without the scratch plate. I wonder if anyone has come across something similar to this but suitably large enough to cover the (overlarge) neck pickup cavity?
http://www.guitarfetish.com/Telecast...ng_p_1525.html

[Drummerdude]

Well sergeant I was planning on the same thing and the only option is to have a custom ring made. I used a humbucker pickup that fits the opening well but since it is rectangular you cannot use a standard humbucker trim ring like the les Paul's use because they screw down on each corner and the screws won't be over the top of body. You can have a larger one made or make one yourself. Another option I considered was a clear acrylic pickguard and then you can paint with a coordinating color on back side around pickup to cover the excess opening. Check out paisley tele pics and you will see..

Just a couple of thoughts hope it helps.

[dave.king1]

Make a bikini scratch plate out of the one that comes with the kit

[jsergeant]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Reshaping the scratch plate is my current backup plan but was kinda hoping for something in chrome. Even better, something in chrome and engraved. I'd make one myself but wouldn't know where to start. Having a stab at woodwork is one thing, fancy metal work is definitely beyond my abilities (and resources).

[dave.king1]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Reshaping the scratch plate is my current backup plan but was kinda hoping for something in chrome. Even better, something in chrome and engraved. I'd make one myself but wouldn't know where to start. Having a stab at woodwork is one thing, fancy metal work is definitely beyond my abilities (and resources).

The metal plate shouldn't be all that difficult, your local engraver should be able to etch from a .jpg so design something on the PC and go and ask the question.

I've had custom car stuff done and the principle doesn't change

My guy was the local Speedy Keys franchise

[jsergeant]

Thanks Dave. Will suss it out

[jsergeant]

A few questions:

I'm probably not staining the back or sides however want to apply a darker grain fill. To what level of paper should I sand? I've done 180 and 240 so far.

Should sanding sealer be applied before grain fill?

What're suitable types/brands for sanding seal and grain fill? Timbermate?

[wokkaboy]

Hey JSergeant,
I usually don't worry about sanding sealer but usually apply timbermate after 240 grit.

Sometimes a darker grain filler brings out any nice grain in the ash so go for ebony timbermate

[jsergeant]

Minor update. Here's the missing belly profiling pics and decided to go a little more aggressive with the profiling on the headstock. Needs a little bit of cleaning up still.