T-bird's TLA-1R Ash Tele

[Thunderbird]

This was waiting for me when I got home from work today


The question is: to stain or not to stain? What do you guys reckon?


Four piece body, approximately.


This looks promising, but will know for sure when the ferrules go in.


Fret work looks OK, although I haven't rocked it yet.

[Andyxlh]

Looks great! Are they real Kluson tuners?
The grain match in the body is pretty good.
You could just clearcoat it and put it together, it would look wonderful!
A variety of scratch plate options too, I see!

[wazkelly]

2 middle planks were well matched and looks great from back where more grain is on display.
Colour choice is wide open but it would be a shame to hide all of that under a solid paint finish.

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[Thunderbird]

Looks great! Are they real Kluson tuners? No, they are pulled from a Harley Benton Tele clone (see below pic) and buttons are badly finished.
The grain match in the body is pretty good.
You could just clearcoat it and put it together, it would look wonderful! I already have a Tele which is virtually a clearcoat

A variety of scratch plate options too, I see!

Not viable though the one that came with the kit seems out of whack, morning may hold a different outlook, though

[Thunderbird]

2 middle planks were well matched and looks great from back where more grain is on display.
Colour choice is wide open but it would be a shame to hide all of that under a solid paint finish.

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

I've never done either, but I am guessing a stain is the path of least resistance (except for the clear coat).

[wazkelly]

Yeah, stain is easier and right colour choice will help to accentuate the grain.
If using a humbucker for neck pup you could go without scatch plate otherwise white pearl goes with just about anything.

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[Andyxlh]

A nice stain would go well then I agree,don't hide the wood too much. Perhaps a sunburst?

[Thunderbird]

A nice stain would go well then I agree,don't hide the wood too much. Perhaps a sunburst?

I already have two sunburst Teles, plus painting skills non-existent. Now, what colour would accentuate the grain? This is going to take some time.

[Andyxlh]

So how's many teles do you have 😊
You could go with a Dingotone finish, takes ages but looks lovely as long as you are very patient. I'm guessing you have another guitar lying around to lay while the finish cures......
I'd use a feast Watson spirit based stain and some poly topcoat either rattle can or wipe on, probably satin finish as this hides any little mistakes really well and the lack of shine allows the grain to show through.

[Thunderbird]

So how's many teles do you have 😊 Not enough
You could go with a Dingotone finish, takes ages but looks lovely as long as you are very patient. I'm guessing you have another guitar lying around to lay while the finish cures...... I've one or two, yes

I'd use a feast Watson spirit based stain and some poly topcoat either rattle can or wipe on, probably satin finish as this hides any little mistakes really well and the lack of shine allows the grain to show through.

Sounds good, can you get it at Bunnings?