RULE #62 Tele

I set out to build a pine tele..This build was for my good friend JT to add to His collection ( strat,Les Paul,335 etc...).. Leo Fenders 1st telecasters and prototypes were in pine...being from NC I had plenty of it around! I glued 4 pieces ( 2 high and staggered em). The tele template I made is slightly different than a Fender with a shorter bottom horn. My goal here was to combine a bit of the new with the old, give a respectful nod to Leo with this being the teles 60th anniversary yet give it some Highway Style...

I drew it all out in pencil and established center and guidelines before I cut with the jigsaw.

I routed for 3 single coils with the bridge pup slightly higher as to set string between poles (something Leo experimented with. The control cavity is big...for the 3 knobs/5 way selector and an inverted strat jack.

Lots and lots of hand sanding....and a series of handsands in between coats of Helmsman clear coat. The Boss looked on giving pointers here and there.

To keep the 1950s mojo I did a one off pickguard from the faux marble top of a 60yr old coffee table.  The bridge is set up with a string through body. Texas Specials laying around from a  Jimmie Vaughn strat give it a really nice tone.

The neck is a maple with rosewood board that I sourced locally and modded the headstock. The "ashtray" covering the bridge is a turn signal cover off a 68 VW  bug.

check out my Youtube channel for a video. www.youtube.com/user/RICHSTARK412