Ok, since this build originated out of an earlier thread* on this board and since I’m building this guitar for Eonwe, I figured it would nice to document it here so our fellow guitar freaks on the board can check it out.
After chatting with Eonwe, he decided he wanted a Telecaster made in the same style as the Stratocaster from the previous thread, including the Korina body and copper pickguard and knobs. The pickguard will not be a standard tele pickguard - it’ll be shaped like the '69 Thinline Telecaster. The templates I’ll be using were made from a late 50’s telecaster body so everything should fit pretty good if not right on.
So first I start with the pickguard. I bought a copy of the '69 Thinline design and a sheet of 21 guage copper:
I’m cutting one for myself too. Might want to use it in the future.
Anyway, next I just cut around the outside edge with a metal nibbler. It takes about an hour but this is how the first one looks now:
An idea for you. The nibbler is a handy tool, but have you considered a router tooled with a carbide burr to cut your copper? Given the thickness of .028 you’d have to use a backer, but the 1/4" shanks could ride a pattern or be fitted with a bearing for a soft master.
The burrs cut like a file and usually leave a finished edge. There are end cutting versions available, but drilling a start hole would be easier than plunging if you can’t start from an edge.
Nice work. Carry on.
It is going to be gorgeous. I am going crazy on mine - the great news is that Bill is excellent at what he does (i.e., finishing my guitar body). The bad news is that his workshop is not well heated and ventilated, so in very cold weather he can’t spray lacquer…grr.
Not to sidetrack this thread too much, but you’re using nitro, right? (or Bill is.) You ARE prepared to wait at least a month post shoot before leveling and rub-out, yes? Patiently virtuous should you be.
Just stopped in to say thanks for the thread. I really enjoyed the last one, and think the finished product is incredible. Also, I agreed with Eonwe regarding which side for the front.
This is the logo I’m thinking about branding the headstock with:
I’m not sure yet though. I burned this one with a wood burning pen and it didn’t come out as clean as I’d like it. I might have a custom branding iron made to do it, which would look better, but I’m not sure on the font yet…
Might want to use it in the future.
