Project Tele Tips And Tricks

[chuckjaywalk]

So, I am building a project Tele for my girlfriend for Christmas. I've got all of the parts, except some screws, but I can swap any of them out for better. It has a body of unknown origins, a really nice neck, Fender Noiseless pickups, and a 6 saddle ash tray bridge. So, what upgrades should I make now, before I am finished?

[skullservant]

Don't cheap out on the pots or the jack. At the same time don't pay $40 for a mojo tone cap. Is it a MIM bridge? The 6 saddle MIM bridge I had was pretty solid. I like Wilkenson bridges surprisingly as well, they're actually great for the price.

[Scruffie]

If it has the round vintage insert style jack piece for gods sake buy a tapped/screw in one, i'm so sick of my Tele one falling out.

I'm always a fan of locking tuners if that's in your budget, otherwise maybe just replace the nut if it seems cheap.

[skullservant]

Good advice! I have recently become a fan of Sperzel locking tuners. $65 and it really helps solve some problems

[Scruffie]

Good advice! I have recently become a fan of Sperzel locking tuners. $65 and it really helps solve some problems

Other than problem solving, they certainly make string changes faster/easier/lazier! Even the fender centre hole kind which I think you can get cheaper than screw type are good.

[antennafarm]

what is the intent of this tele? twanger? rock the fuck out machine? sweet and simple?

(there's no wrong answer)

[chuckjaywalk]

what is the intent of this tele? twanger? rock the fuck out machine? sweet and simple?

(there's no wrong answer)

It is for my acoustic strumming girlfriend, so probably less twang, more rock. I'm pretty close to getting a Wilkinson compensated 3--saddle bridge for it and locking tuners. I love the locking tuners on my Strat. I'd love to find some antique or patinaed knobs.

[culturejam]

Just make sure all the shit fits together. I've had a couple projects totally jammed up because there were neck pocket issues or the bridge mount holes didn't match the body, etc.