Contouring a tele style body?

[Lake Placid Blues]

Do you think it would look stupid? I'm doing a custom tele for a relative. I can't decide if it would be a good idea or not? The kid I'm building it for doesn't care. I did a custom tele a couple of years ago, and another guitar player said, I should of put in the rib cage relief and the the forearm contour similar to a strat, while I was at it. I kinda think it's not proper on a tele, but what do you think?

 

[Curly]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

it's not that uncommon ... there are several custom builders who do it or offer it as an option ... Grosh, Anderson are a couple

I think it's up to the player

I doubt that strats started with contours, but rather they were added along the way from player feedback.

 

[tone4days]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

i know a guy with a warmoth tele with tummy and forearm cuts

very cool

t4d

 

[Corbic]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

Jeff Beck's Esquire had countours cut into it, and I must say it sounded amazing, and (the replica of it at GC at least) played amazingly. Very comfortable.

 

[mrfjones]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

it is all about what you are comfortable with as the player. if the kid doesn't care take him out to a music store and have him test out a couple. even fender has some teles with those cuts and they aren't hard to find.

Personally i wouldn't want the cuts but thats just me

 

[big_black]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

it is all about what you are comfortable with as the player. if the kid doesn't care take him out to a music store and have him test out a couple. even fender has some teles with those cuts and they aren't hard to find.

+1

For me, and the way I hold a guitar, Strat tummy cut contours are not comfortable at all.

 

[St_Genesius]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

I'm fine with the normal Tele plank shape, but I'd also be okay with the tummy cut. The forearm cut would bug me aesthetically, though. But that's just me.

 

[The Golden Boy]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

My old Esquire had a forearm cut- that was cool. As chubby as I am, a tummy cut isn't anywhere near necessary.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

check out the painted teles on Warmoths Showcase section.... lots of teles with the forearm and tummy cuts...

 

[Hellion]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

I think you need to do what is necessary to make the guitar fit you. It shouldn't be the other way around. Besides, it's just a Tele. Have at it....

 

[D-EJ915]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

The American Deluxe ones have the tummy cut and they feel awesome.

 

[JohnnyGuitar]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

There shouldn't be any problem...
They actualy look better with countours IMO...

 

[Hoss]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

The American Deluxe ones have the tummy cut and they feel awesome.

yup...go check them out and see what you think...i LOVE EM!

 

[Lake Placid Blues]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

Hey thanks all for the input. I'm going to contour it. I think the kid wants that, now that he's had a chance to check some strats and teles out.

 

[stonabus]

Re: Contouring a tele style body?

i like the way mine turned out