Tele suggestions

Gtrjunior

Gtrjunior

New member
A couple of years ago I had a beautiful MIM Tele that I just never jived with. I really wanted to love it but I just plain didn’t. So I sold it.
I think the biggest reason I didn’t love it was the narrow nut width of 1 5/8.
I prefer 1 11/16.
Now, I know I can buy replacement necks with the wider width but I was wondering if anyone could recommend a Tele or T style with a 1 11/16 nut width?
Looking to keep it under $500.
This won’t be my #1 player but I still would like a guitar that gets the “Tele” sound.
 
Jeffblue said:
I always prefer to build my own Fender style guitars and creating something to my specs.
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I was looking at some kit guitars online and that’s something I’d love to do. But I’ve only seen ones with the barrels style bridge.
Do you know of any that have the 6 saddle system?
 
Gtrjunior said:
I was looking at some kit guitars online and that’s something I’d love to do. But I’ve only seen ones with the barrels style bridge.
Do you know of any that have the 6 saddle system?
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I personally do not like guitar kits because I end up spending more money buying parts that meet my standard for tone and function. All the kits that I have ever built (except Precision Guitar Kits) have been disappointing as far as fit, low budget pickups, switches, wiring and hardware.

I mentioned Precision Guitar Kits as being the one kit company that is high quality. You still need to buy your parts, but they offer options with tonewood types, neck thicknesses and stainless steel frets. I have one such guitar that the neck fits the body perfectly on a 54 custom les paul made of Black Limba (Korina) and the guitar sounds and plays every bit as great as my 2012 Gibson Les Paul Supreme.

When I build Fender style guitars, I buy my parts from Warmoth. Both of these options are more expensive, but I have guitars that rival $2000 to $3000 guitars.

All of the other guitar kits I have found to be quite disappointing.

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These are photos of my Precision Guitar Kits 54 Les Paul Custom, chambered body, Black Limba, Ebony fretboard, stainless steel frets, Seymour Duncan 59/JB pickups, Electrosocket and Schaller strap locks.
 
Jeffblue said:
I personally do not like guitar kits because I end up spending more money buying parts that meet my standard for tone and function. All the kits that I have ever built (except Precision Guitar Kits) have been disappointing as far as fit, low budget pickups, switches, wiring and hardware.

I mentioned Precision Guitar Kits as being the one kit company that is high quality. You still need to buy your parts, but they offer options with tonewood types, neck thicknesses and stainless steel frets. I have one such guitar that the neck fits the body perfectly on a 54 custom les paul made of Black Limba (Korina) and the guitar sounds and plays every bit as great as my 2012 Gibson Les Paul Supreme.

When I build Fender style guitars, I buy my parts from Warmoth. Both of these options are more expensive, but I have guitars that rival $2000 to $3000 guitars.

All of the other guitar kits I have found to be quite disappointing.



These are photos of my Precision Guitar Kits 54 Les Paul Custom, chambered body, Black Limba, Ebony fretboard, stainless steel frets, Seymour Duncan 59/JB pickups, Electrosocket and Schaller strap locks.
Click to expand...

Good to know. I’ll look at precision as well as checking out some options on Warmoth’s site.
Nice looking LP!!

Thanks!!
 
You can also look to 'Tele-ize' a guitar you currently have, too, like putting a Tele pickup set in a different guitar. Some people say the Tele sound has a lot to do with the old style bridge, and that 6 saddle bridges don't have the same sound. I've never directly compared them, so I don't have thoughts about that.
 
The Squier Paranormal Offset Teles have the same old narrow nut spacing, though. I don't know if it's because they're meant for younger people.

I'm used to LTD's and ESP's which are kinda like that as well. Not nearly the same neck profile, but I think it's the same nut width.
 
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I was just looking on the Stratosphere website. They actually have quite a selection of bodies and necks. I still don’t think I could assemble a Tele for less than $500 but I’ll bet it wouldn’t cost a ton more than that.

They have painted replacement bodies that would just need bridge mounting holes drilled.
The string thru holes are already drilled.
Anybody know if a modern 6 saddle and the vintage barrel saddle bridges are interchangeable?
Some of the bodies are labeled as vintage. So they might be designed only for the barrel type?
 
if youre building stuff... stewmac has a neck sale today, they are mightmite necks and some are as cheap as $129. fretted and finished
 
Gtrjunior said:
I was just looking on the Stratosphere website. They actually have quite a selection of bodies and necks. I still don’t think I could assemble a Tele for less than $500 but I’ll bet it wouldn’t cost a ton more than that.

They have painted replacement bodies that would just need bridge mounting holes drilled.
The string thru holes are already drilled.
Anybody know if a modern 6 saddle and the vintage barrel saddle bridges are interchangeable?
Some of the bodies are labeled as vintage. So they might be designed only for the barrel type?
Click to expand...

Those are not interchangeable. Two different style bridges drilled differently for the spacing required (to the best of my knowledge)


Unless you are asking about the string holes lining up, then they probably will. If the mounting holes don't line up, drill new holes.
 
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Jeffblue said:
Those are not interchangeable. Two different style bridges drilled differently for the spacing required (to the best of my knowledge)


Unless you are asking about the string holes lining up, then they probably will. If the mounting holes don't line up, drill new holes.
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I believe you’re correct. Even if the string holes line up the bridge holes may not. Then I’d also have to make sure if I drilled new holes the scale length would be correct as well.
I’m going to keep shopping for a body that can accommodate the modern bridge.
 
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