Telecaster wood - How can I find out what it is?

Brow

Active member
Hey guys.

I have a cheapie Gould Telecaster that I bought as a 'beater' guitar to take on holiday etc and have decided that I really like how it plays and sounds :)

The bridge pickup sounds ok, but is kinda 'dull' sounding and the neck pickup is muddy as all hell.

Before thinking of changing the pickups, I was wondering how I could find out what wood the guitar's made of? Just so that I have a better idea of what pickups would suit it better.

Thanx for any help.

Craig
 
Re: Telecaster wood - How can I find out what it is?

Take it to a local wood worker or wood broker. We have lots of hardwoods suppliers here in Colorado...do you have a Paxton's in your area? Most luthiers can tell the wood at a glance....so can most skilled furniture and cabinet makers. I could probably tell you the wood family if you post a clear detailed picture. Lew
 
Re: Telecaster wood - How can I find out what it is?

Thanx for the post Lew.

I remember finding a website awhile ago that said that the body was made out of 'Hardwood' but didn't give anymore info other than that.

I'm not sure how much good a pic would be, as the guitars got a thick Sea Foam Finish and I don't think it's possible to see any grain through the paint.

Craig
 
Re: Telecaster wood - How can I find out what it is?

you could look under the control plate to see if any wood is unpainted and post a pic of that.
 
Re: Telecaster wood - How can I find out what it is?

Brow said:
Hey guys.

I have a cheapie Gould Telecaster that I bought as a 'beater' guitar to take on holiday etc and have decided that I really like how it plays and sounds :)

The bridge pickup sounds ok, but is kinda 'dull' sounding and the neck pickup is muddy as all hell.

Before thinking of changing the pickups, I was wondering how I could find out what wood the guitar's made of? Just so that I have a better idea of what pickups would suit it better.

Thanx for any help.

Craig

Most of the overseas Tele copies are made of three piece alder. You could look under the pickguard and try to match the wood to this site.

http://www.warmoth.com/guitar/options/options_bodywoods.cfm
 
Re: Telecaster wood - How can I find out what it is?

Neck pockets are also good spots to find unfinished wood.
 
Re: Telecaster wood - How can I find out what it is?

Thanx for the posts guys.

I'll have a look in the control cavity (or neck pocket etc) and see if there's any un-painted wood and then post a pic of that.

Craig
 
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