Are you thinking of building your first guitar? If so, congratulations, you’re about to embark on an amazing journey from design to completion of the project. But what are you going to build, which leads us nicely on to…
What guitar design is most suitable for beginner guitar makers?
It’s your first guitar so you don’t want anything too complicated, so let’s go back to where it all started and re-create an absolute classic design, the Fender Telecaster.
I chose the good old Tele because it has a bolt-on neck so none of that hassle with getting the joints to fit perfectly and glue going everywhere. It also features a single-piece slab body which is about as simple as you can get. There are also only two pickups and the electronics are quite basic. You can read Discover DIY Guitar Kits to Build Your Own Guitar.
So, let’s find out what you’ll need…
Neck
For a first guitar project, I would seriously advise buying a ready-made neck that has already been fretted. They are available from various manufacturers at a range of prices depending on the woods used and the build quality.
Making a neck from scratch is difficult and it usually takes guitar builders a few attempts to get a result that they are happy with. So, don’t waste your time or possibly even dampen your enthusiasm at this early stage by trying to make one, get online, choose the one you like, and order it.
Body
As mentioned, a Telecaster body is as simple as they come, so it’s probably worth having a go at making one. There are a variety of woods that you could use - Alder, Ash, Poplar, Pine, or Basswood. They all have slightly different tonal characteristics, with the most popular choices being Alder or Swamp Ash.
Tuning Machines
You’ll need some good quality locking tuning pegs to keep your strings nicely in tune. If you want a vintage design I recommend the Guyker GK-136SP 6R Lock String Tuners For ST/TL Guitar Gear ratio 1:15. They’re available in a great choice of finishes - chrome, nickel, gold, rainbow, or my favorite, old rust, which are a great option if you’re building a relic.
Or if you want a more modern design, go for the Guyker GK-501D6SP Locking Tuning Pegs for Electric Guitar. They feature a 1:18 gear ratio, are built to last, and are available in chrome, black, gold, or a cool rainbow design.
Bridge
There are a number of different types of telecaster bridge that will perfectly fit your dream telecaster, maybe you want an old-school two strings per saddle design, if so, the Guyker Short Bridge With Brass Saddles for Telecaster® Guitar is a great option.
Ever dreamt of a tele with a Bigsby? If so, the Guyker GT03 Vintage Style Tremolo Guitar Bridge with Brass Saddle for Fender Telecaster is exactly what you’ve been looking for. Just add a Bigsby and you’ll be in whammy bar heaven.
Or, maybe you want some natural chorusing and are thinking of creating a 12-string telecaster? No problem at all, you’ll need the Guyker TB012 Chrome 12 String Guitar Bridge for Fender Telecaster and a different headstock design with a few extra machine heads of course.
Pickups
Do you want your telecaster to stand out from the crowd? Then the Guyker TELE-RB Electric Guitar Pickups Set with its rainbow finish on the neck pickup will give your guitar build a touch of style without going over the top.
Control Panel and Knobs
Sticking with the theme of making your telecaster a one-of-a-kind, you’ll need a good quality Control Panel and Knobs. Most players go for the standard chrome that you’ll find on most teles. But, if you’re making your own dream tele, you can be a bit bolder if you like.
For starters, there’s the GUYKER Electric Guitar Titanium Alloy Control Plate Knob Damascus For Fend TL Parts Replacement to add a splash of color and design to your guitar. Plus you can get the same swirly Damascus pattern on a neckplate, either a square one or one with a curved bottom to perfectly match any tele body style you decide to build.
Or, if you really want to make a splash, go for the GUYKER Electric Guitar Titanium Alloy Control Plate Knob Street Style for Fend TL Parts Replacement with it’s splattered paint finish. Or, for those of you who are very mechanically minded, how about the GUYKER Electric Guitar Titanium Alloy Control Plate Knob Mechanical Pattern for Fender TL Parts Replacement.
Nut
The neck you buy may or may not feature a nut. If not, or you want to improve the sound of the instrument, then changing the nut is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get the tone you want.
In my opinion, a brass nut is the best option for most telecaster builds. A quality yet affordable telecaster nut is the Guyker Height Curved Adjustable Bell Brass Guitar Nut for ST/TL Electric Guitars. Created from high-density and incredibly durable brass, it ensures excellent intonation and note clarity with crystal clear harmonics.
Knobs
There are such a variety of great guitar knob options for your telecaster build out there that I could write a whole article about them. Come to think of it… I have! So, check out 7 Super Cool Knobs for your Guitar! for lots of unique, fun, quality guitar knobs to perfectly match your first guitar build.
Wrapping it Up
There you have it, nearly everything you need to build your first dream telecaster. You’ll also need the electronics, which I recommend you buy as a single ‘no solder’ set if you’re new to wiring guitars. Plus, some odds and ends like strap buttons, etc.
My final word of advice, before you start your build, is to subscribe to a few YouTube Guitar Building and Modification channels. They offer excellent information for free and are a very useful resource when you run into problems. It’s also worth checking out the 10 Best Online Resources for Learning to Build and Modify Guitars for more great advice on the best places to get the info you need to ensure your first Lutherie project goes to plan.
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