NGD telecaster build

Well that went better than expected… Feeding the wires through is a pain

Because my antique neck screws are standard length I’ve got to trim 2 down otherwise due to the sculptured heel they’ll pop through the fret board, that’s apparently a bad thing.

Dremmel time…

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Yeah, might slow down that fast shredding just a little bit. :wink:

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OK probably done enough might have to start off with the pointy one first…

Lunch break…

Looking more guitar like.

I don’t know how the front 2 pickups are supposed to mount its not looking right how I have them

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Aaand as I ha e a classic telecaster jack socket thing it needs a specialist tool to install??

Bah, will replace with an electrosocket

You can make that tool for nothing if you have some mechanic’s tools and spare hardware lying around.

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Yeah I saw that, not yet watched though.

probably all American parts / sizes so would have to convert, will see what I have lying w around but they are Generally hated right? An electrosocket is about $10

Anyhow it’s strung, somewhat in tune and the neck is on mostly straight…

Zero setup other than a very quick bridge height adjust to stop some buzz for now.

Will check the electrics later but I’m beat. Been a long 2 weeks (hard gardening etc)

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So it lives! electrics all work ok…

Sounds fantastic too, plays fine as it is now without an actual setup , which is a surprise , just spent a couple hours playing.

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Wonderful… congratulations! I am interested in how you do the final neck adjustment. It all seems very haphazard with just the 4 screws arrangement.

This is taking on the look of a fine instrument.

Hey @RobDickinson - I’d also be interested in how much (roughly) this cost if you don’t mind telling us. It’s a very appealing idea to build your own guitar. Not sure what NZD are worth in cowrie shells but I am sure I can do the conversion.

That’s great Rob! Well done!
I suppose that’s going to be your main guitar now?
You know, a sound sample is due now :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

You tuned to standard E?

How do the frets feel? Are they nice and same level? Fret ends?
I remember we were wondering some weeks ago about that.

I’m afraid to add it up… Sourcing from warmoth for these parts wasn’t cheap, they have much cheaper parts but I’m impressed with the quality.

I’d say including import and shipping which was massive it’s around $3500 nzd so around $2100 usd but $800ish of that is shipping/duty

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It currently is though I’ve drop d’d it briefly, I need to do a proper setup on it.

Frets all seem good so far, ends were finished but sharp and the fret board had sharp corners.

So I’ve taken a nail file to the ends just to take the edge off and done a minor fret edge roll with a socket now it’s nice and comfortable to play

Will get some sound samples up once I’ve proper finished it

I’m interested in the hum you get with it this way. I see 2 things I would have added, but not sure how much they would help.

  1. I’d fasten a GND wire under the bridge. I thought about just using copper tape then figured it may soften the mechanical structure and reduce sustain.
  2. I’d put a tape sheath around the wires going between the pickups and then out to the output jack. this would be a great chance to re-visit the pain of stuffing the wires thru the tunnels again!
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1 - The bridge pickup has a copper ground plate which grounds the bridge through the screws so it’s not required.

2 - Feeding the wires through esp the front pickup was a nightmare so that’s absolutely not going to happen!

But there’s no hum. None. Not sure why. I’ve dialed down /off any noise gates etc too.

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Yeah, shipping on this side of the world is a killer. But that doesn’t sound too bad for a high-quality (and beautifully constructed :wink: ) instrument. It is certainly unique!

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Yeah a thinline tele with good spec here is $6-7k of similar spec I think.

It’s no fender, no resale value but I’ve never sold a guitar…

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