Cleric wrote: Hi All,

Somone offerred me a Reid and Sons tele kit for $200, so I have been investigating the idea of doing a DIY as a side project as it seems like a good way to learn more and up my setup skills.

Also had a look at www.warmoth.com which has some fantastic looking options, but is quite a bit more pricey.

Have any of you done this before? Any tips or recommendations?

(note: this build will not interfere with my Les Paul purchase)

Yep -just finished a Strat build which had some Warmoth parts (mainly the neck) - you are right about pricey - but GOOD QUALITY. The body can be just about anything if the wood is OK - my body was a Chinese "Dr Parts" Strat with poor routing and some bumps - R500 off Gumtree - but as I was building a Relic guitar that actually did not matter. I actually have built 4 guitars using Warmoth parts and I do not regret the money spent. You can save a lot if you go for a neck wood that does not need a finish - I have a Warmoth neck on one of my Guitars that is made of Paduck - an African rosewood that looks similar to the Asian rosewood used for Rickenbacker fretboards. Just keep it oiled - saved US$120. Of course unfinished necks can warp but so far so good after 3 years.
Alan Day