Pinecaster build!

nicovlogg

The DIY bug has bit me, so it seems to keep myself occupied during these long holiday days I will be building a telecaster! Or rather, building a body and bolting the rest on. ? Got my hands on some nice aged Oregon pine, which should make a decent two-piece body, which I plan to seal with Tung Oil. This guitar will complement my Epiphone LP with it's tasty clean sounds ? Going for a rather vintage aesthetic, might go the Nashville route later, but for now, 2 single coils will do. Had a look at Gearhead's list, mine is similar I would say. Here's the current one:

1. Bridge - Wilkinson Adjustable Compensated Bridge
- Is it my imagination, or are these really 40USD cheaper on Stewmac than AllParts?! ?

2. Pickups - Either DiMarzio Twang Kings or Wilde Bill's Keystones
- Keystones are apparently on a 3 month waiting list.. >☹

3. Tuners - Schaller Locking keys 6R, with staggered posts
- Can't seem to find any staggered tuners on StewMac, and I don't want to split my shipping (do staggered posts entirely eliminate the need for string tees?)

4. 4 way switching and custom control plate
- Would like to have the switch and volume knobs further apart, should be able to have this machined myself.

5. MusikCraft Neck
- Been playing a lot of teles recently, trying to find what I like, and this is what I seem to have decided on (any opinions are appreciated)

1 Piece Maple (Flatsawn)
SRV Neck profile (.84-.97")
Medium 6105 Frets
9.5" Fretboard Radius
1.650" Nut width

SO - if anyone has any advice, thinks I'm wasting money on mojo parts or has better suggestions, or has some of these parts that I could buy off you, please reply! ?

MikeM

No need for staggered locking tuners on a tele. Just my opinion.

Keen to hear a piney in real life ?

AlanRatcliffe

Allparts are expensive. They make up for that by having almost everything available in one place. Also note, some Wilkinson models are made in different factories - The cheap Chinese ones from some stores (like GFS) aren't wonderful (but the adjustable saddle ones from Stewmac are fine).

Schallers and Sperzel Trim-Loks are the only tuners that are both staggered and locking. You don't need string trees with staggered.

If you are making your own control plate, consider angling the switch a bit instead of changing the spacing (like the plates from Kinman). Makes quite a difference.

I'm not wild about Musikraft necks - they are not consistent wood/build quality and the neck is the heart of a guitar IMO. Rather pony up for a USACG. The "SRV" measurements vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. As far as I can tell, USACG are the most accurate at .86" - .93" Asymmetrical medium V. Quite a chunky neck, BTW (and don't forget the 6105 frets are quite tall, adding to the thick feel).

Don't forget all the other things - screws, wire, nut, strap buttons, pickguard, knobs, pots, switch, switch cap, copper tape, jack and neck plate. That stuff adds up...

nicovlogg

Alan Ratcliffe wrote Schallers and Sperzel Trim-Loks are the only tuners that are both staggered and locking. You don't need string trees with staggered.

Guess that would help a bit with tuning stability, seems like it would be worth it, they're not that much more expensive than vintage tuners. ?

Alan Ratcliffe wrote I'm not wild about Musikraft necks - they are not consistent wood/build quality and the neck is the heart of a guitar IMO. Rather pony up for a USACG. The "SRV" measurements vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. As far as I can tell, USACG are the most accurate at .86" - .93" Asymmetrical medium V. Quite a chunky neck, BTW (and don't forget the 6105 frets are quite tall, adding to the thick feel).

Price wise, they work out about the same, I've just read that Musikraft are superior quality. But from a lot of reading I have deduced that actually with necks, it's hit or miss sometimes. :-\

Also considering the V to C contour, nice soft V for chord work flattening out to a medium C for solos and lead stuff. Seems a good compromise.

Alan Ratcliffe wrote Don't forget all the other things - screws, wire, nut, strap buttons, pickguard, knobs, pots, switch, switch cap, copper tape, jack and neck plate. That stuff adds up...

I have those all on my account, but not stressed about posting them here because I know what I want there - Schaller locking knobs, going to make my own pickguard, and considering getting an etched neck plate. ?