Archie Creek Fire Tele Build

[TBurst Std]

How about back painted a gretsch gold?

 

[Hodgo]

Whoa! I like that idea A LOT... Half-scalloped now on my next project plan

I’ve only been messing with scalloped necks since last year and I really like it, you have my full endorsement

How about back painted a gretsch gold?

It’s certainly handsome. Where would a fella procure such a thing?

 

[Hodgo]

Also - anyone ever used Graphtech Ratio tuners? I like the concept a lot and it fits the emerging theme of the build which is “Modern Take on Classic Tele”… the FCH bridge, the slightly flatter neck radius and half scallops, microcoils etc

 

[TBurst Std]

Pickguardian
It’s a clear guard they back painted gretsch gold. They also did the control panel as well

 

[Tretgeraet]

Also - anyone ever used Graphtech Ratio tuners? I like the concept a lot and it fits the emerging theme of the build which is “Modern Take on Classic Tele”… the FCH bridge, the slightly flatter neck radius and half scallops, microcoils etc

Had to google those; interesting concept, I just wondered what the reference string set was they applied the different ratios to.

 

[Don O]

Also - anyone ever used Graphtech Ratio tuners? I like the concept a lot and it fits the emerging theme of the build which is “Modern Take on Classic Tele”… the FCH bridge, the slightly flatter neck radius and half scallops, microcoils etc

I bought a set a few years ago and finally used them on a Regal body build in 2024. They come with a bunch of different adapter plates. I installed them, strung up the guitar and the next day I notice that the tuners are no longer “square” with one another. No matter how tight I torqued the nut, there was too much slop in the 2 pinned holes that allowed them to move. I replaced them with Schallers.

I’ll gladly send them to ya if you want to try them. I’ll never use them again.

 

[Hodgo]

I bought a set a few years ago and finally used then a Regal body build in 2024. They come with a bunch of different adapter plates. I installed them, strung up the guitar and the next day I notice that the tuners are no longer “square” with one another. No matter how tight I torqued the nut, there was too much slop in the 2 pinned holes that allowed them to move. I replaced them with Schallers.

I’ll gladly send them to ya if you want to try them. I’ll never use them again.

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Appreciate the feedback - I will pass on the offer to send them my way. Need 6-inline anyway.

 

[Hodgo]

Had to google those; interesting concept, I just wondered what the reference string set was they applied the different ratios to.

I had the same thought but honestly it can’t be that big of a deal - you may not get “1 turn = 1 semitone” but I can’t imagine you’ll notice if that’s off +/- 10% compared to how much it already varies with a single ratio set

 

[Tretgeraet]

I had the same thought but honestly it can’t be that big of a deal - you may not get “1 turn = 1 semitone” but I can’t imagine you’ll notice if that’s off +/- 10% compared to how much it already varies with a single ratio set

Absolutely, but that kinda leads me to my second thought: I'm so used to tune with "single ratio" sets, I wasn't even aware they vary so much.

Still, very interesting concept.

 

[Hodgo]

Absolutely, but that kinda leads me to my second thought: I'm so used to tune with "single ratio" sets, I wasn't even aware they vary so much.

Still, very interesting concept.

Yeah, which is why I’m wondering if this is a solution looking for a problem… I do want fine control, but I don’t want to introduce a new problem like loose gear lash

 

[Spud]

Yeah, which is why I’m wondering if this is a solution looking for a problem… I do want fine control, but I don’t want to introduce a new problem like loose gear lash

Bah! you don't need fine control your Hodgo baby!

 

[Hodgo]

Had an idea: Crouching Tele, Hidden Esquire. Fender S-1 switch and a 4P3T 3-way superswitch required, here’s what it does:

With the S-1 switch up, you have a normal modern tele.

1. Neck
2. Neck || Bridge
3. Bridge

Volume and tone controls work as expected. Press the S-1 button and you get three additional Esquire tones:

1. Tone controls becomes a Neck blend pot in parallel with the bridge (1950 Double Esquire/Broadcaster style)
2. Bridge with NO tone pot, instead is sent through a fixed cap (ie Esquire dark circuit or Eldred mod depending on cap choice)
3. Bridge with NO tone pot

 

[Heavy Rock]

Also - anyone ever used Graphtech Ratio tuners? I like the concept a lot and it fits the emerging theme of the build which is “Modern Take on Classic Tele”… the FCH bridge, the slightly flatter neck radius and half scallops, microcoils etc

The Graph Tech Ratios are my favorite tuners. They take one turn to move the pitch of all strings by a semitone I think. I'm so used to them that all my other tuners feel weird.

They also use a double envelope contact between the spiral and the cogwheel which helps to minimize the amount of play before they grip and start moving. Also helps with stability. Pretty well thought design.

Of course the amount of play is more dependent on the accuracy of the machining but having more points of contact reduces the effect of small tolerance errors.

Haven't experienced loose mounting but I must agree with Don O, having separate adapters is not ideal. Better drill the two holes like with the Fender tuners.

Regular contact. I saw Gotoh for example is like this.


Double envelope (both the cogwheel teeth and the spiral threads use a curved design.

 

[Hodgo]

The Graph Tech Ratios are my favorite tuners. They take one turn to move the pitch of all strings by a semitone I think. I'm so used to them that all my other tuners feel weird.

They also use a double envelope contact between the spiral and the cogwheel which helps to minimize the amount of play before they grip and start moving. Also helps with stability. Pretty well thought design.

Of course the amount of play is more dependent on the accuracy of the machining but having more points of contact reduces the effect of small tolerance errors.

Haven't experienced loose mounting but I must agree with Don O, having separate adapters is not ideal. Better drill the two holes like with the Fender tuners.

Regular contact. I saw Gotoh for example is like this.
View attachment 68172

Double envelope (both the cogwheel teeth and the spiral threads use a curved design.
View attachment 68173

Yeah I would be going for the two screw kind. I think I’ll go ahead and order some, thanks for the nudge