Ash

[Tweed]

I think my first project will be a vintage-esque Tele. 50s. I'll want an ash body. My neck choice is a Total Vintage rosewood. I was wondering, if I do that, should I get the heavier Northern ash to balance the weight and maybe make the tone a little brighter?
:icon_scratch:

 

[jackthehack]

How vintage do you want to go? Having had a few 50's Tele's in my hands over the years, none were particularly heavy; you can go with a standard swamp ash body a little over 4 lbs in Butterscotch blonde, this one would do just fine:

http://www.warmoth.com/showcase/sc_guitar_bodies.cfm?type=guitar&start=1&itemNumber=PT965&menuItem=2&subMenuItem=0&subMenuItem2=0&finish_filter=35

I'm assuming you mean a maple neck with rosewood fretboard? Think all maple necks were used until '58-59, when the rosewood fretboard was offered; although you can get an all rosewood Tele Total Vintage neck, you'd never get the vintage Tele sound out of that. Any rosewood/maple neck should balance fine.

Callaham vintage hardware kit with the brass bridge saddles if you're serious:

http://www.callahamguitars.com/

..and although you can spend more money, the Fender Custom Shop Nocaster set will get you the sound:

http://www.fender.com/products//search.php?partno=0992109000

 

[-CB-]

I think my first project will be a vintage-esque Tele. 50s. I'll want an ash body. My neck choice is a Total Vintage rosewood. I was wondering, if I do that, should I get the heavier Northern ash to balance the weight and maybe make the tone a little brighter?
:icon_scratch:

No