We all started somewhere....

[Githead]

I am going to make my first attempt at a Warmoth telecaster.

This being my first attempt I am trying to keep it as simple as possible with the greatest likelyhood at success.

Could somebody/anybody please point me in the right direction?
I am going for a lightly tinted natural finish on a Swamp Ash or Alder body.

I read the "Everything about all the finishes" thread, which was a good read but really just made me realize how little I really know about it.

I appreciate your comments.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Are you finishing it or Warmoth?

I'd go for the Ash body for looks alone.  It has a better looking grain for a tinted natural finish.  Ash however does require mucho grain filling.

 

[-CB-]

Wella.... your post is in the DIY finishing section, does this mean you want to do your own clear finish?

If so... grain filler is a must - and expect to put at least 3 coats of the StewMac filler on the wood.  This will also darken it slightly.

Do all sanding with a sanding block - 3m rubber ones are pretty good.

Use the high grade, premium cut sandpapers, they work better, clog less and leave a better finish

Lacquer is more forgiving than most other finishes

If this is your FIRST build ever, you might wanna let Warmoth do the body and neck finish, then you can do the assembly and cleanup and setup and wiring, and get the hang of that part of it first?

 

[Githead]

Thank you for the suggestions.

I will let Warmoth do the neck but I am going to try to do the body myself.

I was thinking Ash body for the nice grain but I have read that Alder is easier.

Any suggestions on a product for the tinting? I was thinking along the lines of the standard yellowish Tele look.

Fender calls it butterscotch blonde but I was thinking an even lighter look than that.

 

[tfarny]

My first ever finish job was an ash telecaster, and I think choosing alder would have been a better option, because ash is very tough to grain fill even if you do have great advice from the guys here. Alder doesn't need a grain fill at all, if you want a natural look you can use a bit of waterbased dye (or not) followed by spray can lacquer or wipe-on products such as tung oil (tougher than people think, but nice) or tru-oil.

Really keep it simple = Alder body, oil finish.
BTW, necks, especially your basic maple / rosewood or maple / other wood type are much easier to finish than bodies. If you just want to finish something in order to get your feet wet, I'd let W do the body and you do the neck. Takes one can of Deft gloss or satin nitro lacquer, tape off the fretboard and nut, four weeks to cure, and two hours of rubbing out and yer done.

Post a pic of some guitars you like the look of, then people can give very specific advice.

 

[-CB-]

Any suggestions on a product for the tinting? I was thinking along the lines of the standard yellowish Tele look.

Fender calls it butterscotch blonde but I was thinking an even lighter look than that.

You can get some amber dye from StewMac, and also get some reducer... to make it less intense.  Dilute ... barely amber... that should do it.

Fender neck amber might work ok.  I used the amber toner from Mohawk (rattle can pro refinisher toner).  That worked ok too.

 

[Githead]

Thank you for the help! I am very grateful!