Yet Another Tele Deluxe

[JaySwear]

I had a Tele Deluxe once.

very cool! i've seen tons of stories like that, and it seems like everybody who was lucky enough to have a tele deluxe at some point has some sentimental attachments to them. they definitely seem like a true "player's guitar." don't see too many old ones in mint condition like you can find with some other guitar types. seems like every tele deluxe had the hell played out of it!

 

[jay4321]

they definitely seem like a true "player's guitar."

That's a pretty fitting description based on my experience with them. They don't have the elegance of an LP, the simplicity of a regular tele, and were plagued with some design and QC issues in their heyday. But in top form they're really great guitars you can pick up and get it done with, and have a charcater as unique as guitars like LPs and strats do. Plus it's pretty comfortable and feels easy to play

 

[-CB-]

they definitely seem like a true "player's guitar."

That's a pretty fitting description based on my experience with them. They don't have the elegance of an LP, the simplicity of a regular tele, and were plagued with some design and QC issues in their heyday. But in top form they're really great guitars you can pick up and get it done with, and have a charcater as unique as guitars like LPs and strats do. Plus it's pretty comfortable and feels easy to play

What design and QC issue are you referring to?

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

The 70s neck joints were known to move around.  It wasn't a 3-bolt issue, but due to poor neck pocket mating.  Of course I read that, as I was born in the 70s.

 

[JaySwear]

yeah the only QC thing i knew of would be the 3 bolt system. but that's more a personal taste thing. i personally can't stand them. i remember one guy on this forum trying to convince everybody 3 bolt systems were better though

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

According to the book I read, which esacpes me, it wasn't a 3 bolt issue.  They could've had 6 bolts and still moved.  The source said it was a horrible time to be a sales rep.  All of the trips to music stores were just convincing them to remain Fender dealers.

 

[Watershed]

So, back form the dead, the GFS Humbuckers worked out great.

 

[nexrex]

LOVE that wood! You are really going to cover up that beautiful swamp ash?

Agree, I would say a vintage tint gloss. Like Warmoth does. i would pair it up with a black pickguard and chrome hardware.

 

[Watershed]

LOVE that wood! You are really going to cover up that beautiful swamp ash?

Agree, I would say a vintage tint gloss. Like Warmoth does. i would pair it up with a black pickguard and chrome hardware.

No way.  My opinion is WAY cooler!!
:glasses9:

I've always been a fan of the black, tortoise, and vintage tint pairing.
Something about that combo.
Besides, that's what one piece bodies are for.

James

 

[Cagey]

So, back form the dead, the GFS Humbuckers worked out great.

Nice job! Glad that worked out well for you. Did you do the paint?

 

[Watershed]

Thanks Cagey, it's hard to put down. 

Yep, did the finishing myself.
It's McFadden nitro, and colortone pigment, on top of Z-poxy for the body.

The neck feels great.
It started as a '59 roundback, and got shaped into my proprietary "offset V contour", of about the same thickness.
Never had a one piece maple neck before, or a maple fingerboard for that matter.
Finishing (rather sanding out) a maple fingerboard is a PITA if you ask me, but well worth it in the end.
I did a few maple necks/fingerboards for a local guy, and decided I had to have one for myself.

The build was supposed to be quick and easy.
I sprayed up the body, but then got distracted on other projects for the next year.
Finally got around to sanding it out and assembling it over the weekend.
Pores never shrank though.

James

 

[anorakDan]

Great job! I've never been a real fan of the Tele Deluxe, but those pickups make it look so much cooler. Also, you were so right about the black. How does it sound?

 

[Stew]

yeah, nice build Watershed.

Good on ya for stickin' to your guns re the finish. The combo of tortoise and the lipsticks against the black looks great  :icon_thumright:

 

[nexrex]

Brilliant job. You are right. it's pretty hard to beat that color combo. How do the GFS lipsticks sound?  :hello2:

 

[Watershed]

Thanks, thanks, and thanks some more.

I have to say, I'm very impressed with the GFS pickups.
At $40.00 each, I figured why not give them a try?

Lots of character to them, and I'm particularly digging the neck and bridge out of phase with each other.
Surprisingly, there isn't that much of a volume drop, but the mojo goes way up.

The series/parallel options are very cool too.  With 4 push/push controls, it's a pretty flexible arrangement.

They don't differ in sound from a PAF all that much, but they do have their own unique quality.

Also, to give proper credit, I recall the lipstick idea as being from DangerousR6 (Doug).
Good call Doug!

James