ezbass Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 I bought a Squier Classic Vibe 50s Tele sometime back and, as much it is a fine guitar, the pine body was just a bit too heavy and uncomfortable on my rib cage (strange, as slab bodied basses don't bother me. So I decided to change the body with an off the shelf, rear routed, swamp ash body from Guitar Build http://www.guitarbuild.co.uk I'm very pleased with the result and the quality of the body (very little drilling required and a bit of shielding), here is the typical before and after shots [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/c07d5e580131c3204ad5f59bf2b42663_zpseb944484.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/c07d5e580131c3204ad5f59bf2b42663_zpseb944484.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/bb86f2194571d1593f28c18e464b2fbe_zps8fc731e5.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/bb86f2194571d1593f28c18e464b2fbe_zps8fc731e5.jpg[/IMG][/URL] I'll oil and wax the body to lose the rather insipid (at least compared to the tinted neck) look, but it's a lot lighter with nice contours in all the right places and sound-wise it sounds a lot...er...airier, for want of a better term; certainly an improvement on the, not too shabby in the first place, tone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted January 8, 2015 Author Share Posted January 8, 2015 Now with one coat of Danish Oil applied, which I think, with a coat of wax, will do the trick (apologies for dodgy phone pics). [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/64cbc869485b62f2e616a4670c7be064_zpsb5479616.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/64cbc869485b62f2e616a4670c7be064_zpsb5479616.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ancient Mariner Posted January 8, 2015 Share Posted January 8, 2015 Looks good, though (possibly because of the carve to the top) a slightly different shape from std. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted January 10, 2015 Author Share Posted January 10, 2015 A better shot now that it's been waxed and reassembled [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/597f4dbf1657fcd712b154c8a1da008a_zps8c4955ea.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/597f4dbf1657fcd712b154c8a1da008a_zps8c4955ea.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted October 3, 2015 Author Share Posted October 3, 2015 Thread resurrection. Inspired by a lovely Tom Anderson Tele with P90s in trans turquoise, I've messed with the above guitar again. Rather than rout for full sized P90s I bought P90 voiced Strat and Tele sized DiMarzios. The I stained and polished the top (this was the 3rd attempt after 2 abortive goes). Assembled it today and I have to say that I'm very pleased with the results, both visually and sonically. And so, as this post is worthless without pics... [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/image1_zpse6njqc7n.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/image1_zpse6njqc7n.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the boy Posted October 8, 2015 Share Posted October 8, 2015 I really like the original guitar but as far as personal modifications go this is pretty good. I bet it sounds awesome. I'm not a massive fan of the colour if I'm honest but it looks cool nonetheless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leftybassman392 Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 I understand why you did it, but I liked the original too. Ah well; each to his own... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarethFlatlands Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 Very nice but damn you for linking to that site! I'm now considering a new Jazzmaster body to do in a dark stain finish like the Elvis Costello model which I love the look of but in no way need. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted October 10, 2015 Author Share Posted October 10, 2015 [quote name='GarethFlatlands' timestamp='1444481833' post='2883576'] Very nice but damn you for linking to that site! I'm now considering a new Jazzmaster body to do in a dark stain finish like the Elvis Costello model [b]which I love the look of but in no way need.[/b] [/quote]Ah, the very essence of Basschat/Guitarchat. My work here is done Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarethFlatlands Posted October 10, 2015 Share Posted October 10, 2015 If I knew I actually had the skill to make it happen, the body would already be ordered! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted October 11, 2015 Share Posted October 11, 2015 I like the colour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted October 11, 2015 Author Share Posted October 11, 2015 [quote name='GarethFlatlands' timestamp='1444484274' post='2883599'] If I knew I actually had the skill to make it happen, the body would already be ordered! [/quote]The ability to use a screwdriver and a soldering iron is pretty much all you need. The body is just the initial stain, 3 coats of Danish oil and a couple of coats of wax. My 'skills' as a luthier are extremely limited/non existent, but that's the beauty of Leo's designs, bolt 'em together, fast and nasty [quote name='MacDaddy' timestamp='1444557225' post='2883989'] I like the colour. [/quote]Colour is obviously quite subjective, but it's nice that I'm not the only one who likes it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teleman Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 I do like it, but I think I prefered it in its original colour. I love butterscotch Tele's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 14, 2016 Author Share Posted April 14, 2016 A wee update. New Gotoh bridge and a bit of fun and games with a tin of Humbrol and some masking tape (I like a bound edge Tele). [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/IMG_0315_zpsiohbaujd.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/IMG_0315_zpsiohbaujd.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted April 14, 2016 Share Posted April 14, 2016 That is one FINE looking axe. I love the binding thing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 15, 2016 Author Share Posted April 15, 2016 [quote name='owen' timestamp='1460669145' post='3027811'] That is one FINE looking axe. I love the binding thing. [/quote]Why thank you, kind sir. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 Unusual! Especially the "German carve" on the top. Was that a standard option or did you do it yourself? One question, you've stained the top of the body but not the back or sides. Why leave them natural? I realise that this is most likely simply a matter of taste, but I've seen it a lot recently and especially with instruments finished in a blue or green stain, which I personally think looks peculiar alongside the natural wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 15, 2016 Author Share Posted April 15, 2016 It's a replacement body that came with that carve. The top stain is emulating an Anderson T type that I love the look of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JapanAxe Posted April 15, 2016 Share Posted April 15, 2016 A bit posh-looking for my Tele tastes, but I am in awe of people who can do this kind of work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted April 15, 2016 Author Share Posted April 15, 2016 (edited) [quote name='JapanAxe' timestamp='1460715685' post='3028070'] A bit posh-looking for my Tele tastes, but I am in awe of people who can do this kind of work. [/quote]There was nothing to it frankly. The body was bought with all the curves in place, I just sanded them back a bit so that the carves were softer. The top was stained with good quality watercolour paint and sealed with Danish Oil and then waxed. The 'binding' is model makers enamel applied with a brush. Up close, none of this stands up to inspection (occasional dodgy edge), but it was done cheap and cheerful, so I can't complain and it's only me to complain to. I know what you mean about posh looking though. Due to all the upgrades I've nearly got enough parts for another Tele, which I'd have more traditional looking (at least to start with ). I must say something about the new bridge - the guitar sounds so much better in addition to being way more comfortable than the previous vintage bridge. I can't tell you how it sounds better, it's just does. It's more, er, alive. It seems to sing more, like it's 'cleared its throat'. Maybe it's down to the brass, or just the increased mass, but it's definitely better and a worthwhile upgrade; recommended. Edited April 15, 2016 by ezbass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leschirons Posted May 13, 2016 Share Posted May 13, 2016 First off, really nice job there. Looks a million dollars. Can see why you really like it. Secondly, hats off to you for not being tempted to put a Fender logo on the head-stock Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted December 6, 2016 Author Share Posted December 6, 2016 I've had Jaguar/Jazzmaster GAS of late, but instead of just giving in to it, I did a sensible thing and took my customised Tele along with me to compare tone. My Tele completely knocked the other two out of the park for the sound I like to hear. What was it that attracted me to the offbeat Fenders other than the offset bodies? I think it was the tremolo unit. So I decided to fit one to my tone-tastic Tele and save myself a few bob in the process. I bought and fitted a Stetsbar Pro 2 which, whilst not the prettiest thing on the block, is not nearly as fugly as the Bigsby options (cheaper too) and is totally non-invasive. It took the best part of a day to get right (you have to add a shim to the neck that needs to be custom fitted; much sanding) but I'm quite pleased with it. What's that I hear you say? Oh, alright then... [URL=http://s308.photobucket.com/user/ezbass/media/P1020124_zpswuoddah1.jpg.html][IMG]http://i308.photobucket.com/albums/kk344/ezbass/P1020124_zpswuoddah1.jpg[/IMG][/URL] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rikki_Sixx Posted January 2, 2017 Share Posted January 2, 2017 This has looked cool right the way through, but seeing that the blue dye is only on the top (along with that cream binding) makes this look really special! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoonBassAlpha Posted January 8, 2017 Share Posted January 8, 2017 I see what you mean about the Stetsbar trem, looks a bit steam-punk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezbass Posted January 8, 2017 Author Share Posted January 8, 2017 It does work extremely well, I'm rather pleased with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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