The Making Of A Custom Telecaster

In this photo-video diary, I show the process of building this custom Telecaster guitar. The body is mahogany, the top is a bookmatched African Padouk with sapwood in the middle and neck is a 5-piece laminate of figured maple and padouk. The fingerboard is bird's eye maple with ebony dot inlays.
You can see the full set of photos from this build here: projectelectricguitar.com/cust...
The track in the background is called Hey Sailor by Letter Box. It's a free download from RUclips.
You can follow my guitar building on my Facbook page ( / jakalianguitars .
Interested in building an electric guitar? Join the Project Electric Guitar Facebook group here: / projectelectricguitar
Project Electric Guitar is on:
Facebook: / projectelectricguitar
Pinterest: / project-electric-guitar
Instagram: / project_electric_guitar
Google+: www.google.com/+Projectelectr...
Website: projectelectricguitar.com

[@pielover-joe6290]

An amazing guitar. Just beautiful

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@Ogscottyp]

Im more of a Explorer type of player, and i really liked the Exp that you built, but this thing is just stunning on a whole other level. Every detail and nuance is just right. 100% Grade A my friend.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Scott, I really appreciate that! Btw, I'm not done with building Explorers... more to come! :)

[@Ogscottyp]

Bring it brother!

[@meno3633]

How can somebody hit the dislike button? It just baffles me, PEG as a community not only shares tons of free info, but does so without pitching a sale. Thanks for Sharing Araz! your work is simply top notch, I hope haters never discourage you from your passion.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Andres! I really appreciate your support and also your great contribution to the PEG community!

[@hamercalif]

Perfect video. Perfect guitar. Very smart way to make the transition from the headstock to the fretboard. High level picture quality. This is what I like to watch on YT. Thanks.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Sega!

[@gregrobinmatt]

Probably the most beautiful guitar I have ever seen.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Wow, thanks!

[@BoneheadGuitars]

Love the padauk, and the neck assembly. Great wood choices. Very nice.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Scott!

[@scundoalex]

The 13 people who gave this a thumbs down have no appreciation for the talent it takes to create something as beautiful as this. I build electric guitars myself but I've never tried a project like this. Your video inspires me to take on more challenging projects. Beautiful work!!! Well done sir.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it.

[@michaeladamcaira9174]

beautiful job,love the 5 piece neck,and i love working with paduk,such an incredible tone wood

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks! Yes, padauk is an incredibly beautiful wood but the pores are huge, which requires a lot more work to get a high gloss finish...

[@royyazzie6028]

One of the fancy guitar I've ever seen crafted 👍🎸😎very awesome of choice of woods

[@holdenwill]

Beautiful guitar.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you.

[@NeoGeoEch13]

Very beautiful and clean, good job !

[@donovanlucibello6420]

Gorgeous tele! Thanks for documenting and sharing that here with us

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Donovan!

[@racheltaylor6578]

A lot of skill,effort and time went into that guitar.It looks beautiful.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

It did! :) Thank you Rachel!

[@dalepal]

Thanks for a high quality video showing your build of a beautiful Tele.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Dale.

[@sydsyd6824]

I'm from Brazil and I've been following your videos for some time! Beautiful guitar!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Hello from Canada :) Thank you!

[@nininmartin2537]

Once again a magnifiscent piece of art ! Amazing work you've done here !

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Ninin!

[@robinbebbington7063]

What a gorgeous guitar.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Robin.

[@daviddonnkin611]

Beautiful guitar

[@royyazzie6028]

Love the color of wood you used 😍 she's beautiful and wonderhow her tones are👍✌️

[@blackfender100]

Outstanding craftsmanship !

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Joe!

[@ConnyYngve]

Wow! What a beauty!!!

[@whadafu1364]

Love this format. Music and pictures

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks

[@kingsleyknoxlar]

Now this is a beautiful guitar

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@terry6520]

Beautiful job on that guitar -

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Terry.

[@Hazardteam]

VERY nice job! Beautiful.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks

[@KarlKarsnark]

another great build. good to have another vid too.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks. It feels good to make another video :)

[@jim9637]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Jim.

[@MHFL-cf1yu]

Outstanding. Work of art.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Ross.

[@AnthonyJanflone]

Beautiful work Araz!!!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Anthony!!

[@mikaylaboo1]

I just love the work that you do. I am so glad I found your channel. Keep it coming. I'm very sincere about these statements.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Haji, I appreciate your comments!

[@droptuned83]

Beautiful guitar Sir.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you sir!

[@donfreeman686]

Wow, that is one gorgeous guitar.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Don.

[@Danielvts16v]

Incredible Guitar . One of the most beauitful Tele i've ever seen!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Daniel!

[@sergeantcrow]

Excellent ! I make tri-lam longbows... have some cheap guitars but would like an SG ! I need to step the game up...

[@pelkman01]

Wow! Beautiful... speechless... I'm inspired! Thanks for sharing!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you!

[@AbeAleman]

Another beautiful guitar

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks again Abe :)

[@drewphillips178]

A beautiful creation my friend. It would be nice to hear how it sounds.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@JRobsonGuitar]

Stunning guitar! Well done, mate!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you !

[@wkmetaal]

Very nice work, and guitar.

[@danielcastillo1225]

Amazing job Sir

[@lifewithasong]

Beautiful guitar. I love your jig idea for routing the truss rod channel!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks

[@shawnjarman9860]

That's one beautiful tele my friend!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Shawn

[@pjs-1287]

Excellent video simple and precise beautiful guitar

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks

[@MrUltracoin]

Really nice build!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Johnny!

[@MightyGodlikeG]

This guitar looks awesome

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you

[@EQUATIC]

simply stunning!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you!

[@ERWebster]

Really nice man, beautiful guitar and a couple of interesting points in your process. Love it!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks

[@christisgod3354]

Too nice to play. It belongs in a museum somewhere.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Jesus Is King, that's nice of you... but I'd rather my guitars be played :)

[@MarcyDTM]

Beautiful! I can't wait to someday build my own one!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks. Just get started :)
Maybe this article will help: projectelectricguitar.com/eight-mistakes-to-avoid-when-building-your-first-guitar/

[@elxero2189]

that was a gorgeous build!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you!

[@dk2428]

A true craftsman!
Tele looks amazing, new sub.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you

[@danielhartman5086]

Just Beautiful. I am aTeleaholic. And that is just beautiful.I would buy 1 if you put them on the guitar market in a minute. BEAUTIFUL

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Daniel!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Amazing craftsmanship 👍

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you.

[@remipoire9470]

Wow this build is amazing!!!
I am currently building an explorer and your build are helping me a lot!

[@remipoire9470]

I meant this guitar is amazing but I guess it works both ways haha

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Merci Rémi :) Since you`re building an Explorer, make sure to check out my Explorer build diary, there are lots of photos projectelectricguitar.com/guitar-build-explorer/

[@remipoire9470]

Project Electric Guitar Yes I checked it! It's an amazing build and is my main reference! M erci beaucoup de partager ton talent. :)

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Bienvenue Rémi! :)
If you're building a guitar, you should also join my Facebook group called Project Electric Guitar. We are a friendly bunch of amateurs and experts and everyone helps each other, it's a great guitar building community. I would love to see your progress on your Explorer...
facebook.com/groups/ProjectElectricGuitar/

[@remipoire9470]

I definitely will!

[@DMSProduktions]

Gorgeous Tele!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@saiaddict]

what a beauty , im making a bass atm i hope i can make it as good as this badboy

[@stevechapman9820]

Inspiring stuff, thanks for sharing.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@Beygir]

Stunning!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you!

[@normfpv1104]

Very inspiring. Thank you.

[@jimfannin8590]

Beautiful, it is a dream axe for certain

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Jim

[@dmgs540]

i love this guitar , amazing work

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@allguitar3349]

Beautiful tele

[@MichaelQuinlan207]

Mighty fine work. Fabulous Guitar. Thanks for sharing

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Mike.

[@CMRCustom]

Nice use of numerous species on one build

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks

[@CMRCustom]

@@Projectelectricguitar y/w

[@Nikkimaya1]

That is one beautiful guitar. Awesome job. I am a brand new aspiring luthier . To be honest I have yet to build anything other than a few kit guitars. I am stuck in one of the things on that list of mistakes to avoid when you are beginning that you put together. I guess I can only watch so many videos. If I can someday in the future produce a guitar even half as beautiful as this Telecaster, I'll be a happy guitarist. Time to start building. But maybe just a few more videos first.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Haha, just go for it!

[@metaldad2441]

I wish I had your patience in the finishing process! I don't think I've ever seen better, you could lose your soul in that clear coat

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Haha. Thanks!

[@dalgguitars]

Beautiful!!!!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!!

[@abelroes]

Amazing work! Congratulations!
(and I liked the soundtrack very much!)

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Abel! Btw, the soundtrack is provided by RUclips.... :)

[@abelroes]

That's good to know! Thanks!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

The soundtrack is called Hey Sailor

[@78dwk]

that is one sweet tele,, nice work,, godbless

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@ilpatongi]

This is the best guitar I've ever seen.
_The best_

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Jeremy.

[@aidengamerboy4826]

Artwork Araz!

[@orlandoteoneto]

Good job!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@mikecreakman9367]

Beautiful

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Mike

[@jazzboy]

Incredible!!!!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Andy!

[@henman5555]

Absolutely Beautiful! I've been wanting to do a project like this for a long time. Where do you get such great pieces of wood for these builds?

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Sam. I get the wood from a local specialty hardwoods store (Montreal). Search for one in your area.

[@LeeHoMusic]

Absolutely top class job

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@virgiljjacas3955]

Great QC.

[@VladimirChernyshovGuitar1]

Great Job!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Vladimir!

[@kevincorbin9875]

If I could make guitars like that, I'd never buy another. That's beautiful.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@jamesnealwoodworking8133]

Very nice!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks!

[@dennisschell5543]

Very nice!!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks

[@GamingwithHeath]

Omg 😲 absolutely stunning! Make me one please

[@mcchickenmcdicken]

sweet mother mary this is a gorgeous build! video of it being played???

[@Projectelectricguitar]

haha, thanks Rowan.

[@markgill5793]

Stunning! Do you have a specifications list for the electronics/bridge/tuners etc...?

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks. I don't have the full list but here's a bit of info: bridge pickup is DiMario The Chopper T™ Bridge with push-pull tone knob for coil splitting. Single coil is generic.

[@DrLIRAAAAAAA]

Amazing guitar! One of the most beautiful ones I've seen. Only thing I would change is leave the body flat, without the belly cutout (but that's just my opinion).
I believe the correct spelling of the african wood you used is Padauk.
Cheers from Brazil!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you, I appreciate you comments. Yes you are correct about the spelling, but "Padouk" is also an accepted variant ;)

[@8cspohn]

That is nice looking guitar, usually not tele fan but have me thinking of making one.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks

[@8cspohn]

Your welcome, and thank you for inspiring me to make guitars something always wanted to do sense i was young kid. I use your vids and eric schaefer to kinda get oriented.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

You're welcome, I'm happy to know that I was a positive influence :)

[@geovanylara9401]

AMAZING! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@Pollys13a]

Nice guitar, pretty good guitar player too.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks for the guitar comment... but I'm no player!

[@bluemind74]

very very cool!!!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you!

[@thomashighstone4378]

Very great Job is true custom job

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Thomas

[@Michael-hp2pe]

Hot damn, that fretboard wood is a beaut.

[@jaded2424]

Very nice. It really is beautiful. Is that a red ceder top ?

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks Sam! The top is a bookmatched African Padauk with sapwood in the center.

[@blf_2564]

very nice dude ;D

[@philipsemke6623]

Very nice how does it play?

[@goranmarinic2923]

Good looking guitar, but I was hoping to hear how it sounds at the end.

[@praporsik156]

Да... Такой инструмент и в руки взять приятно. Очень красиво и звучание наверное отменное...

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Спасибо. Да, это звучит великолепно.

[@luisownerbr]

wow man... Now that's a custom guitar.

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you Felix!

[@HideouslyUglyBob]

Looks really cool, what types of wood were used?

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks. It's a mahogany back and a bookmatched padauk top. The neck is a laminate of maples and padauk.

[@Clairvoyant81]

Very nice wood combination and build! Looks awesome.
One question: Was not using pore filler on the padouk in the neck on purpose for some reason or an oversight? I ask because it seems kinda odd you used it on the body, but not on the neck.
If there was a reason for it, care to explain?

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thanks.
The back of the neck has a completely different finish than the body, it has a Tru-oil finish on a high-grit sanded wood. This makes the back of the neck extremely smooth and non-sticky. It feels amazing.
The finish on the body is for the looks, the finish on the back of the neck is for playing ergonomics.

[@stuart.8273]

Fastidious - fantastic!!!

[@Projectelectricguitar]

Thank you.