The Texas Tele Project. Update 06-13-09

[Mark Crenshaw]

The project moves on...

There's a new previz animation up featuring a kinder, gentler carve profile and backloaded electronics.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/crv_tele.wmv

The body route is well under way...neck pocket, pickup cavities. Control cavity route will be added tomorrow.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp11.htm

Work has begun on the neck, though most of it is on a jig for the truss rod route.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp12.htm

More to come tomorrow...stay tuned!

Peace,
Mark

[Matt Evans]

Nice!

Always wanted to make a guitar, but have not had the time between other projects, and probably won't anytime in the foreseeable future.

[John Loftis]

Wow! I can't imagine the attention to detail that making a guitar must require. Looks fantastic. If you've gotta cover up wood that pretty with paint, it's some consolation that it's Lone Star paint!

Hook 'Em,

John

[Mark Crenshaw]

Nice!

Always wanted to make a guitar, but have not had the time between other projects, and probably won't anytime in the foreseeable future.

Hi Matt. Thanks. My wife is filling up my project list...I may soon have the same problem.

Check below for a new update...06-20-09.

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

Wow! I can't imagine the attention to detail that making a guitar must require. Looks fantastic. If you've gotta cover up wood that pretty with paint, it's some consolation that it's Lone Star paint!

Hook 'Em,

John

Hi John. Thanks!

Yep, it's hard to beat the Lone Star flag for style and appeal, and of course pride. But the grain will be very visable...I'm using Mixol tints in clear lacquer to get the colors. Should make the grain pop!!!

Check below for an update...06-20-09

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

Great progress this week despite a 103 degree heat index. I moved a Haier 12,000 btu portable A/C into the shop but it can't keep up...it's nice to stand in front of it from time to time and superchill my sweat, though. :)

The Saw Dust Generator was put to the test, the binding channel is cut and the rough carve of the top is done.
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp10.htm

The control cavity for the backloaded electronics is cut, wire paths are drilled.
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp11.htm

The router jig for the truss rod is refit to a router that actually works , the truss rod is routed and set in place, and the neck is profiled.
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp12.htm

More to come soon...

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/texasteleproject.htm
Updates:

It's been a long time coming but I have an update on my Tele project...actually it's a sizable one. Lots of new pics and some really good progress.

I have finished the routing on the body with the completion of the control cover cavity and the cover itself.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp11.htm#cover

I finished up the heavy carving and all that is left is scraping and sanding to final shape.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp10.htm#carve2

The binding has been installed.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp13.htm

Much progress on the neck. The truss rod is complete, the fretboard is planed, cut and slotted, and the whole works glued up.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp12.htm#neck2

And, even though it's not part of the build, I have done additional work on the shop to make it more usable...namely, insulating it from the the 105 heat index we have already endured this year. I have it down to a comfy 87 without A/C.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp03.htm#insul

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

I have the fretboard shaped to the neck, dot inlays done and the fretboard/inlays sanded to finished radius.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp12.htm#neck3

Peace,
Mark

[Mike Package]

Looking good! What caused the tearout around the fret markers?

I have the same frustrations you have with the SM fret slotting jig. It works, but yeah, there's gotta be a better way...

[Mark Crenshaw]

Looking good! What caused the tearout around the fret markers?

I have the same frustrations you have with the SM fret slotting jig. It works, but yeah, there's gotta be a better way...

Thanks Mike!

I think it was a combination of my technique and the small amount of wood there is between frets on that end of the fretboard. It might be better to mark the frets by scoring with the fret saw, drill the holes for the inlays, then cut the fret slots.

On top of the other challenges of using that jig, I have thought about adding some graphite guide blocks, like I use on my band saw...that squawking the saw makes when it bottoms out is like fingernails on a chalkboard. :(

Peace,
Mark

[Mike Package]

Thanks Mike!

I think it was a combination of my technique and the small amount of wood there is between frets on that end of the fretboard. It might be better to mark the frets by scoring with the fret saw, drill the holes for the inlays, then cut the fret slots.

On top of the other challenges of using that jig, I have thought about adding some graphite guide blocks, like I use on my band saw...that squawking the saw makes when it bottoms out is like fingernails on a chalkboard. :(

Peace,
Mark

Did you use a regular twist bit? I do my inlays using the same steps you followed and don't get any tearout or chipping at all. But I think my bit is a spur bit/brad point. Nothing fancy - it's probably from HF or Lowes....but I suppose it might make a difference...

[Mark Crenshaw]

Did you use a regular twist bit? I do my inlays using the same steps you followed and don't get any tearout or chipping at all. But I think my bit is a spur bit/brad point. Nothing fancy - it's probably from HF or Lowes....but I suppose it might make a difference...

Hi Mike. Yeah, I have brad point for wood and Thunderbots fro metal work...I grabbed from the wrong set. All the others except the last hole went fine. Guess I got lucky on those.

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

Big update. Lots of progress. LOTS of new pics!!! Some of my tags aren't working quite right, you may have to scroll a bit on the pages.

Entire Project
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/texasteleproject.htm

Dry Fit
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/prog13.jpg
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/prog14.jpg (http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/prog14.jpg)
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/prog15.jpg (http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/prog15.jpg)

Updates:

The binding and carved top are scraped and leveled:
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp13.htm#bind2

The neck is rough carved:
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp12.htm#neck4

Then, the final carve to the finished profile, fretboard trued:
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp12.htm#neck5

Frets installed:
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp12.htm#neck6

Control reccesses are cut, controls test fitted:
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp10.htm#control

The string and ferrule holes are drilled:
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp11.htm#holes



Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

The work on the guitar has been a bit slow because I have been working on final design and execution for the design. I have been trying to get the right color and deal with getting a clean tape line while using dyes...thanks to Leo over in the Project Finishing forum, I have that figured out. So, here are some shots of the progress.

I wanted to live with the design a bit before commiting so I printed it out full size and taped it down to the guitar...but I noticed right away that there is too much white in the design. So, I came up with an alternate layout...see below.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin05.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin11.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin12.jpg


Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

So, this is the second, and I think final, layout. I like the fact that the red now surrounds the neck pocket and neck pickup. Plus it tones down the white considerably. My hope is to start the finish this weekend.

You can see the 2 designs side by side here:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/compare.htm

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin16.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin18.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin18.jpg

I'll update the blog this week and thru the finishing process.

Peace,
Mark

[Justin Cavender]

That looks nice Mark I wish I was better at finishing work. My workspace only allows for hand applied finishes Plus I have reactions to lacquer.

[Mark Crenshaw]

That looks nice Mark I wish I was better at finishing work. My workspace only allows for hand applied finishes Plus I have reactions to lacquer.

There are brushing lacquers that you could use if you protect yourself from the fumes or contact, which ever causes your reactions.

Actually, I have been investigating water based finishes a bit. Lacquer is the ultimate for guitars, but it carries some heavy responsibilty in usage, storage and disposal. As well as protecting yourself from it.

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

I've started on the finish. I have the white sections done. Using Mixol Oxide White in lacquer was the application I went with. Very true to the look I had put together in Photoshop.

You can see the whole process at...

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp14.htm

This is the top before wet sanding.

http://crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin33.jpg

And after.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin43.jpg

I'm very pleased with the results. You can see the figure came back nicely and even glows in a few spots.

Here's a shot of it while it was wet during sanding...a hint of what it will look like with polished top coats.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin42.jpg

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

Well, not really an update but a nice addition to the BLOG. Yesterday was my birthday and my wife surprised me with this little morsel honoring my current guitar build...Thanks Dear!!!

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/bc01.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/bc02.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/bc03.jpg

Peace,
Mark

[Dan Hilgart]

Wow, one has talent in the woodshop and the other has talent in the kitchen! You make a great pair!

[Mark Crenshaw]

Wow, one has talent in the woodshop and the other has talent in the kitchen! You make a great pair!

Thanks Dan!

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

Well, I managed to find some time yesterday to work on the build. Here is a quick update.

The red bar on the body is done .

More pics and info at:
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp14.htm#redbar (http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp14.htm#redbar)

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin46.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin52.jpg



The neck has the vintage amber applied.

More pics and info at:
http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp12.htm#neck7 (http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/ttp12.htm#neck7)

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/nk67.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/nk68.jpg



Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

The blue bar has been sprayed and it's starting to look like the guitar I've been waiting for all these months. I'm very happy with the results...deep, rich color and lots of figure showing thru...the picture doesn't fully show it but the figure looks like it's boiling under there. Love it!

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin56.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin57.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin58.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin60.jpg

I'll have more pics and info in the build BLOG soon.

Peace,
Mark

[Jim Becker]

Wow...that's outstanding, Mark!

[Mark Crenshaw]

The weather has been beautiful this weekend...highs in the 70's...unheard of in August. The humidity has also been low and I was able to get the back ot the guitar sprayed today. Just lots of wet sanding and clear coats left to go!

A couple of progress shots....

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin68.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin71.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin72.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin73.jpg

I haven't been able to update the build BLOG, and I'm falling behind. But I will this week for sure.
Peace,
Mark

[Justin Cavender]

looking good Mark I bet you are itching to play it.

[Mark Crenshaw]

looking good Mark I bet you are itching to play it.

Hi Justin. Thanks.

Yeah, it's getting difficult to take my time with the final stages, I want to have it done and enjoy it. But, I've come too far to rush now. I see my biggest remaining hurdle as letting it sit for 2 weeks after final clear coats before I buff it out :(

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

Some additional pics on a thrown together web page...no info at this point, just pics.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/black.htm

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

Wow...that's outstanding, Mark!


Hi Jim. Thanks!

I can't say that it all went according to plan but it's coming along nicely. :cool:

Peace,
Mark

[Kevin McMichael]

Looks great. You seem to be a big fellow did you make the nut width oversize? You can get away with a little.

Nothing like a Tele and a 5F1(tweed champ).

[Ben Martin]

Wow, pretty impressive work. That is a great looking Tele!

[Mark Crenshaw]

Looks great. You seem to be a big fellow did you make the nut width oversize? You can get away with a little.

Nothing like a Tele and a 5F1(tweed champ).

Hi Kevin. Thanks! I went with standard width...1 5/8". While I am a "big fellow"...thanks for being kind :), I've always played Fenders and I'm used to the spacing...though, this is my first Tele. I'm very anxious to get it finished. I played it a bit during a dry fit.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/prog13.jpg
It intonated beautifully and the action, though roughed in, was pretty good. It was tough to judge the final tone since I had the bridge pup going straight to output. But, it sounded great even then.

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

Wow, pretty impressive work. That is a great looking Tele!

Hi Ben. Thanks!

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

Reviving this old thread and continuing a build I started last year. Things have come together for this build and another I have going and I'm ready for final clear coats.

The body and neck are level sanded and ready to spray. I'll have more tonight or tomorrow.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin76.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin75.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin74.jpg

Peace,
Mark

[Mark Crenshaw]

I put 4 coats of clear on yesterday. This guitar is finally showing it's personallity! I've waited a very long time on this one.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/fin78.jpg

More clear today...then a level sanding before final coats.

Peace,
Mark

[Jim Becker]

Ooooh...that is yummy! The character is really coming out as you add the clear coats!

[Mark Crenshaw]

Well, after almost a year in the making, The Texas Tele is complete. I buffed it out this morning and I'm very pleased with the results. The grain really pops and it's very close to my original concept.

I went back and found a mock up shot with the full size printout taped to it and replicated the shot with the finished guitar. The flash washes it out a bit so I'll have to take some better pics tomorrow in enough light that I can turn off the flash.

Mock Up

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/mock01.jpg

Real Deal

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/mock02.jpg

Glad to have this one done. It's very easy to play and sounds pretty good. I'll post some sound clips later.

Peace,
Mark

[Doug W Swanson]

Excellent!

The grain really has a shimmer to it. I bet it looks even better in person.

Doug

[Van Huskey]

Very nice!! I like the design.

[Mark Crenshaw]

I took some pics outdoors so I could eliminate the flash. You can see the figure and carved top much better in these.

Even though this wasn't the first complete build I finished, it was the first I started. I put so much pressure on myself to make this guitar perfect, I had to put it aside for awhile and do something else. Now, I'm just enjoying the time I spend building. And I'm glad to have this one finished.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/finish01.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/finish02.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/finish03.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/texastele/finish04.jpg

Peace,
Mark

[Jim Becker]

Wow, Mark. That's a handsome instrument! Congrats on its completion.

[Seth Dolcourt]

Now *THAT* should be a state flag....