How to Custom Build A Tele from StewMac

Ever dreamed of building your own custom electric guitar from scratch? In this 8-part series, StewMac’s Brock Poling walks you through the entire process — no big workshop or expensive CNC machines required! You just need a little patience, imagination, and attention to detail to create a guitar you'll treasure for a lifetime.T-Style Electric Guitar Kit

T-Style Electric Guitar Kit If you're new to guitar building this kit's a great way to start: this is the classic electric guitar design that's fun to build, and you'll learn a lot.Episode #2 - Gluing up the foundation of your guitar  Now the real fun begins! In Episode 2, we’re making all the big decisions that will define your custom electric guitar. What body shape will you choose? What types of wood will bring out the tone you want? What style hardware will complete your vision? Join Brock as he walks through his own design process of crafting a stunning rosewood tele, and sharing expert tips along the way. Tools and supplies featured in this video include: Luthier’s Digital Caliper https://www.stewmac.com/item/0447 Stewmac Hygrometer/Thermometer https://www.stewmac.com/item/5814 Fret/Fingerboard Leveler https://www.stewmac.com/item/4579 StewMac Machinist Square Set https://www.stewmac.com/item/4950 Titebond Original https://www.stewmac.com/item/0622 Aluminum Bar Clamp https://www.stewmac.com/item/3714 Stewmac Ultimate Scraper https://www.stewmac.com/item/103469 Episode #3 - Cutting a tele build to its final shape  A great guitar starts with a rock-solid foundation! In Episode 3, Brock walks you through the crucial steps of prepping and gluing up your body blank. Learn how to avoid imperfections in the wood, line everything up perfectly, and clamp it all together for a super strong, stable body.Episode #4 - Cutting a tele build to its final shape  In Episode 4, Brock walks you through the process of cutting and shaping your guitar body. You’ll learn how to accurately trace your body template, make a rough cut on the bandsaw, and then carefully route the blank to its final shape. By the end of this step, you’ll have a guitar body that looks and feels like the real deal—and you’ll be one step closer to playing your own custom build!Tools and supplies featured in this video include: Precision Straightedge https://www.stewmac.com/item/3849 Cam Clamp https://www.stewmac.com/item/3723 Titebond Original Glue https://www.stewmac.com/item/0662 Swivel Handle Clamp https://www.stewmac.com/item/3705 Routing Template for Vintage Tele https://www.stewmac.com/item/2376Episode #5 - Picking hardware and routing the neck pocket  Now it’s time to gear up! In Episode 5, we’re going shopping for all the essential hardware that will bring your custom guitar to life—pickups, bridges, ferrules, knobs, jack plates, and more! Once the parts are picked, it’s back to the build. Brock shows you how to customize and use a neck pocket template to anticipate an oil finish, then carefully route the neck pocket for a perfect fit. To wrap things up, we true up the body sides using a variety of sanding cauls for a clean, pro-level result.Tools and supplies featured in this video include: TV Jones Classic Pickup https://www.stewmac.com/item/6536 Hipshot Hardtail Bridge https://www.stewmac.com/item/3550 Dome Knob https://www.stewmac.com/item/0169 Electrosocket Jack Mount https://www.stewmac.com/item/4284 Neck Mounting Plate https://www.stewmac.com/item/0131 Neck Pocket Routing Template for Fender https://www.stewmac.com/item/2276 Orange Multi-Purpose Tape https://www.stewmac.com/item/0678 Double-stick Tape https://www.stewmac.com/item/2711 Routing Template for Vintage Tele https://www.stewmac.com/item/2376 StewMac Machinist Square Set https://www.stewmac.com/item/4950 Bridge Spatula https://www.stewmac.com/item/4466 3M Stickit Gold Abrasives https://www.stewmac.com/item/5766 StewMac Shop Rule https://www.stewmac.com/item/4905Episode #6 - How to get PERFECT bridge placement on your guitarIn Episode 6, we’re focusing on one of the most critical steps in your guitar build—precisely locating and mounting the bridge. A well-placed bridge is essential for great playability, intonation, and tuning stability, so getting this right is a must! Brock walks you through his method of using a surrogate guitar neck to dial in the exact bridge position. Then, we temporarily mount the bridge to the body to determine the perfect placement for the string ferrules—a step that can be tricky, but Brock shares a game-changing tip to get it right every time.Tools and supplies featured in this video include: Fender Roasted Maple Telecaster Neck https://www.stewmac.com/item/5839-M StewMac Shop Rule https://www.stewmac.com/item/6246 Cam Clamp https://www.stewmac.com/item/3723 Hipshot Hardtail Bridge https://www.stewmac.com/item/3550 Double-stick Tape https://www.stewmac.com/item/2711 Inlay Tracing Scribe https://www.stewmac.com/item/1672Bridge Spatula https://www.stewmac.com/item/4466ColorTone Naphtha https://www.stewmac.com/item/0766 Flush-fit Guitar String Ferrules https://www.stewmac.com/item/0196Episode #7 - Creative routing for pickup and control cavitiesIn Episode 7, Brock guides you through routing the pickup and control cavities using customized templates. He covers what to consider when positioning your pickups and explains why making your own jigs is an essential skill for any guitar builder. And if you make a mistake? No problem—Brock shows how to recover from a routing slip using rosewood dust and superglue.Tools and supplies featured in this video include: TV Jones Classic Pickup https://www.stewmac.com/item/6536 Double-stick Tape https://www.stewmac.com/item/2711 StewMac Shop Rule https://www.stewmac.com/item/4905 StewMac Pocket File https://www.stewmac.com/item/4160 10 Thin StewMac Super Glue https://www.stewmac.com/item/0010 Episode #8 - Drilling for electronics and prep sanding for finish!We’ve made it to the final step! In Episode 8, Brock Poling walks you through the last crucial details—drilling holes for the electronic wires, locating and drilling the jack hole, and rounding over the edges for a smooth, comfortable feel. To wrap it all up, Brock carefully sands the entire body, getting it prepped and ready for an oil finish. After this step, your guitar will be fully shaped and ready for a neck!Tools and supplies featured in this video include: 12” Aircraft Extension Drill Bit https://www.stewmac.com/item/4840 Inlay Tracing Scribe https://www.stewmac.com/item/1672 Orange Multi-Purpose Tape https://www.stewmac.com/item/0678 Cam Clamp https://www.stewmac.com/item/3723 StewMac Shop Rule https://www.stewmac.com/item/4905 Electrosocket Jack Mount https://www.stewmac.com/item/4284 3M Stickit Gold Abrasives https://www.stewmac.com/item/5766