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Post subject: Modification/Customization Idea--Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 12:35 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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I love this particular model of Gretsch:

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They match my personal "style and vibe", especially the visual...cooler than cool. I especially like the "Brand" and the leather binding/Concho studs...

However, an original is ridiculously out of reach (financially) and the reissues aren't exactly in my budget, either.

So, I have an idea, but a lack of knowledge as to how to make my idea work.

How would I "bind" a leather strip around the edge of my Telecaster? I don't mind putting a number of holes in the body (I know, it's a non-reversible modification), but I don't want the finish to start chipping/splitting/cracking under the leather, leading to visible damage on the front of the guitar. I have thought about pre-tapping the holes with a small drill bit, but I'm not sure of the viability of that idea.

I have enough conchos (or whatever they're called) and have some sources to get the leather tooled...

Any ideas?



PS--if you think this is stupid or ugly or whatever, you're entitled to your opinion. Keep it to yourself. I would just like some advice on how to make this work.

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Post subject: Re: Modification/Customization Idea--Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:11 pm
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Hello Scream In Armadillo, you deapostrophised fellow, you. I don't know what adhesive Gretsch use, but I'd go with a two-part epoxy for gluing leather to a polymerised surface like guitar finish. Araldite is the recognised brand name for that sort of glue where I live. Do they have that one your side of the pond? By whatever name, I mean the stuff that comes in two toothpaste style tubes, where you mix equal parts of each together with a match stick or similar and then slather onto the surface to be stuck.

Also, I'd give the finish round the side of the guitar a good working over with P320 sand paper first, to provide a "key" to help the glue adhere.

Any drilling for the metal parts I'd then do afterwards, through leather and wood together, for perfect alignment of the holes.

Are you going to give the Tele your Armadillo cattle brand? I can take or leave the tooled leather, but that brand is essential! [Whipcrack sound effects and cries of "Rawhide"!]

Cheers - C

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Post subject: Re: Modification/Customization Idea--Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:30 pm
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I'm undecided about the branding iron, due to similar concerns as my original question (chipping/flaking of the finish).

Also, the brand is somewhat large to fit comfortably on the face of the guitar, so I would either brand the back or make another (smaller) branding iron...also, I had planned on getting some subtle hotrod-style pinstripes painted on the guitar, which might end up being overkill on the visuals.

As far as gluing and then drilling, that was my original idea; but do you foresee any chipping/cracking of the paint under the leather that could potentially spiderweb out onto the face or back of the guitar?

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Post subject: Re: Modification/Customization Idea--Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:34 pm
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Quote:
Hello Scream In Armadillo, you deapostrophised fellow, you.

Lack of punctuation is the third leading cause of mental distress amongst Texas Roadhouse Musicians...

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Post subject: Re: Modification/Customization Idea--Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:44 pm
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Location: Peckham: where the snow leopards roam
I've always been lucky drilling through lacquer and come away with nice clean holes, but I get what you're saying. I guess using a good, new, sharp drill bit might help, and not pressing hard on the drill but letting it do the work at its own speed, as they say.

Then again, I remember a video of the Fender factory where a woman on the line was drilling the holes for bridge and pickguard using a Foredom style handheld drill, and she was working incredibly fast and accurately, drilling straight through the finish without any cracking problems. So I feel you'd be very unlucky to have any difficulties.

But if it all goes wrong it wasn't me that said to do it this way!

Ah, the luxury of armchair advice on the internet...

Good luck - C

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Post subject: Re: Modification/Customization Idea--Advice Needed
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 1:46 pm
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Screamin Armadillo wrote:
Quote:
Hello Scream In Armadillo, you deapostrophised fellow, you.

Lack of punctuation is the third leading cause of mental distress amongst Texas Roadhouse Musicians...

We need the full list, please.

Cheers - C

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Post subject: Re: Modification/Customization Idea--Advice Needed
Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 4:07 am
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I think it'll look stupid and ugly.

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Post subject: Re: Modification/Customization Idea--Advice Needed
Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 6:13 am
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GilgaFrank wrote:
I think it'll look stupid and ugly.

Thank you, I appreciate your input. :P

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Post subject: Re: Modification/Customization Idea--Advice Needed
Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 7:33 am
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It's been done before, the " Dream factory " Fender Custom Shop Book has a couple examples of telecaster's in rodeo attire :wink:
I'm not sure if they describe the process or not but it would be a start for idea's...

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Post subject: Re: Modification/Customization Idea--Advice Needed
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2014 9:20 am
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GilgaFrank wrote:
I think it'll look stupid and ugly.
Frank, Frank, Frank...

SA: You should have no troubles drilling into the sides of the guitar, but pilot holes are a must. It's just a block of wood.

I am a professional woodworker, you can trust me.

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