Workshop

Telecaster Thinline Project
A current work in progress, this Telecaster Thinline differs from the usual design in that it's hollow on the treble side of the body as well as the bass side (two f-holes, insead of one). This will make it exceptionally light. The body is very old Queensland Maple (similar characteristics to mahagony), and Tasmanian Myrtle top (quite figured but hasn't shown up in the photo). The neck is Rock Maple with an Ebony fretboard.

I've drawn inspiration from the Gibson CS-336, which is a smaller bodied ES-335 style guitar with the back and sides carved from a single piece of mahogany. The 335 has a reputation for fitting into just about any style of music from jazz & blues, to rock and even country. This is also a goal for the Tele Thinline.

For pickups I've opted for a P-90 style single coil in the neck position for a fat blues & jazz sound, and I will most likely put a Seymour Duncan Li'l '59 Humbucker in the bridge for rock sounds. The bridge will be a traditional tele style with three compensated brass saddles.

Overall, I'm hoping this guitar will achieve the typical resonance of a telecaster with the harmonic overtones of a semi-hollow guitar.

Progress So Far

The Concept

Amps

Amps
Greg Dixon and I have been creating several handwired amps over the last couple of years for personal use, as well as for a few friends. So far, designs have been based on classic circuits like the Fender 5E3 deluxe, Marshall's 18 watt amps from the mid 60's and 50w Plexi's, the Vox AC15, as well as some Fender Blackface designs. It's an obsessive hobby, and very satisfying to capture some incredible tones. I'll post some photos and sound clips soon.