I've been waiting to build a guitar for a brother who lost a daughter, and I've been on the fence on which one to build, you just convinced me this one is the one. I'll be laser burning her portrait into the face of the guitar so he can hold her whenever he wants. Music is therapy. Thanks Sean.

In the 70's I use to work in an auto body shop, and paint G.M. cars with acrylic lacquer, before they used clear coat, and I would buff the cars with orange compound for the factory look. When I repainted my strats. I used the same paint as you . Then buffed the body by hand with the orange compound after a light 220 sand. I couldn't believe how good it came out. Now all these years later it still looks like a factory paint job. This channel is right up my alley. Glad I found it. Awesome job. YOU the man!

A Kit is a Great way to go if You don't have all the power tools needed to cut out & route one... Never had a Tele, May just need to Build one of those Kits ! Thanks for the Video & See Y'All Tonight.. Forever Scarred !!!

Everybody needs a 10mm socket, because if you are a mechanic, you always lose the 10mm for some weird reason. Mechanics usually have extra 10mm sockets.

I really enjoy all your videos but this one may be my favorite. I have no mechanical aptitude whatsoever but I'm still tempted to try building a guitar kit. Great job!🤠🤠

Built a spalted maple top black binding tele kit a few years back. Drilled for string through, changed ALL hardware and added six way tele switch. Burst lacquer paint job and back.

Brings back memories. Got a DC Axe, 2 PU Gibson knockoff of a dual humbucker Melody Maker, like Ibanez makes. Replaced the cheap parts and put in P94's. It is one of my favorite guitars. Didn't know jack when I started. But by the time I finished, I have never had to pay for a setup, again. And I got a guitar with a good neck and a good sound.

Great idea, Sean 💡 You make me smile, and I always learn something. (Ive got a metallic blue Squire tele that I set up that I like.) "Plug & Play?!!?" _Sheet_ ... Even I could do it 😂 😮😅

When wet sanding it helps to use a very mild soap solution, a little Dawn works great

I can't lie. I was an ol' pantyhose rubber before I started watching this channel lmao but for real Sean set me straight!

I asked my kids for this exact kit for Father's Day. My first build, I can't wait. Using your tips I'm sure I'll get a nice guitar for under $100.

I've been playing my whole damn life. Playing over 50 years. You might say I know what I'm doing, somewhat. I've owned your Gibson Les pauls (late 50s jr.)and your Fenders (old Duo Sonic)You sir have inspired me to build a guitar.Thank you, damn it.

You proved your point on that bridge. Trolls will be trolls. You schooled em, Sean. Great job. Killer Tele. DYTMSG! You da man!

Thank you Sean and Cathy. Thanks to y'all I am building my own kits and upgrading those I already have. Y'all are awesome. Thanks.

I just finished one. It’s a lot of fun. I am really happy with it. If you already have tools, paints, clear coats etc it will be cheaper. If you are starting with nothing and thinking this is a way to save money to get a guitar? Go buy a finished one. But if you want to dip your toe in the water, it’s totally worth it.

Your right mr Sean my telly is a string through. I watched you and done it and come out perfect thank you I will keep watching.

Scar My Guitar - giving novice luthiers confidence since 2012!! Wooooo!!! Great build. You had a chance to do a Jeff Senn or L&L headstock. They are fun Tele options. Cheers!!

I have an idea for you Sean. In the automotive world kit cars are offered so people can own extremely rare or extremely expensive cars. You could build your own guitar kits and bring back some old classics or unaffordable guitars. The original Fender Bullet was only offered in 81 and 82. When these guitars are done right they look and play better than a Telecaster. I say that because I own one so don't get the OCD fired up. I can see it now---- The Scarred Bullet--- up there with the Shelby Cobras. Just a thought.

I could have bet all the money I don’t have that you’d make this video . . . and that it would end up blue!! That wheel paint adds a nice metallic sheen on there - great idea. I keep hoping I’ll be able to build a guitar someday, even if it’s just a kit. There’s nothing like making things with your own hands, right?! (I come from a genetic pool of artists and carpenters - I’ve only tried my hand at the former, not the latter.) It’s not just about slapping the parts on a kit and calling it a day, but the therapeutic process and trying to build the best guitar you can. On top of that, it’s also about creative expression - tone wise, putting different parts, and then making it your own with the finish (you don’t have to just paint or stain - go hog wild with materials!). Of course, playing and admiring something you mostly made yourself will always put a smile on your face. One disappointment is that the neck is only 21 frets. I wonder if their other kits have necks with 22 or 24 frets. Oh and the bridge rattling. They either need a better bridge or to route for ferrels. If I offered another point of advice, everyone always ends up upgrading the farty sounding pickups. Maybe they can just charge a small up-charge to get an upgraded kit with better pickups and pots - maybe with some resistors/capacitors like orange drops, bumblebees, or those reddish/brownish ones already soldered on. Or offer it as an add-on kit, but I figure it makes sense to offer an upgraded kit so nobody is paying for crappy parts they won’t use. And btw, good move to include pickups with quick connects because the soldering part is often what stops people from trying to build kits - honestly, I have no clue why ALL pickups are just made with quick connects these days, including those from major manufacturers (it’s easier to cut them off if you need to solder onto your other parts, but if you don’t have to solder, why deter people?). The booklet itself has a lot of value including a template for the headstock and very clear diagrams/instructions. I’ve never seen a kit online that says it comes with two pick guards and shielding - and it’s the foil kind, not the messy crappy black paint that requires at least 2-3 coats. For the price they’re asking, these kits are a HUGE value. Imagine if they have a sale. Not you gotta get the guys at IYV to top this kit. Let’s start a kit war, lol. Good for the companies. Good for the manufacturers. Let’s see what you can do to top this kit, IYV! (And send me a sample for coming up with the challenge, lol! 😉😂)

Man, a kit is tempting but I got so many guitars now. That said my current favorites to play are parts casters I built.

I built a diy Tele from Solo. I used your scroll controls and pickups you used . Way nice Thanks

The neck position still sounds like both pickups at the same time.

I bought this kit around Christmas just redid it recently, made it a string through and leveled the frets, balled the ends too. Love the show and thanks for sharing.

I built the leo Jamyz mahogany tele kit...and it came out awesome . Plays and sounds great !

I built a diy Tele kit from Bex Gears off Amazon about 3-4 years ago I replaced and upgraded the hardware , electronics and pickups. I painted it and everything , it was my first one and came out pretty decent. The neck was phenomenal and easily as nice as some of my guitars that cost upwards of $600. I'll definitely do another one in the future...

no way you can get one of those cheap guitar kits sounding as good as a $1000+ Fender.. you'd need to put a $20 set of pickups in it to do that 😏

Great job as always! Sounds killer.

There we go! Absolutely!

Thank you!!! I’ve been wanting to try to build a kit for a long time!

Great video. Finished product looks and sounds great.

Great job Sean and excellent call on the bridge.

Man, you did a great job on that. Thank you for sharing this.

Sounds great to my ear love the neck pup

Thats a terrific tele. I am thinking of doing a kit build and this was a great instructional vid 👍

swapping magnets doesn't change resistance but it does affect inductance or Henries.

Superb, thanks for this! Really enjoyed yer banter!

There are actually a few companies that make plug and play kits. Bex Guitars and Solo come to mind immediately, plus Guitar Fetish offers a complete plug and play system with prewired harnesses, pickups, and the output jack. I do think it's odd that they included a plug and play setup with a paddle headstock. A soldering iron is cheap and much easier to learn to use properly than a router. 🤣

Awesome job

it turned out beautiful. Great color on the neck as well.

You’re definitely talking to me on this one. I’ve been thinking about putting together a build and already have a couple of Leo Jaymz guitars as it is. I think I’m gonna have to take the challenge.

That kit wasn't bad at all, I thought it was cool they included the black and white pickguards to give you some choice in the flavor. Six saddle bridge and string through body, I agree with 100,000%. Love the pro tip on correcting the fitment issues you might find like the control pocket being too small. I saw you remove the nut, did you "adjust" it or replace it with a bone nut? I think the finish you got was pretty damn good too. I know you must know how to make that finish like glass/mirror finish if you wanted to> I also know that doing that would take forever and it isn't necessary or that cool. Your finish has character and the character will become better with wear, tear and age because we know your scarred guitar ain't no closet queen! Love you man, I'll say hey at 10 tonight.

Jimmy Page played his telecaster top loaded and he preferred it. It does have a unique sound but no issues with quality saddles.

Love your channel, my friend. great Guitar demos. Keep up the stellar work.

I love this build

Keep on rocking brother, awesome Chanel🎉🎉

I recently got a Ibanez style guitar kit, and I can't wait to tear into it. Gonna be awesome! Thanks again for the inspiration to build a guitar. Your channel ROCKS!

Very nice, sounds like a very nice tele and looks great!!

I look forward to your videos. This is a great channel, thanks!

Scar, I can't believe you sprayed that beautiful body with high heat engine rattle can paint from autozone, lol !! That once was a beautiful body that should of been stained, then a coat of sanding sealer, sanded and finallt spray about 3 to 5 coats of clear w/ sanding in-between each until the final coat....

Im building a big hollow jazz box. Set neck, no back plates and wiring through the sound hole. This is my first attempt at a kit like this but it has a great finish and all aftermarket parts. Just waiting for the neck/body glue to dry. It should be great! btw I have never seen a guitar kit with a set of instructions.

I build guitars, and I do enjoy watching you.

I've been watching your channel for a bit now, and I agree with everything you've been saying. You have great content and ive learned alot from your wisdom. Thanks for telling I like it is bro. Keep up the great work 🤘

Excellent vid. Thank you...

Looks like a terrific Tele

those builds on that website are pretty dope..

Nice hat!!

Sounds awesome, Shawn. A testament to your skills. Maybe there's hope for me.

Cool project, Shawn! Yes. String thru is the way to go! You and Cathy take care!

Great video. I think I've found my Father's day gift!

Awesome job always great thank you 🙏

Nice video Sean, I sure hope it helps to spark an interest in DIY guitar building. That color you chose is almost Lake Placid Blue, like the Strat I am building. Keep'em coming. Drop of set of Cathy's pups in that T-Style you built in this video, that would seal the deal. Thanks y'all.

Great video I'm going to build me one!

I have an tele one ,time to upgrade it

Just curious what was the stain you used on the neck? Love the videos keep them coming!

See y’all tonight brotha

I saw what you did there hammering in those string ferrules. 😉 That blue chrome looks sick though.

Think I am going to try one of these! Thanks, Sean! Hey, I was unsubscribed from your channel yesterday? Not the first time either!

Great vid, sir. Now I gotta build a guitar.

I have 6 tele style ones, 1 with a nice trem and got it signed by Nuno !!

Love what you do 😮

Thanks again,humble garage luthier, I have learned so much from you, and l been building since 1978. Hi cathy!

Bro, thank you for what you do on KZfaq. You've sparked up some motivation in me to where I definitely want to try a DIY guitar. Only thing is, I don't have guitar tech tools. I'm somewhat picky with the body style of my guitars. The Strat body is ok but the body that really does it for me is the Les Paul. I've looked on Amazon and those LP style guitars don't do it for me. But, there are a couple a different style flying V's witch are the one's I'll get. I don't do any E-bay. My sister in-law shops E-bay and from what I've seen from there it's used stuff. I don't want used stuff. Who else makes DIY guitars I can choose from? Keep up the great work bro, your awesome.

Also, I found a set of spray can trigger handles on Amazon. I paint a lot and I find them very useful.

I did a headless kit from Leo Jaymz. I gave a hundred bucks for it. It came out pretty nice. But the first time I went to tune it up, one of the tuners fell off in my hand. They would not replace cuz it was past warranty. Even though I had to finish it and put it together. I can tune it and it stays pretty good, but I really wanted it to be right. Nice content buddy

I bought the Bex gears Tele kit they make nice kits also

I was all set to get one of these and attempt to build it and then noticed all the tools necessary/ needed for building and setting one up appropriately. I like that you had so much listed what was needed and where to get it. What about the template? Maybe I overlooked where that was. I could use the dremel tool, but I've no clue how much to take out. Anywho, awesome video as usual.

I'm curious why you don't do more with the finish. Spray, sand back, spray, sand back etc. I think it looks good as it is and a whole lot better than anything I've achieved.

I just wish all these tool companies, would figure out a way to make a 10mm socket, that doesnt grow legs when we're not looking.

I shared on my FB great video I wish my painted one turned out half that good.or 1/3 that good.

Awesome

Excellent 🙂 Have you tried Iron Gear pick ups ? Brilliant pick ups for the money, got them in a few of my guitars

Ordered the kit. Probably gonna video my build. Gonna mod it so it’s mine.

It turned out awesome Sean. It shows that you used satin on the neck, did you spray the fretboard as well?

Looks great! Leo James kit looks like a very well made kit. Thanks for showing us novices.

I’m a fast learner and you my friend are a awesome teacher very detailed and I’ve learned everything I know now about guitar repairs I’ve learned from you and I am Truly Forever Grateful I’m trying to talk my wife into letting us join the channel bro I need you

looks great

Looks pretty cool but I would've grain filled the body so the finish would've been a bit better. Overall though, I dig what you did with it.

Listen bro I can’t tell you just how much respect I have for you I’ve been watching you as much as I can and I am truly confident that I can do anything you can and I will like you to Begin with I’m Poor but I’m a hard worker have been all my life but after seeing just how hard you and Cathy have to be working to do all this stuff for us and working to pay bills and take care of yourself and your family Life I stand in AWE nothing but Mad RESPECT I can’t say it enough y’all are Awesome and I Love ya

Nice AutoZone plug......they sign my checks and payed for my Reaper!...I wanna build a tele now I know where to get the paint!

You could check out the Pango kits they have a bunch of different styles lots of set neck models too thanks for all the info Sean I have a flying V kit Im still collecting parts for my first build. They have there own website not amazon.

Oh yeah nice hat 😊 and THANK YOU and Cathy

Great Video 📸

I love your vids. I watch every one. My kids love em too. I wish I could tell what your pickups sound like. Every guitar and every pickup selection sounds almost identical on my end. If you say they suck or say they sound great I just have to take your😊 word for it because it always sounds the same. May be your amp, pedals, sound card. I’m not sure but other content providers are able to have differentiating pickup tones so it’s not the KZfaq compression only. Anyway, luv yer stuff brah!!!

I am a guitar noob, but it does sounds a lot better to me when the strings goes through the body.

You Rock !

I had a blast building my GKW kit. Stays in tune bone nut heavy ash bound strat. Richlite fretboard. It will eventually get upgrades. But dude I have been playing the hell out of it. It's a bit doubled in cost though. But all is spot on ...yeah bridge is cheap and the pickups but, I cannot believe It is indeed a player. Not a wall hanger. It pays to build. No doubt. If this one or any are near as good costing even less , it's a no Brainer. I might sand a arm carve but it's got binding. Who cares? Maybe it will turn out maybe it not but it will still play. It's nice piece of Ash! Lmao.

Your right ! 🙂

Excellent ❤

Holder Downer 5000, last link. Save 11% if you buy two. You know you need one.

Swapping magnets won't change the resistance, but it may change the inductance. It would be interesting to see how much. I think you would need a different meter, one that measures in Henries.