I have never built a guitar before, but I am going to try my hand at it this winter. I am only going to make the body, as I live in Wisconsin and came across some pretty great 100 year old pine from a friend's grandparents barn (coincidently, the new Custom Shop Masterbuilt Teles also use reclaimed barn wood for 2011). But, I have a few questions about hardware...
Has anyone used a G&L Saddle lock bridge instead of a standard through hole three saddle bridge for a standard tele?
What are the pros and cons of having the strings go through the guitar, rather than stop at the tail piece? From what I read on G&L's site, the saddlelock bridge is supposed to help with sustain, and is more efficient than a through the guitar string set up. Would that be the case?
I know if I use a G&L bridge, I will need to make a custom pickguard (because the bridge pickup will be off by itself), which I am okay with.
What do you guys think? Doable? Should I just opt for a standard three saddle vintage style bridge?
Also, I would like to put a P90 style pickup in the bridge (I own a 74 telecaster custom, so I don't need another guitar with the same "style" setup). But I was also thinking about putting a strat pickup in the middle. How hard is it to wire guitars? I have built my own pedals and modified my own amps, so I am not too worried. But I thought that I would ask...
Sorry this was so long.. but THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!!
PS: It was just brought to my attention that Francis Rossi from Status Quo has this type of setup...
<img src="http://media.photobucket.com/image/recent/SouthpawGuy/other%2520guitar%2520pics/rossi.jpg">
What do you guys think? I know a few of you have done DIY guitars.... am I nuts for trying this? I figured starting by just building a body would be easiest (that, and I do not have the tools needed to make a neck).. Any ideas for pickups would be GREATLY appreciated too.
Thanks!
