Build your DREAM TELECASTER from a CHEAP Guitar Fetish Kit

This is the story of how I built a high end boutique grade guitar from a cheap DIY kit from Guitar Fetish (GFS). The kit itself was not super awesome, but luckily even with a cheap kit theres very little that can't be fixed. I tried out a few new techniques for the sheetmetal pickguard and the enhanced wood grain on the body, and it turned out absolutely beautiful.
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Watch how I made the metal pickguard here:
• CHEAP and EASY DIY she...
Watch how I enhanced the black/silver wood grain here:
• ENHANCE your WOOD GRAI...
You can see my wiring issues here (two parts, the problems and the fix):
• pt. 1 How NOT to wire ...
• pt. 2: I FIXED IT!!! (...
Watch my original review of this kit here:
• Who has the BEST DIY T...
Here are all the parts I used in this build:
This is the guitar kit I’m building from guitar fetish, which is a great place to buy guitar bodies made of paulownia to use for this technique (Guitar Fetish is NOT an affiliate):
www.guitarfeti...
just the body here:
www.guitarfeti...
wood grain filler products:
For this particular project, black stain with metallic silver grain:
*Prices mentioned in this video are subject to change without notice. Please check the links below for current pricing.
Minwax true black stain:
amzn.to/2TpcVjM
Rub n buff metallic wax finish (silver leaf color):
amzn.to/2CbeUgZ (it’s about half this price in your local craft shop)
teak oil (for removing the top layer of wax):
amzn.to/2u5IYWV
To do a darker wood grain on a light stain use kiwi shoe polish as your wax finish:
amzn.to/2TrSrH4
Sheet metal:
www.lowes.com/...
Sheet metal nibbler drill attachement (BEST TOOL EVER!):
amzn.to/2SCjN86
Penetrol (for rust prevention):
amzn.to/2Xy3Xik
Minwax Satin Poly Spray (to protect from scratching):
amzn.to/2EFIRqO
bottle opener:
amzn.to/2DLYzjF
Deoxit d5:
amzn.to/2IpxE02
fishman powerbridge tele:
amzn.to/2VDsbGt
fishman powerchip:
amzn.to/2ZaNeCO
tele 4 way switch:
amzn.to/2UQk4JL
Push/Pull 500k pots:
amzn.to/2vXbNZe
Soldering tools:
soldering iron kit:
amzn.to/2GMuOkA
solder tip cleaner:
amzn.to/2Qbx1Zn
tip tinner:
amzn.to/2wO0QGy
wire strippers (not the exact ones I have, but these are basically the same and have good reviews):
amzn.to/2NUfKlS
22awg hookup wire:
amzn.to/2QiH2Ei
60/40 solder:
amzn.to/2wQfc9x
Full disclosure: I am an Amazon Associate, and the links in this description are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, it doesn't cost you any more money, but I will earn a commission.
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[@deBebbler]

As soon as I saw the bottle opener, I was sold. I am a simple man.

[@1thess523]

The "battery box" is the new secret pick holding compartment 👌😉

[@mattterrell4304]

Perfect

[@allenrussell1947]

When there's no battery, you can put your weed in there.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Pick holder...why didn’t I think of that??? Genius

[@1thess523]

@@GunsandGuitars i got your back brother ☝️👍

[@mattterrell4304]

I might intentionally do that

[@Christopher_Wheeler]

Dan, you have really stepped up your video production quality and it shows. Great job, friend!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks man, I tried some new stuff this time, I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback Chris!

[@Uncle_Buzz]

I was going to say the exact same thing! Gorgeous guitar.

[@TmX5566]

YO YOU FINISHED YOUR TELE THE DAY I FINISHED MY TELE this is perfect

[@GunsandGuitars]

Sweet! I’ll show you mine if you show me yours...

[@mrperkinsthehusky]

Still waiting for that Paul McCartney bass like in the ed Sullivan show from February 9th 1964.

[@_Heinle]

That finish is truly badass, Dan. I’m definitely going to have to try it on a build.

[@xxxepic_gamer_69xxx36]

Would you do a Flying V in the future?

[@nikolayjovanovic423]

or Explorer

[@chaosblade077]

​@@nikolayjovanovic423 Ditto, I'm about to do a Les Paul kit and if it goes well I'd like to do an Explorer later. Pit Bull Guitars has some, and I've read that at least some of their kits use the same manufacturing as TheFretwire. Leaning more toward that over Guitar Fetish or the random ebay kits.

[@micheltremblay4774]

I like the way that Tele sounds. Next time for your metallic pick guard patina, try copper sulphate.

[@see-em-ex]

I read a tutorial for a style similar to this quite a while back. The guy wet the wood and sanded it back over a few days to make the grain deeper and used nail filler mixed with stain powder to fill in the grain. He also used a thin sanding sealer before applying the grain stain so none sank through. I think his method was more geared towards colouring the grain as opposed to enhancing it, butbthe effect was pretty cool

[@DoseBand]

Dan I made a poor man's version of this guitar. It was my first build. I used the full guitar fetish tele kit and it came out very nice and plays very decent! I locked down the neck like you suggested. It did make a difference. Your site is awesome and easily your my favorite builder on KZbin! Your the perfect smart guy trial by error builder and you helped me have the confidence to do this! I would like to some how build a Malcom young style grestch 6131-MY. Just channel the vibe if you will. With that said, your scrap would bass build is giving me my new insperational? Thanks for all your great builds and tricks you teach on your site! Because of you,I got a fever and the prescription is more guitar builds!!! Rock on, Lee Dohse- Clinton, Iowa P.S. I would love to somehow send a photo of my version to you. This so you can see the joy your causing in the world! If not, I get it.

[@fredelcanas6674]

Your production is not the only thing that has improved; your guitar playing has too, remarkably. Keep doing these really helpful videos, man. Greetings from El Salvador.

[@druwk]

Great finish! Cool set up. Made a Strat with India Ink stain, and no wood filler. Deep black when not in direct light, and great grain definition in direct light. Really dig how the silver pops the grain on that axe! Like the tone options

[@JKentF]

Oh my god!!!!! That is EXACTLY how I’d want a Tele to look and sound. I’ve always thought that a guitar should have that Old West gun look, but I’m more or less a spastic when it comes to DIY projects. I’ve recently bought an Ibanez AF55-TKF, which is the closest I could find to that look. It’s a great guitar, but that Tele you made just leaves everything in the dust. Congratulations on a job very well done!

[@ransombaggins9301]

Every time I see this video on my front page or in search results I love it more and more. Wish I had the skills, tools, and patience to make this.

[@JIMIIXTLAN]

Bottle opener on your guitar BRILLIANT!

[@Harryk7988]

Love how you made a bunch of videos as you worked through the project, then did a final wrap up. Overall, just glad because it means more videos for me

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@dugbert5]

This is exactly what a kit build should be. Too many kits are simply assembled parts. Great job!

[@74dartman13]

That looks and sounds great! Your playing gets better with every video, too!👍😎🎸🎶

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks dart man!

[@74dartman13]

@@GunsandGuitars yep!☺

[@jhagenseker]

Awesome. I’m currently trying to convince my wife to let me have just one corner of the basement to make a guitar repair/mod table. Your channel will be on repeat for inspiration!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Yes! Get a work bench and have some fun!

[@ConstrutorMusical]

That turned out great. Thanks for sharing with us!

[@goodgoat3096]

That same finish using gold in place of the silver with gold hardware might be wowser! Love the finish.

[@mannypelayo7370]

Mags + piezo sounds like a sparkle drive built into the guitar. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@greg5950]

OMG like throwing a hot dog down a hall way lol said so casually, to funny Dan!

[@09numbers09]

This now format! Wow your videos get better and better quality keep it up!! Edit: please do an sg! 😋

[@johnpearson4899]

Really Nice!!!! Just as an after thought, try using 3" or 3 1/4" magnum shotgun shells for control knobs. They have longer brass that will provide a longer skirt to conceal the pot shafts better. It's just a simple aesthetics thing. One of those small insignificant things that some folks can't quite put their finger on but just notice something is making all the difference in the world or, they don't notice any pot shaft showing, as with regular knobs. Which is even better. Just my $0.02. Great build!!!!

[@ElectricNimPedalsPhilippines]

Watching from The Philippines 🇵🇭! Cheers mate! I love your guitar builds vids

[@salmonti9707]

Was just thinking about metal pickguards for a rat rod distressed guitar project. Thanks, now I have some perspective on what needs to be done.

[@sirenwavemtv8334]

Mags +piezo stereo sounds gorgeous oh my god

[@scarmyguitar]

Dan...came out amazing....That's why we call you The Man

[@Gideon.b99]

These build videos I enjoy the most. I like that you split it up into different parts for a change, but I think I prefer it all in one long video. I hope you'll start the ES-style bass soon, because I'm really interested in how you're gonna fix its mistakes and make it awesome!

[@chrisberrymanalo]

Gideon Buiting ya what he said😂

[@bobstokes1302]

Dang! This is soooo kick ass. I'm all in now. Was debating building a Tele. It is happening soon, now! Your work has hit on several of the things I had on my list! Thanks DAN!!!

[@robertschrader9557]

Love the open grain

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

I have to say, Dan, that at the early stages of this project I was just a tad dubious as to whether I was going to like it or not, but once again, you've shown that creativity can overcome any problem if you have the right skills and mindset at the time it's needed. I almost held out any hope of your doing a trick wiring setup which would do this baby justice, but you really came through! What you're delivering to this client is about as unique a set of tones as you'll see on any Tele, anywhere, including Fender's JA-90. Yeah, I know the JA is an extreme departure from a traditional Tele, but since it's a production model, it can't be truly "unique." I'm really digging the Minwax/Buff n' Rub finish. It makes me want to try something similar with gold instead of silver, along with gold hardware. I've had a set of P-Rails just waiting for a project...😃😎

[@GunsandGuitars]

Wow thanks so much for the encouragement man! And you should definitely do the black/gold with gold hardware. That would look incredible.

[@jamesthe-doctor8981]

Guns and Guitars you are always welcome man, and thanks for your encouragement too! I'll get to it soon I hope, but first I've got to design and carve another leather pickguard (this time for a black Music Man Sterling 5-string bass,) and two guitar straps. I haven't begun any designs yet, but one strap will be a complement to the Strat you've already seen, and the other is to be a dragon. Should be fun!

[@UnitedStatesel]

I really really want to build their mockingbird kit. I don't quite understand why I want to, but it always tempts me. I don't have a problem.

[@adammays3128]

Every single time I watch your videos, I want to build a guitar! I only have about 15 home projects, a 2 year old Toddler and travel for work to handle first.. Keep them coming! I'm debating a Harley Benton kit, have you done one of those yet?

[@bassdale17]

O my. your are an artist, Thanks for the privilege of peeking at your creations.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks dale

[@jacobledbetter7052]

I need to build one so bad!!! Dude I always look forward to seeing your videos, especially your build ones. It's so cool to see someone with the talent to turn something cheap into a true, functioning work of art. Keep it up!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Wow thanks!

[@dannbass]

I have in mind some project like this, the guitar decal and bottle opener are great feautures...👌

[@mikeyj6997]

One of the best guitar builds I think I’ve ever seen! I can’t wait to see what you do next!

[@rahl1233]

Awesome looking machine... the bottle opener is pure genius!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Right?

[@davibelo]

Awesome build!!! put silver grain on a black stain finish with a metalic pickguard! Nailed it! Nice done electronics configuration too (I a not a fan of complicated circuits, but you did a very good job!)

[@paulsmith2102]

One of the best looking build s you have shown

[@60battlecat]

Dude you said “ go ahead and stick around” that was it for me

[@sjohnson8079]

Wow! Very beautifully done Dan! Love all the options you put in it.

[@overlandperformance338]

Hey Dan, i would really like to see a frankenstrat made out of the floyd-rose squier you did.

[@keenanhall6416]

You should do dream Ibanez Jem next!

[@egeoeris]

Pro tip for the super glue trick. Make vertical slits on the screws so glue will also hold up with all the layers as one and you folded the surface area.

[@jayvessel3444]

Really enjoying the new video edits and production. And the build came out really good too, you've got good taste Dan.

[@Bixll09]

Very Cool. I am currently building my first guitar right now. Love the colour and finish. 2 thumbs up.

[@rockandrolleracdc]

Man this is the one I’ve been waiting for!

[@markod442]

Dan your channel is one of my favorites buddy , great stuff

[@Veggie_Tray]

Dude that’s such a big deal! Thank you so much! You always hook us up! I really appreciate it

[@GunsandGuitars]

You’re welcome! I hope you take advantage of it

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

Great job! Finish is gorgeous. Love my GF build.

[@hearpalhere]

Just watching the original build video of this guitar. Wow, you've really improved the basic kit nicely! Nice job! You are really inspiring me to start working on a kit myself.

[@StinkfaceMcPew]

Dude, the production quality is such a huge step up on this one. Good job!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks for the feedback! Tried some new things this time. Glad you liked it!

[@kurtisacevedo5911]

Guns and Guitars!? Hell. I'm home.

[@headstockharem4]

WOW! Really cool finish! So much customizing but worth it I'm sure!

[@freeelectron8261]

Great job on the black iron custom Tele! Sounds really good too.

[@stevesoldwedel]

This is a solid video. Really nice production, and your playing is great, too. I'm glad this build came together so well.

[@GilderGeek_Creations]

I’ve been thinking about building a guitar fetish guitar kit for a while. You did a great job on this tele!

[@mroarangecord]

Love that ceruse finish. Not sure I want it on my new tele build, but I know I will use it eventually.

[@opperior305]

The quality of editing is amazing, well done. 🙂

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks!

[@1777DK]

A KZbinr advocating safety equipment is a rare sight. Good job.

[@Denzil-CS]

Great, love the audio demo near the end. Must listen in stereo. The finish on the cheap body came out great. I'm sure you've figured out how do it easier next time. The hint of bare wood on a couple of curves is a nice detail.

[@Davix-tt9sh]

Perfect, really like that kit. This summer I think I'll build one, and I'll tune it in f# standard

[@haydenwilliams7720]

You should build the double neck strat from the fret wire!!

[@tyrssen1]

Hey, cheapie kits are a great starting point; and will work adequately, as-is. I'm in the process of upgrading a cheapie Strat (originally a Saga kit) with some GFS parts, and building one or two Tele's from GFS parts as well. That's a little different than just buying the kits, but you can select the parts ya want, that way. I found GFS to be good quality, and with excellent customer service.

[@GunsandGuitars]

You and I have had different experiences with them apparently. But there are a lot of people on the internet that say the same thing. I think I was unlucky.

[@tyrssen1]

@@GunsandGuitars Must be the case; I've never had a lick of problems with 'em, quite the contrary. Mind you, stuff won't be on the level of Fender, Lace, Duncan, etc.; but at these prices, that isn't expected. And Jack, in particular, was most helpful in promptly answering any questions I had. Guess it was just "luck of the draw."

[@akok5373]

Dan, I came here for the info. Normally, when the poster starts BS-ing away from the topic, I'm gone. After watching hours of your vids, U R still very much the entertainer. Bonus. We get a mixture of both. Peace to You and Yours.

[@tkk73]

Stumbled upon your videos for the first time today. Super impressive work ethic and craftsmanship. I’m left wondering if these kit builds would look even more custom with a nitro finish. Bravo on the drive to make them great.

[@seattleday9690]

I like the pickguard style. Stewmac sells strat and tele kits.

[@blairblythe1579]

Nice to see that it is finally finished great job

[@AOfuhSHO]

Absolutely loved following this build!

[@fulguren5189]

Good job Dan! At first I wasn't sure I liked this particular build, but in the end, I really do! I would actually like to buy this one

[@GunsandGuitars]

Sorry it was sold before it was built. But thanks for the compliment!

[@BrentSends]

The finish turned out amazing and I love the Bullet knobs! Would love to hear more about how you made those.

[@fonzybrookestone727]

That stain is legit! Great job!

[@dimhelmet]

Looks and sounds great! I really like how you use it for your background music and play your own compositions!

[@GuitarMAXMusic]

5:20 new profile pic? Great video!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks max!

[@valkyriesaddlebreds2806]

Man, I really enjoy both of your guys’ videos. Really brightens up my day. Hope your arm gets better, Max.

[@philbobaggins336]

Killer build Dan ...looking forward to more

[@sixstringsdaddy2477]

Nice to see it finished. Sounds great

[@pskemster]

Never cease to surprise Dan!

[@kevinmoore2739]

That finish is beautiful!

[@trbone64]

Man. That sounds really good Dan! Strong work!!

[@PaulMatthewMusic1]

That is awesome! Dude great work. One of the coolest Telecasters I have seen

[@gabrielsaldana7426]

I think it would be awesome to see what you could do with an SG kit. I saw one on Amazon for a good price. Another one could be a Violin Bass kit

[@scottestes7768]

SG kit!!!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Those are all on the list

[@gabrielsaldana7426]

@@GunsandGuitars Alright! Can't wait!

[@poohtianaman]

Another great build Dan, drooling with those guitars that you are making

[@juusokovala45]

Looks and sound great! I am really liking the high quality content (commpeared to your videos year ago) keep up the same work.

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thanks for the feedback, I’m getting better at this KZbin thing.

[@johndoe1765]

IT,S A GREAT BUILD AND THE FINISH IS BEAUTIFUL.

[@ALWTunes]

You and Brad Angove have inspired me to take the plunge and order a guitar kit. With any luck I won’t lose a finger or something. Haha ✌️

[@GunsandGuitars]

You’re gonna do great! It won’t be perfect, you’ll learn some lessons, but you’ll love it. And the next one will be perfect!

[@tracymussotte4184]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this video. And great job ur videos have been getting better

[@nadiapaiva8170]

I love this finish so much! Great job Dan!

[@GunsandGuitars]

Thank you!

[@Zengetsi]

Killer build! Loved following this as it came together!

[@HellcatCustoms]

It turned out great! Nice work, Dan.

[@MrSonis3]

That turned out amazing, the piezo sounds great!

[@mohammadsadeq3143]

Wow this took so long, we need more videos like this.

[@wamgoc3637]

I've got the urge to build a Jim Harvey style "skrill" style mandolin that attaches on the top of a Strat, kind of like that goofy dictator that had a beret and a parrot and a matching beret for the parrot, remember that? Deke Dickerson has an article on Jim Harvey and his Bigsby like creations that talks about this cool little mandolin.

[@LuisVazquez-lu5zf]

I'm in shok !!! Love that telecaster !!

[@jeffyoung2890]

Whoa Dan, sorry but I am just watching this video now. Was in Shreveport Louisiana this past weekend! LOVED this video bro! Liked how you did the bottle-opener on the back. I have had one of those guitar kits from GF, yep need a lot of work! You gave me some more ideas for something I'm working on now. Thanks as always Dan, your videos RULE! Looking forward to the next one buddy, cheers!

[@chosenideahandle]

That looks fantastic. All of it.

[@jtshannon]

Amazing guitar. It sounds super cool. I really like the piezo blending. Sounds like a band.

[@gregmfarmer]

Hey Dan. LOVE the channel. Unbelievably helpful. I'm looking at fitting a cheap Bigsby knock off to my Telecaster. I have not found a video on the web saying if ok to do so or how to. Any chance of doing a video of one? Hope the traveling is going well. Bless you guys .