Semi Hollow Body Tele Build (under $100!)

The DIY Tele style guitar kit from Tomtop is a fun kit to build. I enjoyed building this kit and hope that you can learn from this video and even inspire you to build one yourself. I am neither a professional guitar builder nor a professional musician, but I do enjoy building these kits. This video is divided into 8 sections that make it easy to follow:
Pre-Assemble: 0:36
Sand and Body Finish: 5:35
Finishing the Neck: 6:11
Shielding the Body: 13:07
String Ferrules and Pick Guard: 16:31
Assembly: 17:55
Installing the Strings: 22:05
Sound Demo: 23:25
Tele style guitar kit from TomTop: shrsl.com/1nbmc
Acrylic paint: amzn.to/2F1zcLj
Minwax Polycrylic clear: amzn.to/2EYWzF4
Fender String throughs: amzn.to/2K7bvW2
Guitar pick guard: amzn.to/2F0sNj8
Ernie Ball Strings: amzn.to/2I6BLxx
Copper Foil Tape: amzn.to/2IxnlVU
Ink jet waterslide decal paper: amzn.to/2EYDx1u
Boiled linseed oil: amzn.to/2IvODw3
Krylon Clear: amzn.to/2K8Z5wz
Also please check out my Merchandise Store: diy-gene.creat...
This video and description contain affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this with absolutely no additional cost to you! Thank you for your support of DIYGene!

[@tonyyoungblood1165]

That guitar turned out beatiful, genuis on the headstock design also.

[@DIYGene]

TONY YOUNGBLOOD ,Thanks so much for watching.

[@momcunboxings6718]

Thank you for showing that you don't need expensive tools to make something look great! I'm going to be building a kit soon, I'll reference your video will I'm building 😁

[@flaviusrotarita6666]

I love your videos , everytime I watch them I learn something new

[@DIYGene]

I’m sorry glad they are a help to you. Thanks so much for watching.

[@matthewgates7680]

I absolutely love how your using a central machinery sander and drill press to show you don't need $500 tools to make gorgeous art

[@DIYGene]

Alive Skateboarding, it really doesn’t take expensive tools, and it is so rewarding. Thanks so much for watching.

[@rickystrains9601]

​@@DIYGene he was being sarcastic i think mate

[@jeffyoung2890]

Gene, another awesome video brother! MAN, I really love your headstock design. You did the same thing on your bass guitar. And Gene that finish is so cool. I saw your other video on the finish to this guitar BEFORE I tuned into this one. Your videos are so easy to follow & you never come accross sarcastic or be-little the viewer! Inspiring actually, made my first guitar because I saw one of your videos! Keep'em coming Gene, you ROCK!!!!

[@DIYGene]

Jeff, Thank you so much. I’m really honored to think I may have helped in inspiring you to build one. I’m still learning with every project. Thanks again for watching.

[@Jarrettfan]

Beautiful color! Even better than factory sunburst. Your logo on the headstock gives it like a 60s style vibe to it, very fitting for the thinline tele. Congratulations Gene!

[@davidtrevi2914]

I like this one a lot. The guitar not only looks original, but also well crafted. I like the classic look you created. Nice touch to the headstock and attention to detail. I look forward to more builds.

[@DIYGene]

Hi David, Thanks so much. It’s funny, because this guitar plays and sounds so good. And I have not really done a proper setup yet. Mainly because I can’t get it out of my sons hands. Thanks so much for your response and for watching.

[@jaredpritchard4991]

God bless you sir I look forward to your videos they teach me so much thank you

[@DIYGene]

Thank you so much. And God bless you, too. It’s folks like you who make me so enjoy making these videos.

[@anotherlooktoo5985]

Gods can't bless anything. They don't exist. They're all myths.

[@Mark_Provan]

Another great Video Gene. The finished guitar looks amazing. Well done !

[@DIYGene]

Thanks Mark, this one was a bit different approach but I sure like how it plays, that is when my son isn’t playing it. 😆

[@Mark_Provan]

Haha I'm sure that's not true 😁

[@gunnerjohnson5445]

Your videos are great. Your editing skills are top notch. Not repeating yourself at all. Very thankful for that! 24 min video goes by so fast! And the bridge setup was simply genius. I'm going to try making a wooden bridge myself. But this helps out even more. Sending the strings through the body is making things so much easier for a beginner. I made the body from reclaimed wood and made a template from SG pickups. I can start drilling the holes right away. Now seeing my own guitars coming together works wonders for a poor mans ego. Much better than being stuck on a job that u hate. Much of the worlds problems come from stuff like that. But it takes loads of courage to quit your job. However it's the most sane thing to do. Anyway, thanks again! I see things coming to place.

[@DIYGene]

Gunner Johnson, Thanks so much. I am far from being a professional but really enjoy building and learning along the way. Thanks again for watching.

[@hobiecat901]

Great Job Gene. Love to Listen To you talk, and tell about the Projects You do. You do make it interesting. Keep up the Great Videos..

[@DIYGene]

Oh wow, thank you so much. That make it totally worth it.

[@imfpredicts]

Very much the best guide I have seen in a long time. The most informative and sensible thing I have watched this week. Have a like and subscribe and when I go to get my spares I will follow your links.

[@DIYGene]

imfpredicts Thanks so much for subscribing and for watching.

[@janymikeptz1156]

Another great video Gene, thanks for sharing as they're always very helpful.

[@DIYGene]

Jany&Mike Pautz, Thank you and thanks so much for watching.

[@psour33]

I can't screw anything without nailing my fingers but I'm a huge fan of DIY stffs on youtube. Thank's a lot sir :)

[@DIYGene]

psour33 , Thank you. And I only glued my fingers together once on my last project 🤪. Thanks for watching.

[@pamcarr4003]

Great job Gene! Nice color. I'm glad you posted this, was wondering where you were at! We received our Tele kits the other day, this will be a good reference,, thanks. Great to see you and love your theme, missed that! Pam

[@DIYGene]

Thanks so much. I would love to see some pics of your Teles when they are finished. Thanks for watching.

[@fitchyyboi]

this channel is SO underrated! keep it up dude, I’m learning so much from you.

[@DIYGene]

Andrew F. , thank you so much for watching.

[@wolfgangwolfdogplaysguitar701]

Underrated is a good thing? I never thought of it like that all this time I thought underrated was a bad thing but It is not

[@LegacyGuitars]

Fun vid, I like a lot of your tips. Very cool work on the head stock truss rod cover. The one thing is I would string the guitar a little differently. Thanks for sharing Gene!

[@DIYGene]

Archie Woods, I’m sure there are several better ways to do things than I did. I’m still learning and that is part of the fun. Thanks so much for watching.

[@donaldferguson5668]

Very cool guitar, nicely done. Very informative video. I learned a few useful tips. Thanks, much appreciated.

[@DIYGene]

Thank you. I love the sound and how this guitar plays. Thanks so much for watching.

[@juhman]

This looks awesome, I’m definitely gonna take a lot of pointers from this video for my Tele build. Great job!

[@DIYGene]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@650thunderbird]

A useful tutorial, good work Gene!

[@DIYGene]

Thanks so much. I hope you find it useful.

[@brainfeedguitars3848]

Hey Gene, Love the videos! good job on the copper tape, they work great to shield the electronics from feedback. The sticky side doesn't always conduct, you can fix this by connecting the sections with a single bead of solder. Hope this helps!

[@DIYGene]

Brainfeed Guitars , That is a great suggestion. Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching.

[@JoshuaCraigStrain]

GREAT JOB , GENE !! Great vid , great 🎸 !! Learned a lot !

[@mre456]

Great build, I really enjoy your videos and I have learned a lot from watching them thanks. I'm currently in the process of building my first guitar body, a bit of a weird offset shape. Don't have a router so I used hardwood marine ply and cut all my cavities into each layer using a jigsaw and files then glued them together. Hope to have a video up sometime in the next few weeks.

[@DIYGene]

Ambiversia, Thanks so much. Your guitar build sounds like a really unique way to build a guitar and I hope you will send me a link when you finish the video. I look forward to seeing it. Thanks again for watching.

[@mre456]

@@DIYGene here's the link to my build kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJLPk42crs9_ntU

[@SpazzKazz]

Awesome build and tutorial, looks very professional!

[@DIYGene]

I’m learning as I go. Thanks so much.

[@rommeldones6980]

You brought that wood and stained it back to life.. Nice! 👍

[@gosteel]

Lots of cool ideas here, didn't realize you could print water decals from a regular printer, gonna make that happen. Only ding I have is the install of the neck bolts is really wonky and one is even splitting out the edge of the neck. Other than that, cool build. Cheers

[@DIYGene]

Larry Reel , Thanks, it was a lot of fun and learning. Check out the Acoustic-Electric Tele video I just put up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGHcdnemnsR1ftE Thanks for watching.

[@maxioibanez1452]

That was good work on the strat. I enjoyed watching you work on it.

[@chancemiller9340]

It was a "Tele"... but yes, he did a great job.

[@bobvel7760]

Dang, that thing looks sharp.

[@DIYGene]

Thank you. I love how this guitar plays. It was a really fun project. Thanks for watching.

[@74dartman13]

Looks great Gene. I always enjoy your videos. Thanks!👍😎🎸🎶

[@DIYGene]

Thanks again, I remember your comments from another video. Thanks again for watching.

[@74dartman13]

@@DIYGene yep!☺

[@r.weaver3769]

Take a block of wood, drill hole with DP to use as square guide for hand drill

[@DIYGene]

R. Weaver, Excellent tip. Thanks for watching.

[@thejkyle]

I’ve always wanted to build a guitar kit, but the wiring always intimidated me. I think I’ll order one and give it a shot. Great video 👍

[@DIYGene]

J Kyle, I hope you enjoy building one as much as I did. Thanks for watching.

[@electricgeorge5589]

You make it look so easy, nice job. Thanks

[@DIYGene]

Thanks! It really isn’t hard. I am by no means a pro. So if I can do it so can you. Thanks for watching.

[@MrMojabo]

I watched for your ferrel job. Thank you so much. One point. I have been an automotive painter for 35 years. I use the same poly coating by minwax on the guitars I've made. But are you aware the coating can be bought in spray cans. 2 cans is all I need. My necks and headstock are very easy and come out like glass.. it polishes easily. And once hard it's very durable which you know. But spraying your finish might be something you would want to look at

[@DIYGene]

MrMojabo , Thanks for the great tip. I discovered this after and have used it on other projects. It is great because my shop is attached to the house (the garage) and can’t be spraying flammable clear coats. Thanks again for watching.

[@filigreejaguar1166]

Great build. I have named your guitar "Tequila Sunrise"

[@DIYGene]

Filigree Jaguar, Oh I like that. @Tequilla Sunrise” I think that’s going to stick. Thanks for watching.

[@freednighthawk]

Something many people don't realize, is that your tone starts at the strings. Different strings have very different tonal qualities. 90% of your tone comes from the strings, play around with different brands, and different lines within those brands.

[@DIYGene]

You are so correct. I can’t believe what a difference in sound comes from different weight , thickness and even brand. Thanks for the great comment.

[@danmayes4657]

LIKE THE HEAD STOCK DESIGN!

[@DIYGene]

Dan Mayes, Thanks. I wanted something clean and simple yet unique. Thanks so much for watching.

[@pikkolo47]

Great video and amazing end result!

[@charliedurham1954]

Beautiful guitar,nice build,great video,thank you!

[@KenMagee]

Another fine build sir!

[@DIYGene]

Thank you, and thanks for watching.

[@B16nobby]

Nice vid, headstock design was Ace

[@atomicpunk]

Really Great video of a nice little guitar kit done to just about perfection. It sounds a bit out of tune but i know you probably just need to break it in by playing it a few weeks. I love what you did with the truss rod cover, really good. Maybe some time you should make a better video of it's sound I'm sure it will sound better after you break it in a bit with some playing. Thanks I am really impressed.

[@DIYGene]

Avery's Guitar Stuff, Thanks, I think I would like to do a video with my friend Billy from Accu-tune Guitars to do a full setup on the guitar. That is if I can get it out of my sons hands. Thanks so much for watching.

[@zolar55]

You’re awesome Gene!

[@DIYGene]

Thank you, but far from awesome. I’m just learning and having fun sharing on the way. Thanks so much for watching.

[@thissmithymanga7119]

Really enjoying these videos, I'm debating weather I should get one of these DIY kits and give it a go.

[@DIYGene]

I have had so much fun and have learned so much building these kits. But I warn you, it’s addictive. 😉

[@thissmithymanga7119]

@@DIYGene next month I'll probably give it a go, though I need to find a left handed version, was thinking maybe a tele hardbody, I've always liked the idea of having my very own personal guitar.

[@DIYGene]

Thissmithy Manga , there is something really special about a guitar you build and designed how you want to finish it. I take a lot of pride in mine. The great thing too is, you start learning how it all works inside and out so down the line if you want to change out pickups or other custom things, you’ll know how. By the way, I’m left handed too!

[@thissmithymanga7119]

@@DIYGene yep definitely learned a lot from watching your videos, also keep up the good work 😊

[@freemanrabe4689]

Go ahead make my day! -- Dirty Harry

[@robinleebraun7739]

I would have liked it better if you would have checked the neck for straightness, checked the frets for level and showed that the fret ends were smooth and dressed. Checked the electronics before they were installed. Also check the neck angle before you drill. Both up and down and side to side. I built a kit recently from The Fretwire. It needed the fret ends to be filed and dressed. Frets were level and the angles were good. But those are definitely problems with kits or even partscasters. My Telecaster Deluxe is now my best electric. But I had to learn a lot before I could make it that way.

[@francisbegbie1008]

Nice guitar Gene 👍

[@DIYGene]

francis begbie, Thanks. This was a fun build. Thanks for watching.

[@MicahFunk]

I love seeing how you made this kit your own! Nice sunburst on the paint too! I am curious as to why you chose to brush on the clear rather than spray it on with even a cheap Harbor Freight gun of some sort. One thing that I would like to learn to do is enlay around the edges.

[@michaelsablan8772]

Aloha Braddah....What?! ....the Wolverine makes guitars?! Hahaha, there’s a resemblance at certain profile angles. Nice work Gene! You piece your video together nicely....narration is great....just a terrific production! Mahalo nui loa for sharing!

[@DIYGene]

Michael Sablan , I better trim those sideburns LOL! Thanks for watching.

[@greentongueman]

at 13:48 there is a bug crawling into guitar, till this day he has been dancing in the guitar every time he plays the guitar!

[@DougHinVA]

The 'string through' feature is tricky and takes ferrules for the back side and needs a drill press to ensure perfect hole alignment. A good bridge pickup is what matters.... and for $10-35 you can get a very good one (Warman from the UK or eBay seller 'Guitar Madness' are very nice).

[@DIYGene]

Doug H. in VA, Another great tip. Thanks so much for watching.

[@erich1710]

There's an ant walking down the neck pocket at 13:46. I guess he's coming to check out your work!

[@DIYGene]

That’s too funny. I never saw that.

[@johnholladay4187]

Great video and has inspired to try this myself. Please tell me where the kit came from - I couldn’t make out the name when you said it at the start. Thank you!

[@billkaroly]

I know it's been a year but was the top droopy near the bridge. In the beginning when you flipped it over it looks concave a little. How is has it held up after a year? Great video.

[@midzfarmukarram7053]

Do we need to measure the distance or length of the strings from the nut to the bridge?,. Or it doesn't matter if the strings are too short or too long?,.. thanks

[@Matthew-dr1un]

If you ever make another diy guitar i recommend trying rit dye. I got an awesome sunburst using it

[@DIYGene]

Matthew , I have been thinking about trying Rit Dye. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@Raul1971xxx]

That is a really good job.. Well done.. 👍👍🇪🇸🇪🇸

[@standupstraight9691]

Would've used a drill press to the neck screws.

[@DIYGene]

Stand up Straight, that is a good suggestion. Thanks for watching.

[@tomhill4003]

nice build, but you really need to use a hinge bit (aka Vix bit)) to align the holes. A center punch isn't very accurate.

[@DIYGene]

That is a great suggestion. Thanks for sharing this and thanks for watching.

[@kk-om5zm]

Great!!!

[@gintokiyorozu7447]

That’ｓvery neat

[@FilipeDiogo49]

I enjoy your videos quite a lot, you are clearly good with tools and you seem to have everything. Now, I know that the purpose of this is to demonstrate that anyone can do this and I fully support that, however there are some important issues you skipped... After strings are on, you should check your action.... pickup height... intonation... I'm only saying this to avoid giving inexperienced people the idea that all you have to do is put all components together and that's it... it's not!! Also, the nut has got a lot to be said about it as it affects your intonation as well. All things considered I really appreciate your work, the guitar looks amazing and it's fantastic that people like you do these videos to showcase that anyone can do it

[@DIYGene]

You are very correct about taking it to the next step. I’m thinking about doing a follow up video on doing a proper setup, including intonation, Thanks so much for watching.

[@FilipeDiogo49]

@@DIYGene oh cool. Please don't get the wrong idea, I'm all for what you do, I just think that a total beginner needs to know about the next step or the instrument can be unplayable. Cheers

[@DIYGene]

I totally agree. But I think it deserves its own video, dedicated to setting up the guitar properly. Something I’m not very experienced in. I have a good friend that is a guitar tech and I’m going to see if we can do a collaboration video. I should have address that in this video. Thanks for the great advice. 👍

[@Uber_Versace]

I like the fact that he he makes mechanical brained people feel smarter Also what with the mortal kombat music

[@funkyfender1]

The size of the truss rod cover means there is no room to fit string trees on the headstock!

[@joesask857]

thanks man

[@DIYGene]

Thanks again.

[@strontiumdog3344]

Great video. What is the music?

[@putchmillernetwork1799]

nice looking guitar but that pickguard hurts my eyes!! for real though i like what you did with the headstock

[@DIYGene]

@@putchmillernetwork1799, thanks for watching.

[@davidlalremruata]

Thank you

[@jordansim6776]

Hi Gene, loved the video! How would you finish a maple fretboard?

[@DIYGene]

Thanks Jordon, I think I would use boiled linseed oil , lemon oil. They can be rubbed into the fretboard to protect it. I feel like if you used a clear gloss of some kind the strings will damage the surface when playing it. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching.

[@DougHinVA]

I handled dozens of Guitars for rehab and customize over the years. Use linseed oil wiped on with a rag very lightly for the fretboard AFTER the neck is shot with urethane finish. Very lightly rubbed in oil is all that it takes to color and keep the fretboard wood clean.

[@DIYGene]

Doug H. in VA, Thanks for the great tip!

[@Colhogan06]

Boiled linseed oil is used by some, lemon oil by others, and there are also products out there that companies have made specifically for fretboards. If you go the Boiled Linseed oil route, apply it let it set for a few minutes then wipe it off completely. Be careful when disposing of rags with boiled linseed oil in it. The oil is very flammable. It dries through an oxidation process that generates a lot of heat. That can cause spontaneous combustion. What I do is place the rags in a can add water just to dilute what's in the rags to make them nonflammable, and I then seal it good with duct tape, and then add the lid. That may be a bit of overkill but when I was a kid we had a terrible electrical fire caused by the careless builders of the building we lived in. So that's made me do extra when dealing with flammables. Once the can is sealed technically it's probably safe since there won't be enough air in the can for it to burn. Adding the water was just me being extra safe, but come to find out that is what the reccomend. Depending on where you live, dry climate or regular climate, cleaning and treating the fretboard about once every 6 months should keep it good to go for years.

[@mvyper]

By applying the finish with a brush without putting a sealer prior to that, don't you end up smearing the stain?

[@DIYGene]

Once you let the stain dry, you will have no problem with the clear coat. Thanks so much for watching.

[@Luablood]

Hmmmm would personally upgrade that bridge pickup to a Dimarzio Tele True Velvet Bridge, and the neck pickup to any Dimarzio humbucker... don't wanna fuck uo and have them out of ohase or wound differently xD

[@Shineysideup1]

Very nice!

[@DIYGene]

Thanks for watching.

[@322doug]

I love it, except the finish... seems like more sanding was needed, before your poly.

[@DIYGene]

Hammer USN , I don’t think you can ever sand too much. Thanks so much for watching.

[@jasondickerson2463]

Does any one know what the name of the song is

[@reckless-ramblers]

Bees wax for screws = wax ring used to set toilets, $3 lasts forever, works good

[@johnwilder1746]

Went on the web site on your utube lesson to look into the price of this guitar kit $189 not$100 whats up with that?

[@DIYGene]

John Wilder, I’m pretty sure it’s due to the virus and costs from China. I hope they go back down soon.

[@anorak211]

Looks like you are left handed building a right handed guitar, couldn't you ask the supplier for a right handed guitar?

[@DIYGene]

Glyn Heskins, You can order a left handed guitar, but I actually play right handed. Thanks for watching.

[@marcinzienkiewicz4427]

check intotation of the guitar ok?

[@DIYGene]

Absolutely! I may do a video on a final setup. That is if I can get it out of my son’s hands😆 Thanks so much for watching.

[@marcinzienkiewicz4427]

@@DIYGene you're weclome :) good luck

[@jessebondmusic]

really nice job--make sure to go back and set the bridge intonation though--sounds out

[@swettyspaghtti]

Try strumming the guitar from your elbow and not the wrists. Great vid!

[@DIYGene]

Great tip, I’ll give it a try. Thanks

[@swettyspaghtti]

@@SpazzKazz i was talking about the riff he was playing. Thanks for the input

[@SpazzKazz]

Swetty Spaghtti oh haha, then i agree more

[@matthewholme297]

But dude what if you don't own all those tools

[@richardlowe8062]

under 100.00 ? I followed your link its 180.00 just for the kit.

[@DIYGene]

Richard Lowe , right now the prices are through the roof. It is due to the virus and the tariffs. I hope the come down soon. Thanks for watching.

[@guitarskeepmesane4958]

This dude looked exactly like Eric Clapton

[@janlis001]

Very nicely done.....BUT, unfortunately you gotta work on the intonation and the action....;-)

[@averysbragbook]

Do you still have this guitar 🎸 ?

[@DIYGene]

Adrian Zeykoen , I do. My son loves how it plays.

[@arynnritter4293]

I've heard it's a myth that is helps tone or sustain or any of that.

[@DIYGene]

It very well may be, but hey, it’s worth trying. Thanks for watching.

[@arynnritter4293]

@@DIYGene Very true. You might be right, I was just hoping someone smarter than me would confirm or deny it lol. Great build though man, came out awesome!

[@shaquileperrin7367]

👑👑👑

[@jma8352]

i see $190 on your link

[@DIYGene]

j ma , WOW it has gone up. At the time of this video it was less than $100. Hopefully the price will be going back down soon.

[@subsonic3633]

i think the whole guitar is out of tune make sure you stretch the strings and retune multiple times when re stinging a guitar

[@Lordbaccus]

PLEASE STOP saying "Utilizing" so much

[@zuperzwede7634]

As a guitarbuilder I have to say: no no no.

[@DIYGene]

po lice , And I have to ask why?

[@zuperzwede7634]

@@DIYGene its a nice diy project and all but that guitar will never play or intonate proper. Maybe it is my ocd speaking too. Please tell me you at least measered the scale length proper. And sorry about my english, I know it sucks.

[@DIYGene]

po lice, Yes, the scale length was measured correctly and is a wonderful playing and sounding guitar. I am no luthier but it has been a great learning experience. Thanks so much for watching.

[@straightshooter8662]

That's a Crock of crap. Your better not putting the strings thru the body. It's just more angles for the strings and adds unnecessary tention.

[@DIYGene]

Straight Shooter, oh I so disagree. Fender found out the hard way with the Telecaster. They stopped in the mid 60s and proved to be a big mistake. I really feel the sound is better through the body. But to each there own. Thanks so much for watching

[@Mark_Provan]

I don't agree. Through body adds to stability and sustain as the forces the strings exert are pushing the bridge into the body rather than trying to pull it up the length of the body. Not always a big deal but with something like Basswood coupled with heavy strings, that could have an effect over time. Also more of the string is contacting the saddle which should help sustain. My view ✌

[@alexanderp.5019]

Looks awful

[@azsex13]

first i want to say you do nice work on your builds but what about what kind of action do your builds have and when setting your guitars up do you do intonation when tuning also i noticed that the face of this build wasn't as smooth as i personally like lol i like mine like glass but thank you for your hard work

[@DIYGene]

Matthew Walter, You can set intonation with these guitar kits. I used a water base clear on this. Normally I would use Tru-oil and that can give you a glass finish.