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I always wanted one as a dedicated slide guitar. So I got a cheap made in China Telemaster made by Indy Custom Guitars with the intention of modifying it. Here it was when I got it.



Several features that I wanted to modify were: the headstock (to a more traditional Tele-ish shape) ; the gap between the pickguard and the bridgeplate ; neck's orange finish ; the six individual saddles (I prefer the 3 brass barrel type) ; and the cheap electronics.



I stripped the neck off its poly finish. Then reshaped the headstock using a coping saw and various grits of sandpaper.





Then I re-finished it with Tru-Oil. I built up seven coats, sanding with 0000 steelwool in between.



Made a decal using ink jet waterslide paper. I applied it before the first Tru-Oil coat. Supposed to read Bar-T but came out looking like Bar-7, or BarF. Haha!





Then, I hand-shaped a new pickguard to correct the gap. I decided to make it into a humbucker Esquire so the neck pickup hole was omitted. Also, the bridge has been modified to install the 3 brass saddles.
Here it is now with a Lil Puncher pickup. Pots, switch, caps, and jacks have been upgraded too.

Damn man that's nice. Good job. How is the neck? Thick I'm guessing right?

Punkacc9 wrote:Damn man that's nice. Good job. How is the neck? Thick I'm guessing right?

Thanks, bro. The neck has a modern C profile and a 9.5 radius. Not thick at all, pretty comfortable for my small hands.

BartMan wrote:

Punkacc9 wrote:Damn man that's nice. Good job. How is the neck? Thick I'm guessing right?

Thanks, bro. The neck has a modern C profile and a 9.5 radius. Not thick at all, pretty comfortable for my small hands.

That's sweet. How much was the actual guitar if you don't mind me asking?

I approve of this. You has skills!

very nice

Good work! I'm impressed with the glossy shine you got just using tru oil. No problems with the oil lifting the decal either
What did you use to strip the neck?

Fran wrote:Good work! I'm impressed with the glossy shine you got just using tru oil. No problems with the oil lifting the decal either
What did you use to strip the neck?

Thanks, bro. Can't remember the name, but it came in a spray can. Very mild, as it claimed that it can be used indoors. I'll see if I still have the can in the garage.
I forgot to mention that I applied a couple of thin coat of amber shellac before the Tru-Oil.

Nicely done. Bar7 is sort of the L33t spelling anyhow.

great job, looks heaps better!

Impressive results. Great work!

Thank you very much.