The client requested removal of the existing maple laminate top, and conversion of the standard Tele bridge PU to a humbucker. So the two original PU routs were filled with Honduran mahogany plugs prior to removal of the existing maple top.
After removal of the original maple laminate top (over a one piece Honduran mahogany body), a new book matched bocote laminate top was installed. The client also requested a bridge humbucker rout with a more aggressive looking stance. So a drop angle humbucker PU rout was installed in place of the original Tele bridge PU, reminiscent of the old school BC Rich Gunslinger and Kramer Baretta models from the '80's. The original top routed Tele control cavity was also converted to a rear routed control cavity, as shown.
The PU and bridge mounting holes were installed using the actual neck provided by the customer, along with the control holes. The body was then painted at the GMW paint facility, as shown. The bocote top was left au natural, while a mild trans root beer tint was applied to the mahogany body. After the buffing process has been completed, final assembly work can commence.
The refurbished body has now been fully painted, and is ready for final assembly.
The original top routed maple lam top Tele body has now been transformed into a rear control routed, bocote lam top Tele, as shown.
The fully painted and assembled GMW customized Tele is now ready to ship.