This is along the lines of what I was going say. Good on ya dad, you two make a great team. I'm preparing for my first build and my kids will be involved. Also planning the first to be for my youngest daughter, so I'm watching intently and sure do appreciate you sharing this. And sorry to the commenter, just thought I'd tag on to your thoughts. Thanks!
My son gave me the same kit with a maple neck as a gift. Haven't started it yet, but after watching this, I'm ready to go. I have several guitars but have always wanted to make one. Time to get started. Thanks for the great video and honest comments.
Found this video after ordering my own tele kit. I’d say this was worth it just for all the quality time sharing an interest with a family member. The amazing guitar is icing on the cake
I’ve been thinking about building a guitar since I retired last September. After seeing your video, I think I might go ahead and dive in! Thanks for the inspiration
Go for it, Walter! the investment in a StewMac kit is quite small, and if you budget for a pro setup by a luthier, you're almost certain to like the final result.
Kudos to AC!! Very original and well done. I’m in the process of building a partscaster. I’ll have 500$ in it at least. I had purchased Fender custom shop 62’ tele pickups and then decided to do A Baja 60’s type build so ordered the 4way & S1 switch. I put the control plate together with CTS 250k pots 4way & S1 and dropped in my really cheap monoprice Tele my nephew bought me. I put the controls & pickups in so he could do a tone check and loved them. He had just bought a Squier 40th Anniversary Tele on Mocha and he said he’d like the pu’s and 4way switch in his Squier. So I did that the other day and sounds much better. I reordered the switch on Amazon and the pickups on eBay. Got the switch but pu’s are MIA. I think you’d like the 4way switch mod the S1 not so much. The 4 way gives you both pickups in series and boost the volume and tone. Job WELL DONE!!!
Thanks for the kudos. I’ll pass ‘em along to Avalon. Sounds like you’re doing so some cool DIY projects. Come back and tell me how they turn out, or better yet, make some videos!
If you’re into pedals next time the StewMac Ghost drive goes on sale build that pedal kit. Awesome Klon clone. I bought the fuzz pedal when it was on sale for Father’s Day and put in transistor sockets to try different NPN transistors, external trim pots and a digital voltage display to see how the controls ( mostly bias) control the collector voltage on Q2. However the smooth trim pot and tone pot also affect the collector voltage. That surprised me! StewMac has good products in my opinion
I got one from Leo Jamzyes on Amazon. Tele dual humbucker kit with a Strat style temelo. $109. The only thing I upgraded was the pick ups to a set of Wide Range clones from Guitar Madness on Ebay, $38 for the pair. I did the finish, cut the headstock. I was really impressed with the quality. Once assembled, it quickly became my favorite guitar. It sound fantastic, plays great, stays in tune, even with the trem system. I own 11 other brand name guitars, and this one is as good, if not better then the rest of them. I didn't expect much for $109 as far as tuners and the trem system and it's stability but have been blown away. The project itself was really fun to do as well.
Thanks, Jack! It was an awesome building experience (especially with the support and help of my dad ❤️) and a really cool chance to create something fun and unique that also has playable value.
@@RobertCassard I have recently done two frett levels for my self taking my time and they turned out very well , you guys have inspired me to build a guitar
It looks great. You did a good job taping everything. I’ve wanted to build my own for a long time, but I don’t have the knowledge to do it. Thanks for sharing with us!
As you can see from watching Avalon's process, you can do it Michael! The kits make it surprisingly easy, and if you plan on taking the finished guitar to a luthier, then it's a low-pressure process.
@@RobertCassard I have not finished the Harley, but the StewMac LP is hands down a quality kit. I subbed new strings and pots , but everything else was 100% quality. I also subbed a three point jack, and wanted to use Seymour Duncan’s but the stock humbuckers were too good to replace. @darrellbraunguitar has the upgrade hardware. Oh, and a tusk nut.
Great job👍😀 good choice using StuMac too, I love the way you took full advantage of the opportunity to customise-brilliant! It upsets me a little when I’m asked how much similar guitars I’ve made might be worth ... it really misses the point, for example a weekend introduction to luthiary course would not be cheap and you’ve completed one by taking this on, to say nothing of the chance to do a project with your Dad...priceless bonus! Well done Avalon and congratulations, whether you realise or not you have now learned so much about how guitars work/are made that for the rest of your life you will be able to recognise,assess and appreciate any guitar ( or other handmade thing) - again priceless, well done 👍🎸😀🇬🇧
Thanks so much, John! Interesting perspective as someone who’s hand-made some beautiful 🎸 guitars. I hadn’t thought much about the educational value of this process. But just yesterday, I was a on a prominent local guitar repair shop’s site. I saw they offer Guitar Setup classes for $300. When I was young, our family owned a cottage and I helped my Dad with countless DIY projects. Everything from digging post holes and building a split-rail fence, to paneling rooms with old barn wood 🪵, to building and wiring a garage. I also spent a Summer doing exterior and interior painting at the office building my father owned. I learned from the old guard how to prep, paint and clean up the right way. Those experiences were so foundational to me, and as you say, priceless. These days, what parents neglect in the way of experiential education for their kids, TH-cam often provides. My children have seen me tackle hundreds of odd jobs, so it’s normal to DIY around here. I love seeing them do the same, with or without my help. But doing these projects together? Unforgettable. And in the case of the Lassocaster, Avalon gets to keep a magical souvenir along with the knowledge gained!
Totally agree! And thank you for the kind words ❤ As someone who’s never been afraid of the “I could do that myself” mentality, it’s allowed me to dip my toes into tons of cool and fun activities and get a great education along the way - the creation of this guitar included. It was really fun and informative to learn how to grain fill wood, apply custom decals, solder together all the components, and more. And now I’ll have a momento forever!
Howdy from Texas, I bought a kit a month ago and I got it off Amazon . It was $89.99 bucks plus tax under 100 dollars total. I sanded and stained it with Tru-Oil because I had it laying around . and I had blue spray-paint for my car . so I didn't spend a penny extra . I plan on making my own water decals off my printer.. I took a week in a half because I only worked on it a tiny bit each day I set up my own guitars as I play them and see what they need. so I am very happy with the little kit. it was fun. nice thing about doing one yourself is as you want to make it better you can always tear it down and start over . sanding and sanding . again :)
Awesome…what a price! I’d love to hear your new guitar in action. Putting a kit together demystifies the whole building process, even if it does give you a big head start!
I've been a stew Mac customer for a long time. Been wanting to know about these. Could also pony up more money for the Wilkinson kit. Good to know the pickups sound decent on this one.
The kit we bought was such a bargain…and I’m very pleased with how playable the guitar turned out. I’d be curious to know exactly what items are upgraded in the Wilkinson kit.
@@RobertCassard Trev Wilkinson has a TH-cam video where he goes through the whole process. .I'm pretty sure his pickups are alnico and accurate to Leo fenders specs
@@kirbonite I found that video: th-cam.com/video/AcM54PJIIag/w-d-xo.htmlsi=0r7cuwHiwoaD_hrs That's enough to convince me that his kit is likely worth the extra cash...
Good day. I think it's worth doing. The guitar is very cool, in my humble opinion. It is also very inspiring watching the process. It's a custom Tele. Well done.
I like the way you put that, Lavender Jr. It IS a custom Tele! Glad you got inspired by watching the process. My final thought is that building guitars is a fun pastime, and you get a result that’s even MORE fun. Cheers!
Thanks for the positive feedback and the suggestion, Chad. I'll pass your comments along to Avy. She's very meticulous about her "arts and crafts" projects!
Stewmac is the best. I've been buying parts and tools from them for decades and they have always been fantastic. Be sure to watch their TH-cam videos on repairing guitars. They literally have the best luthiers in the business and their videos are amazing.
Making it a string through would be a pretty easy affair. See if your luthier could do that. It'd improve the tone and intonation. The guitar is a pretty good looking guitar.
Fair enough, Mike. I’m sorry they’re not an “equal opportunity kit maker.” In lots of cases, decisions like that are purely economic, and StewMac is a relatively small company. I hope you find a great lefty kit!
Ive never seen anyone sand wood like that 😂..i personally dont think its fair to add decal prices or taking the guitar to your tec guy..that seems like ALOT..they sale guitars for the price you paid your guy...but great job!...good vid
Hmmmm....upgrade the pickups....switch and bridge and it will sound better than anything you buy in the store....use copper foil in the cavities....and put my name on the headstock....
That can be true, Brandt. It's all a balance, and whether you value the experience of building and finishing a guitar. This kit was only $200, and after all costs, the total was under $500. And I will say (and my daughter agrees with me), the experience of doing it together was priceless. I have a special affinity for this "Lassocaster" that feels different than ANY other guitar in our collection, regardless of price!
So true, Moshe! I treasure any projects I do with my kids. I also treasure conversations where we get to hear each other’s opinions and learn intergenerationally!
Yeah I really enjoyed seeing Dad and Daughter working together on this. I think most ladies wouldn’t want to mess with a guitar kit. She’s a good Daughter. You can just tell. Nice job guys ❤️
Thanks, Kellan. Indeed they did. I caught them at the tail-end of their business life, and I assume that's why the poor communication and having to fight to get my money back.
The project in itself with father & daughter is priceless these days.
Couldn't agree more, Keith! Anything that bonds us with our kids is a win - especially involving music!
This is along the lines of what I was going say. Good on ya dad, you two make a great team. I'm preparing for my first build and my kids will be involved. Also planning the first to be for my youngest daughter, so I'm watching intently and sure do appreciate you sharing this. And sorry to the commenter, just thought I'd tag on to your thoughts. Thanks!
@@PageP1975 sounds great. Come back and tell us how it goes and how your daughter likes it!
Ya got me, only 46 years playing. Building guitars is a lot of fun if you love them. And the pride and joy you feel when you hear it come to life.
Yeah, I’ve been playing a long time! Glad to be involved in a construction project after all these years…
My son gave me the same kit with a maple neck as a gift. Haven't started it yet, but after watching this, I'm ready to go. I have several guitars but have always wanted to make one. Time to get started. Thanks for the great video and honest comments.
Have fun, Marshall!
Found this video after ordering my own tele kit. I’d say this was worth it just for all the quality time sharing an interest with a family member. The amazing guitar is icing on the cake
Have fun building yours! Here's me taking the Lassocaster for its first ride: th-cam.com/video/C24mMSAV7wM/w-d-xo.html Yee-haw!
Great job Avalon! You guys created a wonderful family heirloom (and sweet little tele).
Glad you like it! Great looking and really fun to play
I just ordered my Tele Style DIY kit. Loved all the personalized touches. I’m very pleased with your build. Thanks so much for the inspiration.
Have fun, copperhead! My daughter couldn't be happier. It's a guitar to play and hang on the wall as a piece of art!
I’ve been thinking about building a guitar since I retired last September. After seeing your video, I think I might go ahead and dive in! Thanks for the inspiration
Go for it, Walter! the investment in a StewMac kit is quite small, and if you budget for a pro setup by a luthier, you're almost certain to like the final result.
Dang that’s really cool you guys. Great job!
It’s not cheap but the lessons learned are worth it. Very cool
Thanks so much, wyattsdad! It felt like a bargain for such a sweet and fully customized guitar.
I love Tele's. Have always had one in my rig. I agree I think the personalised touches you have made make this guitar. Love the graphics! Great job!
Thanks! We had a lot of fun with the process, and such a gratifying outcome… th-cam.com/video/C24mMSAV7wM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=phiVk8LexWcQ1b0K
Kudos to AC!! Very original and well done. I’m in the process of building a partscaster. I’ll have 500$ in it at least. I had purchased Fender custom shop 62’ tele pickups and then decided to do A Baja 60’s type build so ordered the 4way & S1 switch. I put the control plate together with CTS 250k pots 4way & S1 and dropped in my really cheap monoprice Tele my nephew bought me. I put the controls & pickups in so he could do a tone check and loved them. He had just bought a Squier 40th Anniversary Tele on Mocha and he said he’d like the pu’s and 4way switch in his Squier. So I did that the other day and sounds much better. I reordered the switch on Amazon and the pickups on eBay. Got the switch but pu’s are MIA. I think you’d like the 4way switch mod the S1 not so much. The 4 way gives you both pickups in series and boost the volume and tone. Job WELL DONE!!!
Thanks for the kudos. I’ll pass ‘em along to Avalon. Sounds like you’re doing so some cool DIY projects. Come back and tell me how they turn out, or better yet, make some videos!
If you’re into pedals next time the StewMac Ghost drive goes on sale build that pedal kit. Awesome Klon clone. I bought the fuzz pedal when it was on sale for Father’s Day and put in transistor sockets to try different NPN transistors, external trim pots and a digital voltage display to see how the controls ( mostly bias) control the collector voltage on Q2. However the smooth trim pot and tone pot also affect the collector voltage. That surprised me! StewMac has good products in my opinion
Thanks for the tip, @@Mike_S_Swift
I got one from Leo Jamzyes on Amazon. Tele dual humbucker kit with a Strat style temelo. $109. The only thing I upgraded was the pick ups to a set of Wide Range clones from Guitar Madness on Ebay, $38 for the pair. I did the finish, cut the headstock. I was really impressed with the quality. Once assembled, it quickly became my favorite guitar. It sound fantastic, plays great, stays in tune, even with the trem system. I own 11 other brand name guitars, and this one is as good, if not better then the rest of them. I didn't expect much for $109 as far as tuners and the trem system and it's stability but have been blown away. The project itself was really fun to do as well.
Wow…sounds like you had fun and ended up with a true winner. Congrats! Make a video so we all can see and hear it…
@@RobertCassard Maybe....
@@thedave2429 Hoping...
Best artwork I've seen on a kit guitar. Very cool.
Thanks, @RustyGunn7. I told Avalon what you said and she appreciates the kudos!
So cool , it sounds great obviously plays good and looks great , and
You had fun with it and can make music with it ! I need to build one !
Go for it, Jack! I’m becoming more of a guitar DIYer, and a project like this builds a lot of confidence.
Thanks, Jack! It was an awesome building experience (especially with the support and help of my dad ❤️) and a really cool chance to create something fun and unique that also has playable value.
@@RobertCassard I have recently done two frett levels for my self taking my time and they turned out very well , you guys have inspired me to build a guitar
@@ThePrinceavalon So cool to be able to pick up a guitar you have created and play it , iam researching kits now ( not fret wire )
@@Jack-zr2kv Love it, Jack. Responses like yours make doing this channel worthwhile! Can't wait to see what you come up with.
It looks great. You did a good job taping everything. I’ve wanted to build my own for a long time, but I don’t have the knowledge to do it. Thanks for sharing with us!
As you can see from watching Avalon's process, you can do it Michael! The kits make it surprisingly easy, and if you plan on taking the finished guitar to a luthier, then it's a low-pressure process.
I’m in the middle of relicing a Harley Benton T-style. My third kit - first was a StewMac Lp. Second was Fretwire ES335. Going to to do an SG next.
Which kit brand is the highest quality so far?
@@RobertCassard I have not finished the Harley, but the StewMac LP is hands down a quality kit. I subbed new strings and pots , but everything else was 100% quality. I also subbed a three point jack, and wanted to use Seymour Duncan’s but the stock humbuckers were too good to replace. @darrellbraunguitar has the upgrade hardware. Oh, and a tusk nut.
@@theedgereport7383 nice StewMac endorsement, even if you are adding a few bells and whistles.
@@RobertCassard lol. Thanks. I made a video of the process and never edited it for TH-cam.
@@theedgereport7383 If you edit and post, I'll watch!
Looks great. Love the 50s western vibe. I’ve built a couple myself.
Thanks 👍 I'll pass along your comments to Avalon! What kind of finish did you do on yours, Brian?
Great job👍😀 good choice using StuMac too, I love the way you took full advantage of the opportunity to customise-brilliant!
It upsets me a little when I’m asked how much similar guitars I’ve made might be worth ... it really misses the point, for example a weekend introduction to luthiary course would not be cheap and you’ve completed one by taking this on, to say nothing of the chance to do a project with your Dad...priceless bonus! Well done Avalon and congratulations, whether you realise or not you have now learned so much about how guitars work/are made that for the rest of your life you will be able to recognise,assess and appreciate any guitar ( or other handmade thing) - again priceless, well done 👍🎸😀🇬🇧
Thanks so much, John! Interesting perspective as someone who’s hand-made some beautiful 🎸 guitars. I hadn’t thought much about the educational value of this process. But just yesterday, I was a on a prominent local guitar repair shop’s site. I saw they offer Guitar Setup classes for $300. When I was young, our family owned a cottage and I helped my Dad with countless DIY projects. Everything from digging post holes and building a split-rail fence, to paneling rooms with old barn wood 🪵, to building and wiring a garage. I also spent a Summer doing exterior and interior painting at the office building my father owned. I learned from the old guard how to prep, paint and clean up the right way. Those experiences were so foundational to me, and as you say, priceless. These days, what parents neglect in the way of experiential education for their kids, TH-cam often provides. My children have seen me tackle hundreds of odd jobs, so it’s normal to DIY around here. I love seeing them do the same, with or without my help. But doing these projects together? Unforgettable. And in the case of the Lassocaster, Avalon gets to keep a magical souvenir along with the knowledge gained!
Totally agree! And thank you for the kind words ❤ As someone who’s never been afraid of the “I could do that myself” mentality, it’s allowed me to dip my toes into tons of cool and fun activities and get a great education along the way - the creation of this guitar included. It was really fun and informative to learn how to grain fill wood, apply custom decals, solder together all the components, and more. And now I’ll have a momento forever!
Howdy from Texas, I bought a kit a month ago and I got it off Amazon . It was $89.99 bucks plus tax under 100 dollars total.
I sanded and stained it with Tru-Oil because I had it laying around . and I had blue spray-paint for my car . so I didn't spend a penny extra . I plan on making my own water decals off my printer.. I took a week in a half because I only worked on it a tiny bit each day I set up my own guitars as I play them and see what they need. so I am very happy with the little kit. it was fun. nice thing about doing one yourself is as you want to make it better you can always tear it down and start over . sanding and sanding . again :)
Awesome…what a price! I’d love to hear your new guitar in action. Putting a kit together demystifies the whole building process, even if it does give you a big head start!
I've been a stew Mac customer for a long time. Been wanting to know about these. Could also pony up more money for the Wilkinson kit. Good to know the pickups sound decent on this one.
The kit we bought was such a bargain…and I’m very pleased with how playable the guitar turned out. I’d be curious to know exactly what items are upgraded in the Wilkinson kit.
@@RobertCassard Trev Wilkinson has a TH-cam video where he goes through the whole process. .I'm pretty sure his pickups are alnico and accurate to Leo fenders specs
@@kirbonite I found that video: th-cam.com/video/AcM54PJIIag/w-d-xo.htmlsi=0r7cuwHiwoaD_hrs
That's enough to convince me that his kit is likely worth the extra cash...
Priceless!
Thanks, I agree! Here's a video of when I took the Lassocaster for a test run: th-cam.com/video/C24mMSAV7wM/w-d-xo.html
Good day. I think it's worth doing. The guitar is very cool, in my humble opinion. It is also very inspiring watching the process. It's a custom Tele. Well done.
I like the way you put that, Lavender Jr. It IS a custom Tele! Glad you got inspired by watching the process. My final thought is that building guitars is a fun pastime, and you get a result that’s even MORE fun. Cheers!
Fantastic! And to do this with your daughter, priceless! And she plays uke? Me too! Cheers from Cali!
Thanks, Joshua! I couldn't agree more. Here's the Tele's first test-run: th-cam.com/video/C24mMSAV7wM/w-d-xo.html
Very nice. And how cool to do it with your daughter !
Thanks 👍Gerry. It was a special experience, and we both love the guitar!
Great job Avalon!!I was impressed with your grain fill and sanding prowess!!
You should do LPJr.
Thanks for the positive feedback and the suggestion, Chad. I'll pass your comments along to Avy. She's very meticulous about her "arts and crafts" projects!
@@RobertCassard hey Robert,she really is man!!I think she can do very well with attn to detail!!that is half of it
@@chadwilliams8583 I love that I don’t need to encourage her to “do it right”
Stewmac is the best. I've been buying parts and tools from them for decades and they have always been fantastic. Be sure to watch their TH-cam videos on repairing guitars. They literally have the best luthiers in the business and their videos are amazing.
I agree! Their videos are super helpful and their gear it high quality and often innovative. I love Dan Erlewine’s videos in particular.
I’d be well pleased with this result!
Thank you, Prof. Rayle!
Making it a string through would be a pretty easy affair. See if your luthier could do that. It'd improve the tone and intonation.
The guitar is a pretty good looking guitar.
Thanks for those suggestions, Gary. I'll tell my daughter. Any further upgrades are up to her as it's her prized creation!
That is beyond AWESOME 👍
Thanks Robbi! I love it, too.
Looks killer!
Thanks! I love what Avalon did with the line art.
Hi, very good job! Waldemar from Poland.
Thank you, Waldemar!
Beautiful work !
Thank you so much 😀
I love it !!!!
Thank you, Cyprian! We had a blast, and it's a sweet-sounding and playing axe!
Very nice video, but you didn't let us hear how it sounded...
You can hear it in the video that followed this one: th-cam.com/video/C24mMSAV7wM/w-d-xo.htmlsi=eQjNTaIx5ybMdScD
Tell me what you think!
I like to build them
Glad to hear it, Paul. We sure had fun, and I do love the results!
Awesome
Glad you like it!
Great build and video. I personally dislike stewmac as they don't offer lefty kits. Which is ridiculous.
Fair enough, Mike. I’m sorry they’re not an “equal opportunity kit maker.” In lots of cases, decisions like that are purely economic, and StewMac is a relatively small company. I hope you find a great lefty kit!
@@RobertCassard thanks! I did. Guitar kit world is great
@@MikeTheSith200 Glad to know about them.
Ive never seen anyone sand wood like that 😂..i personally dont think its fair to add decal prices or taking the guitar to your tec guy..that seems like ALOT..they sale guitars for the price you paid your guy...but great job!...good vid
Fair enough, Jeremya! Out of curiosity, how should wood be sanded?
Hmmmm....upgrade the pickups....switch and bridge and it will sound better than anything you buy in the store....use copper foil in the cavities....and put my name on the headstock....
Exactly, Doug! I love how easily you can build something utterly special and high-end...
it good thing t do with your kids
Yes! We had a lot of fun!!
For the Prices they want for a Kit. I could buy a Already built guitar with more features.
That can be true, Brandt. It's all a balance, and whether you value the experience of building and finishing a guitar. This kit was only $200, and after all costs, the total was under $500. And I will say (and my daughter agrees with me), the experience of doing it together was priceless. I have a special affinity for this "Lassocaster" that feels different than ANY other guitar in our collection, regardless of price!
It’s the little things that you do with your daughter and kids that will remain with them even when oh codgers like us are gone
So true, Moshe! I treasure any projects I do with my kids. I also treasure conversations where we get to hear each other’s opinions and learn intergenerationally!
That’s so cool father and daughter project, don’t get any better than that ❤️
Exactly, Jack! Here's where I took it out for its first spin: th-cam.com/video/C24mMSAV7wM/w-d-xo.html
Yeah I really enjoyed seeing Dad and Daughter working together on this. I think most ladies wouldn’t want to mess with a guitar kit.
She’s a good Daughter. You can just tell.
Nice job guys ❤️
the art makes it more than just another tele ; its a real work of art
I totally agree, Bob. Check out the Lassocaster's first test run: th-cam.com/video/C24mMSAV7wM/w-d-xo.html
@@RobertCassard sure will !
TheFretWire went out of business a few years ago.
Thanks, Kellan. Indeed they did. I caught them at the tail-end of their business life, and I assume that's why the poor communication and having to fight to get my money back.