Just another view. The banjo style armrest was just to be different. I stole this idea from yet another internet buddy, Jeff (Fabgear). It's nice to have creative friends. The pics aren't the clearest. My digital camera is a dinosaur (2 pixel) but it's all I got.
So how does it play and sound?
The action is excellent. Had just a little fret buzz up near the nut so I shimmed it a little. This will do until I make (or have made) a new bone nut. Again...I wasn't going to get carried away until I found out if it actually worked. The bridge is one of those Wilkinson ones with the beveled brass saddles for better intonation. Strings are Dean Markley nickel 10-46s. Plugged in it sounds just like you would expect a Tele to sound, but unplugged it's easily loud enough for just foolin around. I'm gonna swap the .046 E and .036 A strings for something a little lighter (.042 &.032?) as it's just maybe a little "bass heavy" for my taste.
My longtime, best guitar-playing buddy plays in an original folk-country-bluegrass trio and just fell in love with the thing. He offered me a 10 year old American Strat even up in trade. I'm sure the strat is worth more, but if I want a Strat I can buy one off the rack.
This project was a blast to do...a little nerve-wracking at times...but totally enjoyable.
Again...many thanks to TerryM for the inspiration.