{"product_id":"tl-style-nitro-top-alder-wood-guitar-body-sunsmile","title":"Relic TL Style Nitro Top Alder Guitar Body - DIY Replacement","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the Relic Electric Guitar Body TL Style Nitro Top Alder Wood, the bottom line is simple: this is a high-quality replacement body for builders who want an authentic vintage look without sourcing rare wood or finishes. It is aimed at experienced DIYers and modders who value a true nitrocellulose relic finish and solid American alder construction. The predrilled neck mounting holes and wire paths make assembly straightforward, and the satin polyurethane seal preserves the aged appearance while protecting the wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmerican alder construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e The solid alder body, built from at least three pieces, gives a familiar tonal balance and a reliable foundation for pickups and bridge hardware.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitro top with satin seal:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nitrocellulose relic paint and thin satin polyurethane finish offer an authentic aged look while still protecting the wood from wear.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTL style routing:\u003c\/strong\u003e The S-S pickup route and TL-inspired shape make it easy to install single-coil pickups and achieve classic tones associated with this style.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePre-drilled convenience:\u003c\/strong\u003e Neck mounting holes and wire paths are drilled at the factory, saving time and ensuring consistent fit for standard necks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDIY ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e With a standard neck pocket and mounting dimensions, this body is ready for builders to finish with their choice of hardware and electronics.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis body is best for seasoned home builders and experienced techs who want a higher-grade replacement body with a vintage appearance. Players who prefer a TL style guitar with two single-coil pickups and a 25.5' scale will find this an easy fit when paired with compatible necks and hardware.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is less suitable for complete beginners expecting a fully assembled instrument, or for builders who require unusual pickup routs or pre-drilled pickguard holes, since this body comes without pickguard mounting holes and uses a specific S-S route.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthentic nitro relic finish gives a vintage look without heavy setup work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid American alder provides a familiar tonal core and stable weight for most builds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePredrilled neck pocket and wire paths reduce fitting time and improve accuracy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNo pickguard mounting holes are included, so builders who rely on a pickguard for component placement will need to adapt.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRelic finish limits those who want a completely raw or glossy new look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolid American alder (3+ pieces)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eColor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRelic Black\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePaint Finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNitrocellulose with satin polyurethane seal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePickup Route\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eS-S (single coil, single coil)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScale Length Fit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e25.5' standard TL style\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody Thickness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e44.5mm (1.75in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeck Pocket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e75mm x 55mm x 20mm (2.95in x 2.17in x 0.79in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Relic TL Style Nitro Top Alder body is a solid choice for DIY builders who want a vintage-styled, ready-to-assemble replacement body. Its authentic nitro relic finish and predrilled neck and wiring make installation straightforward, and the American alder construction offers dependable tone and feel. It represents good value for players who plan to install their own hardware and want a higher-grade body as the basis for a custom instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill a standard TL neck fit this body?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The neck pocket and mounting hole dimensions follow standard TL style measurements and should fit compatible necks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it come with pickguard holes?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. This body does not include pickguard mounting holes, so plan to mount electronics directly or drill your own pickguard holes if needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the finish durable for regular playing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe nitrocellulose relic top has a thin satin polyurethane seal that protects the wood while retaining an aged appearance, but nitro finishes are generally more delicate than modern poly finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"sunsmile","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46765837680859,"sku":"B0D14XB3Z2","price":149.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/51wTS7OSRuL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1747554941","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/tl-style-nitro-top-alder-wood-guitar-body-sunsmile","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}