If you looked up '1957 Fender Telecaster' in the fantasy guitar encyclopedia we all keep in our heads, this guitar could easily be the reference piece. Truly stunning in every way - finish, originality, weight, TONE - this late 1957 Fender Telecaster has survived over 66 years in incredibly clean condition, with just two owners as custodians!
It originally came out of Iowa from a gentleman who purchased it new in early 1958. It was played very sparingly and soon after was cased up for decades before resurfacing in 2006. The consignor connected with the guitar via a family friend, purchased it, and it's been in MA ever since!
It goes without saying that the condition of this Telecaster is about as impressive as you'll find one of this vintage. The original lighter Blonde lacquer finish shows little to no UV fade and only the lightest signs of play/handling wear, mostly on the body edges and where you'd find friction wear from case contact. The hardware looks like it came off a reissue tele that was built yesterday!
Clean pencil dates of 12-57 on the neck and 11/57 inside the bridge pickup cavity along with original Stackpole potentiometers dated to the 48th week of '57 show some tight production timelines for Fender to close out the year. All hardware is original to the guitar and in remarkable aesthetic and operational condition.
The original pickups sound absolutely wonderful, from the warm smooth neck pickup to the punchy and bright bridge pickup. Classic 50s tele tones for days! The V neck - a defining carve of the period and in Fender's history - feels fantastic in hand as well.
The original tweed case matches the guitar's condition to a tee, and features the incredibly rare brass case badge that seldom survives. The original ash tray bridge cover and polish cloth accompany the guitar and case in the accessory pouch.
It's a shining star example of a legendary electric, and we're thrilled to offer it here at the shop! If you've longed for a "no excuses" 50s Tele, it'd be harder to beat this one.
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