fusionguy Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 I purchased a blond solid Tele in 1997 used in San Fran. All maple neck. Black pickguard. American tele decal on the head. However the strings at the bridge do not thread through the body. It is a six piece adjustable bridge, but dead ends thru a metal piece...not thru the body like I thought American teles all did. My guitar shop guy tells me it's an American alright, and I "did good". However, I'm still a bit suspicious. Could someone have put an american tele neck on a mex, or japanese body? Or worse yet, just sliped a decal on the whole deal? I know your next thought. "If it plays well and you like it, don't worry about it." That's all true, but I'm simply curious. Any of this sound familiar? Fusionguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prague Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 Serial number? A build year might help. I'm pretty sure a Maple fretboard makes it an American. I'm not certain that Tele's were string-through at that time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WornNeck Posted March 16, 2005 Share Posted March 16, 2005 In '83 they used a top loading tailpiece/bridge. Does your serial # start off E3.....? "I've been imitated so well I've heard people copy my mistakes." - Jimi Hendrix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusionguy Posted March 17, 2005 Author Share Posted March 17, 2005 it's at the shop getting the frets polished a bit. I'll try to check out the serial #. Thanks! t Fusionguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitarzan Posted March 17, 2005 Share Posted March 17, 2005 it is not a fake, fender did indeed make top loading american teles. in fact i read an article in GUITARPLAYER (sucking up attempt) where Jim Campilongo has one and he likes it. not sure of the year though. http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=193274 rock it, i will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guitarzan Posted March 17, 2005 Share Posted March 17, 2005 found a link with Jims top loader. Toploader tele http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=193274 rock it, i will Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusionguy Posted March 19, 2005 Author Share Posted March 19, 2005 Thanks Geetar zan! Fusionguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip OKeefe Posted March 21, 2005 Share Posted March 21, 2005 Yup, it's got to be an early 80's USA Tele. I had one a while back, but I had an American Standard bridge put on it, with the strings through the body... the early 80's bridges never quite worked right for me - they tended to rattle around a lot, but hopefully YMMV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.