Music

People who lust after vintage Telecasters will understand precisely what this '57 Tele is all about. It is a vintage guitar rich with character and a unique history that no recent master-built guitar can capture. Its battle scars are honestly earned after being played by people who loved playing it. It's a Tele that gives you, the player, permission to dig in and play freely without worrying about getting an unwanted nick or scratch.Now, let's delve into the details. The '57 Telecaster is a testament to originality. Its neck carve, a beautifully carved soft V maple neck (dated 4-57), measures .88" at the first fret to .98" at the 12th, just the way it should be. The body, made of ash and dated 8-57, is all original except for two replaced bridge saddles. The neck pickup, though original, has been rewound to vintage factory specs by Lindy Frailin, as attested to by TR Crandall when he was at Matt Umanovs'. This '57 comes with its original case, with one broken latch. The frets show some wear in the cowboy chord positions, but it doesn't affect this '57's playability.The sound of the '57 Telecaster is a testament to its historical significance. It's the sound you'd expect from a great '50s Telecaster, the secret sauce that has inspired countless players over the last 65-plus years.This example should undoubtedly be on your radar if you want a vintage Tele that would be a joy to own and play.CONDITION very good, all original with original case, the neck pickup has been rewound by Lindy Fralin to factory specs SERIAL NUMBER 20534 BODY ash FINISH blonde NECK maple, 1 piece NUT WIDTH 1 5/8" NECK CARVE soft V, .88” - .98" FINGERBOARD RADIUS vintage PICKGUARD white PICKUPS original, neck rewound to factory specs by Lindy Fralin CONTROLS volume, tone, 3-way switch with vintage wiring HARDWARE original BRIDGE original WEIGHT 7.4 lbs CASE original tweed with one broken patch

The Fender Telecaster, known affectionately as the "Tele," emerged as the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar, marking a significant milestone in music history. Its straightforward design and innovative sound paved the way for new trends in electric guitar manufacturing and popular music. Since its debut in the 1950s, the Telecaster has been celebrated for its versatility, serving artists across genres from country to jazz, rock, and beyond. Its solid construction, characterized by a single-cutaway body made typically from alder or ash and a bolt-on maple neck, contributes to its distinct, bright, and cutting tone as well as a warm, mellow sound depending on pickup selection. With minor modifications over the years, the Telecaster has remained largely faithful to its original design, featuring two single-coil pickups, a three-way selector switch, and simple volume and tone controls. This enduring design has kept the Telecaster relevant and in continuous production, solidifying its status as a beloved icon in the guitar world.