That is just a beautiful instrument. And showcased by a very intelligent, honest, and well spoken gentleman. Thank you for sharing. This is what makes RUclips great!
As a tele guy, I'm sitting here just drooling! Absolutely stunning flame on that neck. Certainly one of a kind, esp for a "53. thanks for posting this.
Beatiful. Indeed belongs in a bulletproof glass case for connoisseurs to admire. Make it a sealed glass case, as many people would drool over it, I certainly am. Thanks for taking a piece of your short time with this gem to film it and share it with us.
I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the old Telecaster, Stan. When nice items like this pass through my shop, I will share them with you all, whenever possible.
Never have i see a Fender neck with that much flame, as a kid I had an Esquire, serial 0050. Bridge pickup was incredibly powerful...probably like this one. Thanks. What a treat.
Wow, I'm in love with that guitar. I keep coming back everyday just to watch this video. I have so many years left until my guitar even starts looking like that, haha. Great video!
Thanks so much, Raul, and glad you like the guitar. It's good that you're willing to wait for your guitar to look like this naturally....rather than trying to "fake it" with sandpaper and a quick "relic job". Best of luck !!
I think we've all had those "moments of insanity". My problem is that I try to re-acquire the things I foolishly sold long ago, or equivalent replacements, that now cost 20+ times what I sold them for......a very poor business model.
The FenderTelecaster, pure art in simplicity and functionality. This guitar is rich and deep with history, and just think of all the places and faces it has seen and played to. I own four Tele's of my own, all different models as well. All of mine combined don't have the Mojo Vibe this one has though. Even so, as a guitar player you can't hide behind a Tele because it's a no gimmick guitar. You are either convincing or lack lusture with one of these. No fence walkin' with a Telecaster. However, when you really can 'PLAY', Telecaster rewards you in spades. Ultra cool guitar.
Thank you. I am not Rober Pirsig, but I am very flattered by your comparison. I agree that unless the craftsman has a very personal stock in his work, the work will never be optimum. What we do is definitely a reflection of who we are.
My goodness. I've played and loved Teles for decades now, but never even laid hands on something quite like this. Don't get me wrong, I've had/have more than my share of nice gear. But that's just, like, wow. You can tell she's a player too. Thanks Uncle Doug.
Thanks, SS. By coincidence, I was at the owner's home yesterday for a party and saw the guitar for the first time in quite a while. It still looks great and plays quite nicely.
Just came across this and don't know how I missed it....I have a Fender USA Telecaster I bought sometime around 1986 or so. I love this guitar and the neck now has some nice "patina" to it after all these years. I had to take out the relief as the truss rod was not ever adjusted...it had a good bow in it. Works nice now. I have had offers from others about them wanting to buy this Tele as it plays well. I put together a '50s Strat and that plays well too with "lo action". I had to file the bone nut and that was the only "scary" issue I had but got the proper tools to do it. It has a 7.25" radius "med-V" neck and I love it. All the parts were from Fender but MIM. The neck was from the Ensenada Fender factory...real gorgeous !I believe these '53 Tele's had a 7.25" radius neck but not positive. Must play real well, I would imagine ! ! !
That is just awsome. I couldnt stop saying to myself would you look at that neck. And the flawe wouldnt have been for looks back then. Its rare to see flamed necks in ones that old but you do see an odd one like that. One small point i did notice which grabed my attention straight away was that it hasnt got slotted screws on the pick gard and for a guitar of that year to my knowlege it should have. Maybe this was one of the first to have star screws which may place it late that year. It is truely beautiful. thanks for shareing it with us
You're quite welcome, Damo.....glad you liked the old Telecaster. You may be right about the slotted screws. They would seem more appropriate than Phillips heads. The next time I see the owner of the guitar, I'll ask him about it. Thanks for your input :)
Wish I was the dave W with that guitar!! Looks much better than beat up "relic" guitars that have been made to look like they were intentionally abused.
+David W Thanks, David, and I agree. Purposely damaging a guitar to make it look old makes absolutely no sense to me either. It's sort of like wearing a bad toupee or sticking a rolled-up sock in your pants.....you're not fooling anyone :)
Yep I've never seen one that nice myself. Not that I have a lot of access to old Teles lol. Congratulations to the new owner and I hope he has many happy hours. It's a lot of fun and it's nice to have nice things. :)
Truly a work of art...I have a Telecaster...but it is a made in Mexico, with the Seymour Duncan neck pickup. I must say though it does sound really good (played by someone besides me, lol) Thanks for sharing this amazing guitar with us!!
Hi Doug... I just reviewed this short video, and that Tele sure is nice. Your comment regarding the neck tweaked my memory of reading Forrest White's memoirs of working for Leo. In it he recalls that Leo didn't like to use "fancy" wood (in fact, he said that they burned all the pieces that were pretty... Leo didn't want guitarists going crazy over occasional instruments with pretty woods... sort of like today!) Makes me wonder how that one managed to make it out of the factory... No matter, it is what it is.
Greetings, Bill. Just the thought of all those beautifully figured necks going up in smoke gives me some serious gastric distress. Let's hope this is just a rumor......not a fact.
Well, Doug, since Forrest White was the plant manager at Fender back in the day, and was known as a real "straight arrow", I somehow don't think that this was a rumor.
After a few years, I've revisited this video (and, yes, that tele is still as good as the first time I viewed it). Giving some more thought to White's comment, it could well be that the fancy "Birdseye" wood were the ones that got the torch (of course, there is one famous one that didn't get away... Forrest was saving an especially pretty one for himself, but Bill Carson wheedled it out of him. I guess that Bill's widow still has that guitar. I can't say if Forrest ever got another nice neck.)
Wow, that's one beautiful neck, great guitar, I've been watching your channel for awhile now but somehow missed this one.. keep up the great videos mate, Cheers..
Yeah, it's almost too gorgeous to be legit (though I trust Uncle Doug is astute enough not to fall for a fake neck). I wonder if this was an "employee special" that received the pick of the litter of everything.
I play a '71-'72 Rosewood Tele... It's not an "off the assembly line" model (though because of the authenticity of the parts, it still has a very high resale value- I've checked). I purchased it in '76 from a friend who'd worked for George and Leo back in the day. He was asked to solve some issues with the body, so was able to keep many of them for his own. The only problem I had was the bridge pickup was so effective, that I got radio broadcasts!!! That was repaired easily by Red Rhodes in Hollywood, CA and the guitar just screams!... The only modification that I've ever seriously considered would be to install a "stacked" humbucker in the neck position... I do tire from the single coil noise... but for the bridge, no way I would change it. Gotta love a Tele!!! Jimmy Bryant, Don Rich, Albert Collins, Jeff Beck, Ted Greene... Bill Frisell, Jim Campilongo... they all say so! :) (please pardon the enthusiast's rant!).
Rusty is an awesome dog! Thank you for the background on him. I think the cattle dog is noted for being the oldest age for dogs. There have been cattle dogs living up to 29! They are also smarter than German Shepard's and are quite human in many ways. My fav dog of all time (then the wolf.)
Rusty really is a very interesting and helpful companion, UDJ. I am relieved to hear of his longevity. It would be very lonely without him snoring under my work bench.
The nickel over the hole is a great idea. I went through a phase with Nashville Tele setups with a middle volume. I’ve used the chrome plugs like a amp repair plug. I would play this if it was mine. I can’t help but think Leo designed these as a players guitar above all else and it’s only right that they are used to make music. I think that’s what Leo intended over one being enclosed in glass.
"Pat. Pend." bridge plate. Wow. I was five or six years old when this was born, dependent upon the month ... most likely, I was five. I would consider a Klein neck PUP -- he gets it right down to the exact metals makeup of the pole pieces. Thanks for showing this beauty.
Thank you for showing us such a great relic. It certainly is in excellent condition. Do you know when they started using phillips screws to secure the bridge to the body? I noticed this one used phillips screws to secure the bridge, but slotted screws for the pickup adjustment.
Greetings, HH. This is the first 1953 Telecaster I have ever seen up close, so I really don't know about the legitimacy of the screw heads. Perhaps some other viewers are more knowledgeable and can shed some light on this question.
It’s incredible that you could take that guitar in its current condition and go play gigs with it for another 60 years or so with no problem. These things are workhorses for sure. Beautiful instrument.
I Seen A 1964 Fender S 800 Peddalsteel Guitar. & Boy Was It In Great Shape. I Wouldn't Mind Getting My Hands On An Old Peddal Steel Like That. Ever Since I Was A Kid I Always Wanted To Lear How To Play The Peddalsteel Guitar
You’re right Uncle Doug!!!, that is one beautiful 53 Tele. That roasted tiger flame neck is absolutely gorgeous. Somebody took good care of that guitar and loved it. Roasted flame maple is my personal favorite wood and finish for a guitar neck. It I may ask, what was the wood type for the body? I’m going to build a tele from scratch. I have some beautifully grained southern pine I was considering using that I have aged a few years now but interested in the 53 you had in this video . Thank you for sharing the views of this guitar. The 53 tweed amp you posted following this video was a gem as well to behold and a nice match for this 53 tele once you worked your magic on both of them electronically.
@@UncleDoug Thanks!!! Ash , Swamp Ash, flame maple and maple necks are my favorite choices of wood Fender has provided and the tones they produce. Leo Fender was a genius!!! I’m fascinated on how differences in wood combinations, electronics and finishes like nitrocellulose lacquer effect the tonal quality. Married up to a quality tube amp and that’s when the magic really happens. I was a musician first. Curiosity and the financial out of reach costs to buy late 50’s early 60’s reproduction Gibson’s or Fender guitars has steered me into wanting to make my own guitar’s and maybe sell them at more affordable prices if I can come up with some originality in body design and if they actually sound good etc. Poor musicians like me like to play nice sounding guitars too. My opinion for whatever that’s worth, the old original methods and materials are by far the best. I certainly understand completely where you come from in your love of vintage tube amps and restoring them to their old glory and teaching us knuckleheads how to work on them as well. Your knowledge is impressive. I was reading an old 60’s amplifier and transistor design book and found a quote you had said but unfortunately I have CRS syndrome (can’t remember 💩) and forgot the quote but it was a good one. My first ES335 home build guitar with maple back, sides, top, mahogany center block and Les Paul style neck, US made CTS pots, paper and oil capacitors, hand wound humbucker 42 guage enamel coated wire, pick ups, maple spacers, nickel base and covers steel screws and slugs with ALNICO magnets, and braided signal wire and crimson red stain with nitrocellulose clear lacquer buffed out so shiny my reflection was caught in the pictures. Less my reflection(LOL) everything else produced an amazing tone beyond my expectations. It cost me around $800 to build and sounded like my Uncle’s 58 Les Paul. It’s my favorite sounding guitar in my collection. My curiosity on Pinecasters that Leo Fender had used in the past has peaked because I have access to southern pine on my own property and some maple trees. I’ve been wanting a telecaster in the worst way. My cats enjoy playing Rolling Stones music from their 67-73 hay days and are pressuring me to get them telecasters.
This or the Esquire are my favorite old Fender guitars. What simplicity, form and style. The pick guard and colors remind me of the yoke on an an old country and western shirt, or the pattern on patent leather shoes of the era. Nice video. Would love to see the neck heel and any pencil on tape markings inside. If you like these, check out Nacho Baño's Telecaster book.
I bought a reissue early 50’s Mexican fender. Instead of having a black Bakelite switch it had a little gold hat there. I was a bit suspicious because it didn’t have the fender badge on the headstock and when I asked the seller he said badges, we don’t have no badges, I don’t have to show you no stinking badges...
I Was Always Into Peddalsteel Guitars. Cause I Just Love The Sound Of It. I Could Listen To That Sound All Day. That's Why I Always Liked Buck Owens Conway Twitty Ernist Tubb & George Jones & Merle Haggard & Wynn Stewart Cause Those 5 Artist Had A lot Of Steel guitar On Their Albums
Not necessarily - fender made the switch from flat head to machine or phillips head screws in 1953. But the switch wasn't clear cut - some of the '53 teles like this one had a mixture of both types!? Assemblers would find a stash of flat heads and use them rather than bin them...
+Sean Ford You're welcome, Sean. I think that there was (and still is) a lot of variation in wood grain used in these necks, and every once in a while a really spectacular piece of wood shows up and gets utilized. This guitar was just one of the "lucky ones".
You're welcome, Steve. It belongs to a friend of mine, and I was finally able to talk him into sharing it with the YT audience. I'm glad you liked it :))
Interesting story uncle Doug, about 30 yrs ago I was visiting family back in Texas and as usual took my guitar, my cousin was there and I had heard he was a great musician but had never heard him play. He gave up guitar for the most part and was an amazing mandolin player, pretty much highly touted in the Amarillo area.....he started talking about an electric Fender he had and was wondering if I wanted to buy it, said it had been under his bed for years and he had no use for it and I said bring it over the next day. WELL, it was a '56 Strat in AMAZING SHAPE, he wanted $200 for it...lol The GOOD angel on my shoulder (ie Animal House...lol) overpowered the bad angel and I said, do you even have a clue what this is worth, I'd LOVE to have it but you should definitely KEEP this and possible had it insured. He was completely surprised on what he had, so he obviously kept it. Years later I heard, his son had several issues growing up, stole it and PAWNED it.......they never got it back.....made me sick. Anyway, thought you'd enjoy the interesting but sad tale...lmao
+Hooter Bear Greetings, Hooter. Your story is a familiar one. Several times in life I have made spectacular discoveries but backed off rather than take advantage of some poor schmoe. Invariably, however, a worthless, unemployed drug-addicted relative inherits or steals the item and pawns it to buy a dime bag. I'm beginning to think it might have been better all around if I had just bought the item for its asking price. At least the schmoe would realize some profit from the item and it would be properly cared for. From now on......no mercy :))
NICE TELE! Was it wired original? If so maybe the added mini switch was put in to get the neck and bridge pickups together as the original wiring would not allow for that.
It is neat to think that when this guitar was made Electric Blues, Rock n Roll, C&W were just barely happening. Did anyone guess these guitars were going to change the sound of American music, everyone's music, and culture? Nothing in pop music would be the same from that time forward. Amps would get bigger, players from everywhere would play all kinds of music, and still that guitar never went out of style.
Leo just wanted to make an honest buck (well...to be honest, a lot of honest bucks). I don't think he could ever have imagined what kind of an impact he would make on popular music.
Zarch you can hug your tele Chris Black married his strat, as far as I know talking to my wife how beautiful she was, as I was looking at my lespaul , she told me with a strange look you're in love with your guitar!?! I didn't reply ! :^o :) Jesus have mercy on me ! Will my passion will separate me from the love of God that's in Jesus ? Hopefully not ! :)
Very impressive Telecaster and video Uncle Doug. I enjoy your vids very much indeed! You are so articulate. Btw, is your dog part Australian Cattle dog (blue healer?) I had a dog that looked like yours 10 years ago. Cheers!
Thanks so much, UDJ. Rusty and I really appreciate your kind words. Yes, he is a Blue Healer.....or at least that's what the guy told me who sold him to me out of the back of a pickup truck 15 years ago :) He is obsessed with "herding" tennis balls and biting ankles (if you're going in the wrong direction), so I tend to believe his ancestry is legit :)
Rumor has it that Leo would trash fancy wood to keep the manufacturing playing field level which makes that neck one that somehow snuck through customs... I love Teles. Did you happen to note the neck profile? I love soft 'V's'... cheers
+Paul Fabrique I've been friends with the owner for 35 years or so. He developed an interest in vintage guitars and amps way before I did, so he had acquired some really nice early guitars and tweed Fender amps. The earlier you come to the party, the more there is to eat and drink :)
+Billo1281 I thought so too, Bill. I like your Amazon parrot icon photo. I had a Blue-Front Amazon, named Arnold, for many years. He was a good friend.
+Uncle Doug Thank you Uncle Doug! She's my one and only and her name is Paco. She's a Double Yellow Headed Amazon and she just turned 25 years young. She loves when I play guitar for her and also loves when I'm working and listening to music! Parrots are wonderful, lifelong pets. Also, did you go to school to learn your wood working skills and electronics? Or, was it something you picked up along the way? Your choice to answer of course.. Anyways, thank you very much for the videos Doug and Paco says hello! Take care and keep up the great work, they're a goldmine, for fellas like myself.
Thanks so much for your followup on Paco. She sounds like a wonderful companion. Re the woodworking and electronic skills....they are all self-taught and acquired by intensive study, experimentation, and experience over many years. I sincerely believe that if I can do it, anyone can, especially if I can provide some guidance to help them get started.....hence, the videos. Best of luck to you and Paco.
An interesting thought, ASR. Like all the old jukeboxes, amps, and instruments we acquire, I'm sure it could tell some lurid tales of barroom brawls, good times, bad times.....and people whose lives it affected.
the case cant be for a Jazzmaster, they didn't come out until late in 1958, what a beautiful example of a Tele though, she's a peach, would have loved to have heard her sing !!, thanks.
Greetings, Keiran. From what I understand, the case may not be the one that came with the guitar. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and am sorry that time did not permit an audio demonstration. Thanks for watching :)
Uncle Doug Greetings to you my friend, I really love all your uploads, yours are the best ones for the old forgotten gems of old rare amps, keep it up brother, Thanks, Peace.
Ya know, since I'm a good guy and all...you can tell your friend that I'll trade him a nice new shiny telecaster for that old beat up nasty relic. I'm just THAT nice a guy...hehe. True story...I bought an old early 60's Deluxe Amp from a lady who said, "I want to sell the guitar too"...opened the case and saw what looked like a '52 Tele and I almost passed out. Turned out to be a Japanese reissue from the 80's! Lol...dare to dream!
PeterPug007 I'll relay your generous offer, Peter, but have a feeling that he will probably hold out for at least $10 difference.....and some guitar picks :)
It's a 1953, Joseph, and the truss rod adjustment is on the bridge-end of the neck, not at the head. There is a brown plug on the head where a truss rod adjustment would normally be on a newer guitar. It is visible at :20 in the video.
There is a truss rod in the neck of every Fender guitar. What changes with age is where the truss rod is adjusted. On the old ones, you have to remove the neck to access a screw at the base of the neck. The newer ones have an adjustment port on the head stock. If you doubt this, do some research and see.
Leo's "plank"...I guess you know by now that I am a Gibson man, and more of a Gibson L5 acoustic jazz guitar fan, and the Les Paul is my only solid body of choice, but after hearing Roy Buchanan, I understand why you Fender fans go for these vintage Teles and Strats and go "gaga" over these beaten up old relics..it's the tone man....and perhaps some of the special nostalgia magic that wants one to go back to those early years.... with have one of these, when the world was a different place, and you wore a "younger mans clothes"....and start over again. Priceless..I suppose, but for everything else there is Mastercard.. Play on dudes...for we only have one life to live and it's getting shorter day by day.
SuperCarver2011 My personal predilection is for 1970's Les Paul Customs and Standards (they're the oldest that I can afford :), but any nice old guitar always catches my eye.....even Teisco's, Harmony's, etc.
Uncle Doug Speaking of Harmony, I bought a used Harmony Meteor..a pretty "ES-335" double cutaway back in 1966,. Loved it. I visited the Harmony factory that year for my vacation and got a nice factory tour . I was working for a Gibson/Epiphone dealer back then , teaching the beginners and doing some guitar repairs. I also visited Gibson Kalamazoo for a factory tour, but unfortunately they were on strike then and wouldn't let me in..missed opportunity that I regret to this day.
I still have the first guitar I ever owned....an early 1960's Harmony acoustic. For the money, it was a great guitar and is still in good, fully playable shape. A tour of the Gibson factory in 1966 would have been a memorable experience.....especially if they sent you home with a nice guitar as a souvenir.
it is what a Telecaster should be. Mr Fender's original design and manufacture. and all the fuss, these days, is to recreate t h i s . that's most strange and a testament to the original.......
Uncle Doug absolutely. There is no way in hell for the saddle of the low E and A to look like that. That saddle should be further then all the others from the nut. This guitar has intonation problems anyway but this set up is even worse. But you know that. You compensate for the thickness of the next string by setting it back the length of its thickness difference. Until you encounter the wound strings ant you start the stare way shape again. Trust me uncle Doug . I know guitar as much as you know amps! I set up guitars for a living. Uff! This answer was a challenge for my English
I see it.....and you are completely correct. Jazzmasters first appeared in 1958. I got this from the owner, and it's probably a simple misunderstanding. Regardless, I will delete the note. Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention.
There is no way to know for sure, Steve. It was found in a guitar shop in southern New Mexico, and the previous owner offered no information as to its history.
That is just a beautiful instrument. And showcased by a very intelligent, honest, and well spoken gentleman. Thank you for sharing. This is what makes RUclips great!
As a tele guy, I'm sitting here just drooling! Absolutely stunning flame on that neck. Certainly one of a kind, esp for a "53. thanks for posting this.
Beatiful.
Indeed belongs in a bulletproof glass case for connoisseurs to admire.
Make it a sealed glass case, as many people would drool over it, I certainly am. Thanks for taking a piece of your short time with this gem to film it and share it with us.
I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the old Telecaster, Stan. When nice items like this pass through my shop, I will share them with you all, whenever possible.
No, it deserves to be savored and caressed like the beauty it is
Thanks for putting this up ... Super! My very first guitar, was a 1954 Stratocaster ...
Never have i see a Fender neck with that much flame, as a kid I had an Esquire, serial 0050. Bridge pickup was incredibly powerful...probably like this one. Thanks. What a treat.
You're welcome, Clarence. It was a beauty :)
Wow, I'm in love with that guitar. I keep coming back everyday just to watch this video. I have so many years left until my guitar even starts looking like that, haha. Great video!
Thanks so much, Raul, and glad you like the guitar. It's good that you're willing to wait for your guitar to look like this naturally....rather than trying to "fake it" with sandpaper and a quick "relic job". Best of luck !!
I think we've all had those "moments of insanity". My problem is that I try to re-acquire the things I foolishly sold long ago, or equivalent replacements, that now cost 20+ times what I sold them for......a very poor business model.
The FenderTelecaster, pure art in simplicity and functionality. This guitar is rich and deep with history, and just think of all the places and faces it has seen and played to. I own four Tele's of my own, all different models as well. All of mine combined don't have the Mojo Vibe this one has though. Even so, as a guitar player you can't hide behind a Tele because it's a no gimmick guitar. You are either convincing or lack lusture with one of these. No fence walkin' with a Telecaster. However, when you really can 'PLAY', Telecaster rewards you in spades. Ultra cool guitar.
Thanks so much for your input, Mike. It's obvious that you have a great deal of very understandable affection for this fine guitar.
#VikingMike Summarized succinctly
Thank you. I am not Rober Pirsig, but I am very flattered by your comparison. I agree that unless the craftsman has a very personal stock in his work, the work will never be optimum. What we do is definitely a reflection of who we are.
Thank you for the sneak peek on the Tele, that you friend brought over for us to see ! That was a pleasure to eye-ball it U D. chico Detroit
Glad you enjoyed it, Chico :)
My goodness. I've played and loved Teles for decades now, but never even laid hands on something quite like this. Don't get me wrong, I've had/have more than my share of nice gear. But that's just, like, wow. You can tell she's a player too. Thanks Uncle Doug.
You're welcome, T. So glad you liked it :)
That is beautiful!! I love those old Telecasters and the condition on that one............wow.
Thanks, SS. By coincidence, I was at the owner's home yesterday for a party and saw the guitar for the first time in quite a while. It still looks great and plays quite nicely.
I can't believe that neck man,wow!
+Jonathan Kosyjana It is really nice, Jon. Glad you like it :)
Just came across this and don't know how I missed it....I have a Fender USA Telecaster I bought sometime around 1986 or so. I love this guitar and the neck now has some nice "patina" to it after all these years. I had to take out the relief as the truss rod was not ever adjusted...it had a good bow in it. Works nice now. I have had offers from others about them wanting to buy this Tele as it plays well. I put together a '50s Strat and that plays well too with "lo action". I had to file the bone nut and that was the only "scary" issue I had but got the proper tools to do it. It has a 7.25" radius "med-V" neck and I love it. All the parts were from Fender but MIM. The neck was from the Ensenada Fender factory...real gorgeous !I believe these '53 Tele's had a 7.25" radius neck but not positive. Must play real well, I would imagine ! ! !
Very interesting, Tom. Thanks for sharing :)
Many thanks Uncle Doug. Thanks for giving us all a close up. Beautiful guitar. Leo got it right first time alright.
Indeed he did, BB. You're welcome.
That is just awsome. I couldnt stop saying to myself would you look at that neck. And the flawe wouldnt have been for looks back then. Its rare to see flamed necks in ones that old but you do see an odd one like that. One small point i did notice which grabed my attention straight away was that it hasnt got slotted screws on the pick gard and for a guitar of that year to my knowlege it should have. Maybe this was one of the first to have star screws which may place it late that year. It is truely beautiful. thanks for shareing it with us
You're quite welcome, Damo.....glad you liked the old Telecaster. You may be right about the slotted screws. They would seem more appropriate than Phillips heads. The next time I see the owner of the guitar, I'll ask him about it. Thanks for your input :)
Wish I was the dave W with that guitar!!
Looks much better than beat up "relic" guitars that have been made to look like they were intentionally abused.
+David W Thanks, David, and I agree. Purposely damaging a guitar to make it look old makes absolutely no sense to me either. It's sort of like wearing a bad toupee or sticking a rolled-up sock in your pants.....you're not fooling anyone :)
Yep I've never seen one that nice myself. Not that I have a lot of access to old Teles lol. Congratulations to the new owner and I hope he has many happy hours. It's a lot of fun and it's nice to have nice things. :)
Agreed, ED. Thanks :)
Truly a work of art...I have a Telecaster...but it is a made in Mexico, with the Seymour Duncan neck pickup. I must say though it does sound really good (played by someone besides me, lol) Thanks for sharing this amazing guitar with us!!
You're welcome, Jack. All that really matters is how well a guitar suits your needs :)
Hi Doug... I just reviewed this short video, and that Tele sure is nice. Your comment regarding the neck tweaked my memory of reading Forrest White's memoirs of working for Leo. In it he recalls that Leo didn't like to use "fancy" wood (in fact, he said that they burned all the pieces that were pretty... Leo didn't want guitarists going crazy over occasional instruments with pretty woods... sort of like today!) Makes me wonder how that one managed to make it out of the factory... No matter, it is what it is.
Greetings, Bill. Just the thought of all those beautifully figured necks going up in smoke gives me some serious gastric distress. Let's hope this is just a rumor......not a fact.
Well, Doug, since Forrest White was the plant manager at Fender back in the day, and was known as a real "straight arrow", I somehow don't think that this was a rumor.
Ugh.....time for some more Pepto Bismol ;)
After a few years, I've revisited this video (and, yes, that tele is still as good as the first time I viewed it). Giving some more thought to White's comment, it could well be that the fancy "Birdseye" wood were the ones that got the torch (of course, there is one famous one that didn't get away... Forrest was saving an especially pretty one for himself, but Bill Carson wheedled it out of him. I guess that Bill's widow still has that guitar. I can't say if Forrest ever got another nice neck.)
What a great looking guitar neck, best I’ve ever seen
Thanks, Dominic :)
Wow, that's one beautiful neck, great guitar, I've been watching your channel for awhile now but somehow missed this one.. keep up the great videos mate, Cheers..
Thanks, Damen. We will :)
Absolutely STUNNING‼️🙌🏼
Agreed, EZ. Thanks :)
absolute stunning tele,love rusty and the channel.
+trillriff-axegrinder Thanks so much, T-A. We're glad you enjoy our videos :)
Wow, that neck looks amazing..
daveshaw18 Thanks, Dave. I agree.....it really is nice :)
Yeah, it's almost too gorgeous to be legit (though I trust Uncle Doug is astute enough not to fall for a fake neck). I wonder if this was an "employee special" that received the pick of the litter of everything.
I play a '71-'72 Rosewood Tele... It's not an "off the assembly line" model (though because of the authenticity of the parts, it still has a very high resale value- I've checked). I purchased it in '76 from a friend who'd worked for George and Leo back in the day. He was asked to solve some issues with the body, so was able to keep many of them for his own. The only problem I had was the bridge pickup was so effective, that I got radio broadcasts!!! That was repaired easily by Red Rhodes in Hollywood, CA and the guitar just screams!... The only modification that I've ever seriously considered would be to install a "stacked" humbucker in the neck position... I do tire from the single coil noise... but for the bridge, no way I would change it. Gotta love a Tele!!! Jimmy Bryant, Don Rich, Albert Collins, Jeff Beck, Ted Greene... Bill Frisell, Jim Campilongo... they all say so! :) (please pardon the enthusiast's rant!).
Thanks for sharing, Bradley. It sounds like a wonderful guitar.
Rusty is an awesome dog! Thank you for the background on him. I think the cattle dog is noted for being the oldest age for dogs. There have been cattle dogs living up to 29! They are also smarter than German Shepard's and are quite human in many ways. My fav dog of all time (then the wolf.)
Rusty really is a very interesting and helpful companion, UDJ. I am relieved to hear of his longevity. It would be very lonely without him snoring under my work bench.
Wow,,What a nice find, thanks for sharing. flamed neck for a 53 ..very nice.
Thanks, James. Yes, the flamed neck is truly extraordinary. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
I have a 1980 G&L F 100 with that same figured maple neck, so Leo was able to get good timber right till his last company.
You're very fortunate, Martin. Such nicely figured necks are both beautiful.....and uncommon.
I have a case like that for my Strat but I didn’t acquire them together, but the case sure raises some eye brows when I carry it to places.
Fender tweed guitar cases are magnificent ;)
@@UncleDoug gulp glup gulp ;^)
The nickel over the hole is a great idea. I went through a phase with Nashville Tele setups with a middle volume. I’ve used the chrome plugs like a amp repair plug. I would play this if it was mine. I can’t help but think Leo designed these as a players guitar above all else and it’s only right that they are used to make music. I think that’s what Leo intended over one being enclosed in glass.
I agree, TB. Using a rare instrument for its intended purpose benefits both the instrument and the audience :)
"Pat. Pend." bridge plate. Wow. I was five or six years old when this was born, dependent upon the month ... most likely, I was five. I would consider a Klein neck PUP -- he gets it right down to the exact metals makeup of the pole pieces. Thanks for showing this beauty.
You're welcome, TT. Glad you enjoyed it.
Keith's been looking for that forever and a day.
Well, he can't have it :)
Thank you for showing us such a great relic. It certainly is in excellent condition. Do you know when they started using phillips screws to secure the bridge to the body? I noticed this one used phillips screws to secure the bridge, but slotted screws for the pickup adjustment.
Greetings, HH. This is the first 1953 Telecaster I have ever seen up close, so I really don't know about the legitimacy of the screw heads. Perhaps some other viewers are more knowledgeable and can shed some light on this question.
It’s incredible that you could take that guitar in its current condition and go play gigs with it for another 60 years or so with no problem.
These things are workhorses for sure. Beautiful instrument.
Thanks, Bruce. I think the key is their utter simplicity.
Just Solid looking! Thanks for posting.
Brian S You're welcome, Brian. Whenever I run across interesting items like this, I like to share them. Glad you liked it :)
Wow that neck 👌🏻 amazing!
I wanted to share it with you all.....so nice !!
Thanks for the close up Doug. I am a bit of Les Paul guy, but I can also appreciate a Telecaster. They can be pretty cool guitars.
You're welcome, TZ :)
I Seen A 1964 Fender S 800 Peddalsteel Guitar.
& Boy Was It In Great Shape. I Wouldn't Mind
Getting My Hands On An Old Peddal Steel
Like That. Ever Since I Was A Kid I Always
Wanted To Lear How To Play The Peddalsteel
Guitar
I hope some day you're able to do so, Roger.
Just beautiful. Has me wishing i had aged half as well as this guitar.
That makes two of us, KB.
You’re right Uncle Doug!!!, that is one beautiful 53 Tele. That roasted tiger flame neck is absolutely gorgeous. Somebody took good care of that guitar and loved it. Roasted flame maple is my personal favorite wood and finish for a guitar neck. It I may ask, what was the wood type for the body? I’m going to build a tele from scratch. I have some beautifully grained southern pine I was considering using that I have aged a few years now but interested in the 53 you had in this video . Thank you for sharing the views of this guitar. The 53 tweed amp you posted following this video was a gem as well to behold and a nice match for this 53 tele once you worked your magic on both of them electronically.
Thanks so much for your very nice comments, Jeff. I am not an expert on the wood used on the body, but my guess would be ash in this case.
@@UncleDoug Thanks!!! Ash , Swamp Ash, flame maple and maple necks are my favorite choices of wood Fender has provided and the tones they produce. Leo Fender was a genius!!!
I’m fascinated on how differences in wood combinations, electronics and finishes like nitrocellulose lacquer effect the tonal quality. Married up to a quality tube amp and that’s when the magic really happens. I was a musician first. Curiosity and the financial out of reach costs to buy late 50’s early 60’s reproduction Gibson’s or Fender guitars has steered me into wanting to make my own guitar’s and maybe sell them at more affordable prices if I can come up with some originality in body design and if they actually sound good etc. Poor musicians like me like to play nice sounding guitars too. My opinion for whatever that’s worth, the old original methods and materials are by far the best. I certainly understand completely where you come from in your love of vintage tube amps and restoring them to their old glory and teaching us knuckleheads how to work on them as well. Your knowledge is impressive. I was reading an old 60’s amplifier and transistor design book and found a quote you had said but unfortunately I have CRS syndrome (can’t remember 💩) and forgot the quote but it was a good one.
My first ES335 home build guitar with maple back, sides, top, mahogany center block and Les Paul style neck, US made CTS pots, paper and oil capacitors, hand wound humbucker 42 guage enamel coated wire, pick ups, maple spacers, nickel base and covers steel screws and slugs with ALNICO magnets, and braided signal wire and crimson red stain with nitrocellulose clear lacquer buffed out so shiny my reflection was caught in the pictures. Less my reflection(LOL) everything else produced an amazing tone beyond my expectations. It cost me around $800 to build and sounded like my Uncle’s 58 Les Paul. It’s my favorite sounding guitar in my collection. My curiosity on Pinecasters that Leo Fender had used in the past has peaked because I have access to southern pine on my own property and some maple trees. I’ve been wanting a telecaster in the worst way. My cats enjoy playing Rolling Stones music from their 67-73 hay days and are pressuring me to get them telecasters.
@@jeffscott7266 Thanks for sharing, Jeff.
Stunning.
Thanks, Chad.
Fantastic ! I would die for that neck ! Thanks for sharing !
You're welcome, Todd :)
This or the Esquire are my favorite old Fender guitars. What simplicity, form and style. The pick guard and colors remind me of the yoke on an an old country and western shirt, or the pattern on patent leather shoes of the era. Nice video. Would love to see the neck heel and any pencil on tape markings inside. If you like these, check out Nacho Baño's Telecaster book.
Thanks, Paul. I will :)
"Makes my mouth water..."
Hi Uncle Doug...I am drooling wow ! How much were they new...with a hard case ? Worth thousands more now ! ...and worth it !
I'm not sure, Daniel, but it would have been a good investment.
Wow just an amazing tele!! Dream guitar for sure! Wish i had 30k to purchase one. Not too many blonde's like this left out there! Rock on!
Thanks, GH :)
Yes, the Envyometer, goes off the scale and busts!
Indeed!
I bought a reissue early 50’s Mexican fender. Instead of having a black Bakelite switch it had a little gold hat there. I was a bit suspicious because it didn’t have the fender badge on the headstock and when I asked the seller he said badges, we don’t have no badges, I don’t have to show you no stinking badges...
The seller must have been related to a Mexican bandit who used to plunder gold claims.
@@UncleDoug cheers Doug love the guitar.
I Was Always Into Peddalsteel Guitars.
Cause I Just Love The Sound Of It.
I Could Listen To That Sound All Day.
That's Why I Always Liked Buck Owens Conway
Twitty Ernist Tubb & George Jones & Merle Haggard & Wynn
Stewart Cause Those 5 Artist
Had A lot Of Steel guitar On Their Albums
Yes, they did :)
My goodness, what a stunner. That glass-like neck is just amazing! :oO
cheers
I'm glad you liked it, FK. Thanks for watching !!!
I have seen an odd one with phillips head screws but just assumed they had been changed at some point
damo690 You may be right, Damo. The screws could have been changed.
Not necessarily - fender made the switch from flat head to machine or phillips head screws in 1953. But the switch wasn't clear cut - some of the '53 teles like this one had a mixture of both types!? Assemblers would find a stash of flat heads and use them rather than bin them...
Beautiful Guitar! Tele's are what real guitar players play!
Glad you liked it, Sunny :)
Played but not abused. Very, very nice. Doesn't appear that the pickguard has cracked or shrunk by so much as a millimeter.
Glad you liked it, Chuck.
that's super!,, bet that tele sounds great too!
Thanks, Gene. Yes, it did :)
Are the brass saddles chrome plated in 50s?
Heck if I know, SV......probably not.
@@UncleDoug Beautiful guitar, to me the saddles just looked like they had some sort of coating on them. I was just curious.
Awesome guitar!
Thanks, Matt.
It's the nicest I've ever seen also. Thanks for sharing with us. Is there a reason this model was made with top of the line wood for the neck?
+Sean Ford You're welcome, Sean. I think that there was (and still is) a lot of variation in wood grain used in these necks, and every once in a while a really spectacular piece of wood shows up and gets utilized. This guitar was just one of the "lucky ones".
sweet! thanks for posting man
You're welcome, Steve. It belongs to a friend of mine, and I was finally able to talk him into sharing it with the YT audience. I'm glad you liked it :))
Interesting story uncle Doug, about 30 yrs ago I was visiting family back in Texas and as usual took my guitar, my cousin was there and I had heard he was a great musician but had never heard him play. He gave up guitar for the most part and was an amazing mandolin player, pretty much highly touted in the Amarillo area.....he started talking about an electric Fender he had and was wondering if I wanted to buy it, said it had been under his bed for years and he had no use for it and I said bring it over the next day. WELL, it was a '56 Strat in AMAZING SHAPE, he wanted $200 for it...lol The GOOD angel on my shoulder (ie Animal House...lol) overpowered the bad angel and I said, do you even have a clue what this is worth, I'd LOVE to have it but you should definitely KEEP this and possible had it insured. He was completely surprised on what he had, so he obviously kept it. Years later I heard, his son had several issues growing up, stole it and PAWNED it.......they never got it back.....made me sick. Anyway, thought you'd enjoy the interesting but sad tale...lmao
+Hooter Bear Greetings, Hooter. Your story is a familiar one. Several times in life I have made spectacular discoveries but backed off rather than take advantage of some poor schmoe. Invariably, however, a worthless, unemployed drug-addicted relative inherits or steals the item and pawns it to buy a dime bag. I'm beginning to think it might have been better all around if I had just bought the item for its asking price. At least the schmoe would realize some profit from the item and it would be properly cared for. From now on......no mercy :))
+Uncle Doug ......exactly what I felt afterwords!
What year was the Broad caster changed to the tele
Early 1951, I believe.
@@UncleDoug Yep. And then of course there's the ultra-elusive no-casters.
NICE TELE! Was it wired original? If so maybe the added mini switch was put in to get the neck and bridge pickups together as the original wiring would not allow for that.
I'm not sure, Martin, but it could be true :)
We know it isn't COMPLETELY original since the neck pup was replaced, so anything is possible.
It is neat to think that when this guitar was made Electric Blues, Rock n Roll, C&W were just barely happening. Did anyone guess these guitars were going to change the sound of American music, everyone's music, and culture? Nothing in pop music would be the same from that time forward. Amps would get bigger, players from everywhere would play all kinds of music, and still that guitar never went out of style.
Well said, Alex :)
Leo just wanted to make an honest buck (well...to be honest, a lot of honest bucks). I don't think he could ever have imagined what kind of an impact he would make on popular music.
Awesome guitar! I'd love to have that one!
Me too, 74 :)
Did they string them with Flats in the day?
I have no idea, RA.
Beautiful neck.....
what other electronic device was invented in 1950 or ever, and never improved on!!!!!????
what an amazing piece of musical history!
You make a good point, John :)
beautiful. still stratevarius or tele. i would play it and love every note :)
Glad you liked it, Scott :)
Wowee! I need to go and hug my Tele now.
zarchy55 I don't blame you, Zarch, they're wonderful guitars :)
Zarch you can hug your tele Chris Black married his strat, as far as I know talking to my wife how beautiful she was, as I was looking at my lespaul , she told me with a strange look you're in love with your guitar!?!
I didn't reply ! :^o :)
Jesus have mercy on me ! Will my passion will separate me from the love of God that's in Jesus ? Hopefully not ! :)
Amen, brother :)
What a treasure!
It was a nice one :)
beautiful condition
Thanks, Adam :)
Very impressive Telecaster and video Uncle Doug. I enjoy your vids very much indeed! You are so articulate. Btw, is your dog part Australian Cattle dog (blue healer?) I had a dog that looked like yours 10 years ago. Cheers!
Thanks so much, UDJ. Rusty and I really appreciate your kind words. Yes, he is a Blue Healer.....or at least that's what the guy told me who sold him to me out of the back of a pickup truck 15 years ago :) He is obsessed with "herding" tennis balls and biting ankles (if you're going in the wrong direction), so I tend to believe his ancestry is legit :)
Rumor has it that Leo would trash fancy wood to keep the manufacturing playing field level which makes that neck one that somehow snuck through customs...
I love Teles. Did you happen to note the neck profile?
I love soft 'V's'... cheers
I hope he wasn't that intent upon uniformity, Jonny. No, I did not.
@@UncleDoug The perfect working plunkers tool... approximately
where do you find friends like these?!
+Paul Fabrique I've been friends with the owner for 35 years or so. He developed an interest in vintage guitars and amps way before I did, so he had acquired some really nice early guitars and tweed Fender amps. The earlier you come to the party, the more there is to eat and drink :)
+Uncle Doug Ha ha yes indeed! Thanks for posting Doug!
The back of that neck is absurdly beautiful!
+Billo1281 I thought so too, Bill. I like your Amazon parrot icon photo. I had a Blue-Front Amazon, named Arnold, for many years. He was a good friend.
+Uncle Doug Thank you Uncle Doug! She's my one and only and her name is
Paco. She's a Double Yellow Headed Amazon and she just turned 25 years
young. She loves when I play guitar for her and also loves when I'm working and listening to music! Parrots are wonderful, lifelong pets.
Also, did you go to school to learn your wood working skills and
electronics? Or, was it something you picked up along the way? Your
choice to answer of course.. Anyways, thank you very much for the videos Doug and Paco says hello! Take care and keep up the great work, they're a goldmine, for fellas like myself.
Thanks so much for your followup on Paco. She sounds like a wonderful companion. Re the woodworking and electronic skills....they are all self-taught and acquired by intensive study, experimentation, and experience over many years. I sincerely believe that if I can do it, anyone can, especially if I can provide some guidance to help them get started.....hence, the videos. Best of luck to you and Paco.
I wish it could talk - wonder where it's been and who has played it since '53 ?
An interesting thought, ASR. Like all the old jukeboxes, amps, and instruments we acquire, I'm sure it could tell some lurid tales of barroom brawls, good times, bad times.....and people whose lives it affected.
the case cant be for a Jazzmaster, they didn't come out until late in 1958, what a beautiful example of a Tele though, she's a peach, would have loved to have heard her sing !!, thanks.
Greetings, Keiran. From what I understand, the case may not be the one that came with the guitar. I'm glad you enjoyed the video and am sorry that time did not permit an audio demonstration. Thanks for watching :)
Uncle Doug Greetings to you my friend, I really love all your uploads, yours are the best ones for the old forgotten gems of old rare amps, keep it up brother, Thanks, Peace.
You're quite welcome, Keiran. Thanks again for your kind words of support :)
Uncle Doug Thankyou Sir, it's a pleasure.
Where is that guitar now?
It was sold though a national auction house by the owner. I don't know the final price.
Well a Mexican built it so it belongs to him.
What about the 4 bolt neck ? ... Isn't that year supposed to be a three bolt ?
I think you'll find that most of the early Telecasters, including the '53 model, had 4-bolt necks.
Three bolt necks didn't happen until the '70's.
My Dad has a 53 in absolut perfect condition. 2 days ago he just pulled it out, i didn’t even know he had it… was probably better this way…
We should all have fathers like yours, David. You're a lucky guy :)
Did you play it?
No, the owner was in a hurry and just let me make the short video.
Ya know, since I'm a good guy and all...you can tell your friend that I'll trade him a nice new shiny telecaster for that old beat up nasty relic. I'm just THAT nice a guy...hehe.
True story...I bought an old early 60's Deluxe Amp from a lady who said, "I want to sell the guitar too"...opened the case and saw what looked like a '52 Tele and I almost passed out. Turned out to be a Japanese reissue from the 80's! Lol...dare to dream!
PeterPug007 I'll relay your generous offer, Peter, but have a feeling that he will probably hold out for at least $10 difference.....and some guitar picks :)
A+
Thanks, Jim :)
Wow 👍 👍 ❤
Glad you like it, Amo :)
Why is there a truss rod on the head of a 59?!?!
It's a 1953, Joseph, and the truss rod adjustment is on the bridge-end of the neck, not at the head. There is a brown plug on the head where a truss rod adjustment would normally be on a newer guitar. It is visible at :20 in the video.
A 53 wouldn't have a truss rod....
There is a truss rod in the neck of every Fender guitar. What changes with age is where the truss rod is adjusted. On the old ones, you have to remove the neck to access a screw at the base of the neck. The newer ones have an adjustment port on the head stock. If you doubt this, do some research and see.
What do you think it’s worth?
The owner sold it, but never told me for how much, CF.
you should invite that guy over more often.
I see him often. He has a bunch of nice amplifiers and guitars that I occasionally repair. It's always a pleasant experience :)
Leo's "plank"...I guess you know by now that I am a Gibson man, and more of a Gibson L5 acoustic jazz guitar fan, and the Les Paul is my only solid body of choice, but after hearing Roy Buchanan, I understand why you Fender fans go for these vintage Teles and Strats and go "gaga" over these beaten up old relics..it's the tone man....and perhaps some of the special nostalgia magic that wants one to go back to those early years.... with have one of these, when the world was a different place, and you
wore a "younger mans clothes"....and start over again.
Priceless..I suppose, but for everything else there is Mastercard.. Play on dudes...for we only have one life to live and it's getting shorter day by day.
SuperCarver2011 My personal predilection is for 1970's Les Paul Customs and Standards (they're the oldest that I can afford :), but any nice old guitar always catches my eye.....even Teisco's, Harmony's, etc.
Uncle Doug Speaking of Harmony, I bought a used Harmony Meteor..a pretty "ES-335" double cutaway back
in 1966,. Loved it. I visited the Harmony factory that year for my vacation and got a nice factory tour . I was
working for a Gibson/Epiphone dealer back then , teaching the beginners and doing some guitar repairs.
I also visited Gibson Kalamazoo for a factory tour, but unfortunately they were on strike then and wouldn't
let me in..missed opportunity that I regret to this day.
I still have the first guitar I ever owned....an early 1960's Harmony acoustic. For the money, it was a great guitar and is still in good, fully playable shape. A tour of the Gibson factory in 1966 would have been a memorable experience.....especially if they sent you home with a nice guitar as a souvenir.
it is what a Telecaster should be. Mr Fender's original design and manufacture. and all the fuss, these days, is to recreate t h i s . that's most strange and a testament to the original.......
Well said, Fred. I couldn't agree more.
Uuuuu!! I need! I want ! But it desperately needs an intonation set up.
....and you can tell that without even hearing it ?
Uncle Doug absolutely. There is no way in hell for the saddle of the low E and A to look like that. That saddle should be further then all the others from the nut. This guitar has intonation problems anyway but this set up is even worse. But you know that. You compensate for the thickness of the next string by setting it back the length of its thickness difference. Until you encounter the wound strings ant you start the stare way shape again. Trust me uncle Doug . I know guitar as much as you know amps! I set up guitars for a living. Uff! This answer was a challenge for my English
@@vintagepipesnightmares Thanks, Silviu. The guitar was sold quite a while ago. Hopefully, the new owner will intonate it properly.
spectacular guitar and I bet it rings out like a tuning fork.
Thanks, C. It does indeed sound as good as it looks.
I don't believe that there was another knob there. Just a long space. that nickel is glued on the plate.
Could be, MM.
We don't get to hear it?
I'm sorry. It belonged to a friend of mine and he only had time for me to video it.
Stunning guitar! I'd almost be willing to give up one of my testicles for one of these masterpieces....
+TheOldOakSyndicate If one testicle would buy it, I'd probably own it. Unfortunately, the seller wanted two :(
1953 Jazzmaster? Didn't they start making Jazzmasters in 1958?
Where in the video is the Jazzmaster reference, ED? What was said came directly from the owner, but I can contact him for clarification if necessary.
Uncle Doug At 0:12 the annotation says 1953 Fender Jazzmaster case. Thanks for responding!
I see it.....and you are completely correct. Jazzmasters first appeared in 1958. I got this from the owner, and it's probably a simple misunderstanding. Regardless, I will delete the note. Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention.
Hey Uncle Doug. I dont think anyone would want that old tele. I will pay the shipping, and get that old think out of your way.
Strangely enough, quite a few people made the same offer, Monty. You guys are just too kind ;)
How much is that guitar worth? $30,000?
That's probably a pretty good guess, Peter.
I need friends like that
Me too......except they rarely share :(
Does your friend know who has owned the guitar previously . Anyone famous ?
There is no way to know for sure, Steve. It was found in a guitar shop in southern New Mexico, and the previous owner offered no information as to its history.
Well is a real vintage? Or is there something I missed!
Yes, all the parts of of the proper vintage.