Just found a classic Americam Dream Machine. A 1975 Telecaster Custom that weighs in at 7.4 Lbs and has been sealed in a factory case and box until today. This guitar has never been touched since being shipped to a retailer in 1975. It's black with a maple neck and it's now mine. Link to pics: www.picturetrail.com/cultreri Keith won't get this one from me...... Will post more pics later....
Old Tele man, Wow that looks sweet, and you can't find one of those in an old box. Awesome design job there!
There were 3 guitars in total and 2 had issues because they were apparently packed into their cases before their final finish coats were dry. Fuzz from the guitar case liners was caught into the finish of the guitar bodies. (apparently, not such an uncommon mistake during that period, according to a Fender "expert") From what I've been told of the other 2 guitars, the problem is almost negligible, causing very minor rough spots on the back and heel of the guitars. The others are both blondes and have already been sold for slightly less than mine, which was an absolute steal to begin with. A local tech that does work for me was one of the actual finders and I went based on his facts and photos and was able to get 1st pick. The other 2 were also considerably heavier, both just crossing the 9Lb mark. Mine weighs in at 7.4Lbs. This is the second time I've seen something like this happen, and the first time I was able to benefit from it. The prior incident involved 2 original Bassman amps in cartons right here on Long Island about 15 years ago. I got to see them but that was about it. This is the truest version of NOS. I'll post more pics today.
CliffC...you're a helluva lucky dude - and you know it!!!! That IS an awesome piece you got yourself there!! The Custom is my next telly-purchase. I justo love those wide range puppies: I have a 74-ish Thinline and a 73-ish Deluxe and they both SMOKE!! The only problms nowadays is that Fender is reissuing them again - complete with new "wide-range" pickups and I have the awful feeling that many miscreants will be truly tempted to fake these models too, since the prices have been steadily rising ... JJ Paul
The Mexican ones are terrible, the Japanese ones can be made useful by replacing all the electronics and hardware, and I have yet to see an American "Classic 1972 Tele Custom" make it's way into a retailer. The threat of fakes is always present, that's why I make sure that not only myself, but my #1 tech and an outside appraiser are always involved. It's costly, but unfortunately the only way to protect yourself and conduct business these days. I've been hunting a good Tele Custom for some time now and the wait has paid off bigger than I could have ever imagined. I was just searching for a great players guitar. I got that plus a whole lot more. Fortunately, this guitar will NOT sit in a glass display case. It's going to get every ounce of tone pounded out of it because it is a great sounding guitar with a neck to die for. The action is now sitting way too low for me and I can't coax any fret buzz out of it.
Cliff, That is a great score on one of my favorite guitars ever. I used to have one and stupidly sold it. I made myself another with a Fender Masterbuilt neck someone gave me (unbelieveable birdseye) and I got a Japanese black body. I have the Fender pickup in the neck and a HD bridge pickup. Titanium saddles. I have tweaked it and it now holds up to my old one----which was a very useful guitar. Rock, jazz, country, the guitar could do it all. I'm gonna send you a clip I did with it (my old one) on a studio date. Both pickups on, the controls give you a lot of variation.
Thanks so much. This one fell from the sky into my lap. I sure could use some change in my luck lately. Hopefully there's more good luck where this came from.
Man, that's just frickin unbelievable. I'm jealous. Don't know if I could bring myself to play it though, after it's stayed so pristine for so long. Are those collectable? I'd be sooo tempted to "flip" it for some cash. But, 7.4 lbs. Wow. *drool*
They were made to be played. If it wasn't right for me I'd flip it for something else, but a Keith Richards custom Tele has got to have a place in anyones heart and soul and sound.
