Fender Custom Shop Telecaster 1953 HREL Paul Waller #R131273

The year 1953 is considered a very special one among Tele-aficionados. On the one hand, the naming phase Broadcaster-Double PU Esquire-Nocaster-Telecaster is now a thing of the past, and on the other hand, it is considered largely structurally mature for an early Telecaster. What is interesting is the simultaneous use of slotted screws used in previous years for the pot knobs, control plate and bridge, while the neck plate and pickguard were attached with the then more modern Phillips screws. Of course, this does not affect the sound in any way, but you can immediately see the attention to detail in this master-built guitar!
The 2-piece, lightweight Swamp Ash body that Paul chose for us is responsible for the total weight of just 3250 grams and forms the basis for the great sound of this Tele. A light body guarantees a dynamic primary tone formation with unobtrusive but present overtones. Such bodies bring out delicate variations as well as bluesy-rock elements with ease.
A strong neck made of Canadian maple is screwed to the body, which has the U-shaped neck cut typical of many early 1950s Telecasters. You can really grab it and with a Tele you have to be allowed to struggle a little so that the inclined player is rewarded with a big sound. If you have the sound of Roy Buchanan, Danny Gatton or Arlen Roth in your ears, you can definitely get involved with such necks! For relaxed bends with low string action, we commissioned Paul to create a 12" fretboard radius and asked him to use the Jescar 47095 fret wire - the best symbiosis of vintage format and more modern designs.
Of course, the guitar is painted with nitrocellulose lacquer and Waller has subjected this Tele to his typical aging process, so that you will think you were holding an almost 70-year-old vintage guitar in your hands. The electrical amplification of the sound signal is done using a pair of “Handwound 50/51 Blackguard” – single coils. Best things you can put into an early Tele!
The amplified tone is round, warm, full, but never cutting or harsh, usable for all styles and would certainly please the Telecaster heroes mentioned earlier in the text!

Additional notes: Heavy Relic Front & Back, Strong Aging On Sides/ Edges, Darker Butterscotch Blonde, Heavy Relic Neck Front & Back, Peghead Heavy Relic With Cigarette Marks, Please Use Phillips Screws, Slot Screws On Bridge And Control Plate, Tone Saver Treble Bleed, Cert: 53 Telecaster