Quote:
Originally Posted by opdev1
If you were buying a vintage tele, what do you think is more desirable?
1) Blackguard Refin (98% original otherwise)
2) Mid 50's (54-55) Whiteguard, all original, no refin, play wear.
Same price
Looking for vintage opinions only (I can have a vice). Not interested in the 10x better tele you can get for 1/10 the cost.
I was totally sold on a BG refin but now the "all original" whiteguard had peaked my interest.
Are 54-55's very different tone wise?
I do see that the 55 uses steel saddles which I assume may brighten things up a bit? The slight V necks on the 55's seem cool as well.
A Blackguard is the vintage grail though....
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personally, I would go with the originality always, so an original WG instead of a refin BG.
My '56 is a great Tele, the main difference from a BG is, the bridge pup is not a flat pole and the saddles are steel vs. brass. I can't confirm the brightness you question about the steel saddles. Personally, I really like the V necks on my '56 & '57. My '57 is just as good a Tele as the '56 but my '58 string thru body is a little different, still very, very good but the saddles are threaded and I think these degrade the tone ever so slightly. Try to get the OHSC as those are hard to find and very pricey if bought separately. All 3 of these WG's weigh between 5 lbs 15ozs and 6 lbs 4 ozs and are very acoustically loud with a lot of vibration.
Good luck with your search and do your research and due diligence.... and deal with someone that is well known or connected to known expert sources.
all the best!