8502-American Ash Telecaster Club

For those who have done their homework and properly read from the book of Uncle Duderonomy regarding the 8502, the lack of carbon fiber bobbins has been well documented.

Also duly notable iis that the design of the MV's also includes the pole pieces going right down through the base plate of the bridge pup flush to the bottom of the base plate. This is not an early 50's design either but a more modern 60's feature of Tele pups and obviously one that took a little more effort to manufacture vs just jamming a base plate on. 8502 rocket scientists believe this contributes to much of the favorable MV mojo vs AV's and Nocasters which do not include this design feature.

So yes, costs were cut on the carbon fiber vs true vintage spec bobbin, but also included in the design are elements that more than make up for it sound wise and prolly resulted in significant more cost otherwise vs stock Am Se pups.

This guitar by the way wasn't designed to make a ton of money for Fender, it was never intended to be produced in quantities that would have made it a mainstream instrument on the market. It was more of a special project during the Bill Schultz era that was just a cool thing for Fender to do for the sake of doing something cool. Since Bill's passing I'm seeing less and less of that from Fender now...

Thanks guys my faith has been restored :lol:

Hello,
Is there a way to tell from the serial number if a guitar is an 8502? I was told that my Tele could be an 8502. The serial number is Z4258257.

I appreciate any assistance you can provide.

Thanks!

http://joesraindrop.com/tele/front.JPG

You can mail your serial number to Fender Customer Service. They will tell you what it was as it left the factory.

Don't think so, your number just comes up as made at the Corona factory, maybe email it to the guys at Fender. The experts here will sort it for sure. The clues I can see are white tape around the bridge pup...but..I've seen that on Fralin pups, so next it's the headstock...Round tee tree?......Fender decal in vintage position? ie closer to the nut? I don't think your pickguard is a one piece...it's poss that it may have been changed

Much obliged!
I will contact Fender directly.
(BTW - I had changed the original pickguard to the white.) I have also included a photo of the headstock.

This guitar is up for auction on eBay and I was recently notified that it could be an 8502. I have it listed as an American Series Telecaster w/OHSC - 2004.

Cheers!http://joesraindrop.com/tele/headstock.JPG

There is also a Fender customer service phone number you can call to confirm an 8502 SE#;

480-596-7195

That looks like an 8502 with a 3 ply guard.

Yup it's a 8502 and as long as the pups are the original's which looks like the case, she's sweet.....you better change or relist it on the bay

I just got off the phone with Fender Customer Service. You were right it is an 8502!
Thank you!

I found it ... http://cgi.ebay.com/American-Series-Telecaster-w-OHSC-2004-/130428169102?pt=Guitar&hash=item1e5e1feb8e

NorthForkTele,

That looks like a nice one. Any idea what it weighs?

Tele Jr,
I'd guess 7.5lbs to 8lbs. (It seems heavier at the end of the night.)

Yup it's a 8502 and as long as the pups are the original's which looks like the case, she's sweet.....you better change or relist it on the bay


..or keep it!!! :wink:

When I bought my Tele, I knew that i stood out from the others at the store where I bought it. It was heavier, thicker, the neck was chunky. No other tele I have ever seen since has these qualities. I knew it was special. Now, because of this club, I know for sure! I will upload photos soon. I am thinking of getting a Bridge from callaghan, with his special saddles, should I do this. I am havin bad intonation problems with the G string so I thought that a lovely bridge with sweet hardware would fix this.. Will it?

When I bought my Tele, I knew that i stood out from the others at the store where I bought it. It was heavier, thicker, the neck was chunky. No other tele I have ever seen since has these qualities. I knew it was special. Now, because of this club, I know for sure! I will upload photos soon. I am thinking of getting a Bridge from callaghan, with his special saddles, should I do this. I am havin bad intonation problems with the G string so I thought that a lovely bridge with sweet hardware would fix this.. Will it?


Cool!!!:cool::cool::cool:
Use wound third strings... http://www.zzounds.com/item--DADEXL115W

I am thinking of getting a Bridge from callaghan, with his special saddles, should I do this. I am havin bad intonation problems with the G string so I thought that a lovely bridge with sweet hardware would fix this.. Will it?

Hey Joe, welcome to the forum! For sure, let's see some pics of your 8502!

Regarding the notion of swapping out the bridge, if you're having G-string intonation problems, a wound "G" would certainly help as therecordfable had stated, but your current 6-saddle bridge is perhaps the most accurate of any bridges that are out there, at least as far as intonation is concerned. While Callaham makes a bridge for the American Series Teles that are mighty sweet looking, I highly doubt that it would solve any inherent intonation issues that you already have. Between your existing bridge and the Callaham, I'd recommend keeping what you already have. Those chrome-plated steel plates are actually quite nice in many respects!

Another option is the Glendale 3-saddle system for American Series Teles (see my earlier posts). While it was quite nice in many respects, I just felt that my 8502 was much better suited with its original 6-saddle bridge. The only mod that remains on that guitar is a Strat pickup in the middle postion, and I couldn't be happier with it.

Funny thing is, of my three favorite Teles, one being the 3-pickup 8502, the other two have Callaham 3-saddle bridges installed. I'm really not as fussy as some folks about intonation, but I also believe that a 3-saddle compensated system comes pretty damn close to where the saddles need to be. However, most 6-saddle proponents will argue that this system is far superior when it comes to intonation.

That said, I think I'd leave it well alone, especially if the guitar sounds the way you like it. The original system works quite well with an 8502, so why mess with it?

Jim

Hey Joe, welcome to the forum! For sure, let's see some pics of your 8502!

Regarding the notion of swapping out the bridge, if you're having G-string intonation problems, a wound "G" would certainly help as therecordfable had stated, but your current 6-saddle bridge is perhaps the most accurate of any bridges that are out there, at least as far as intonation is concerned. While Callaham makes a bridge for the American Series Teles that are mighty sweet looking, I highly doubt that it would solve any inherent intonation issues that you already have. Between your existing bridge and the Callaham, I'd recommend keeping what you already have. Those chrome-plated steel plates are actually quite nice in many respects!

Another option is the Glendale 3-saddle system for American Series Teles (see my earlier posts). While it was quite nice in many respects, I just felt that my 8502 was much better suited with its original 6-saddle bridge. The only mod that remains on that guitar is a Strat pickup in the middle postion, and I couldn't be happier with it.

Funny thing is, of my three favorite Teles, one being the 3-pickup 8502, the other two have Callaham 3-saddle bridges installed. I'm really not as fussy as some folks about intonation, but I also believe that a 3-saddle compensated system comes pretty damn close to where the saddles need to be. However, most 6-saddle proponents will argue that this system is far superior when it comes to intonation.

That said, I think I'd leave it well alone, especially if the guitar sounds the way you like it. The original system works quite well with an 8502, so why mess with it?

Jim

Hi Jim, Thanks or the advice, I may just be terrible at fixing the intonation, The G has always been a problem, but I put some gauge 11s on it the other day and its better now. Still a bit off I think but im working on it. Also can i ask you if there is any point in getting an Orange Drop Capacitor? I was maybe thinking of a hipshot standard too.. Ill upload photos later on today, Thanks

Hi Jim, Thanks or the advice, I may just be terrible at fixing the intonation, The G has always been a problem, but I put some gauge 11s on it the other day and its better now. Still a bit off I think but im working on it. Also can i ask you if there is any point in getting an Orange Drop Capacitor? I was maybe thinking of a hipshot standard too.. Ill upload photos later on today, Thanks

Yeah, 11s would probably help the intonation. The G string in particular is definitely the most fussy of all strings. It's probably best just to set the saddle in some neutral ground and be content with it.

As far as dropping an Orange Drop cap in the guitar, it certainly wouldn't hurt, but it probably wouldn't help all that much, either. If there is any difference in tone between the stock cap and the Orange Drop, it's certainly negligible. Although, I'll admit that I keep a few Orange Drops on hand for when I rewire a guitar.

If you're really looking for some mods that are kind of cool and that will make a difference, adding a 4-way switch might be one of them. It adds a 4th position where the neck and bridge pickups are wired in series, so it's sort of like playing a single humbucking pickup. It creates a fatter, more robust sound in that position. Another mod might be what some around here call the "Fezz Parka" mod. It only requires the removal of the bleed cap on your volume pot while also relocating one wire from the tone pot to the volume pot. In essence, it allows for a better-balanced volume control where the highs don't disappear when you roll back the control. I think it actually helps make the tone control better balanced as well.

This thread explains the "Fezz" model pretty well:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-technical/29394-share-your-tele-tweaks.html

Yeah, 11s would probably help the intonation. The G string in particular is definitely the most fussy of all strings. It's probably best just to set the saddle in some neutral ground and be content with it.

As far as dropping an Orange Drop cap in the guitar, it certainly wouldn't hurt, but it probably wouldn't help all that much, either. If there is any difference in tone between the stock cap and the Orange Drop, it's certainly negligible. Although, I'll admit that I keep a few Orange Drops on hand for when I rewire a guitar.

If you're really looking for some mods that are kind of cool and that will make a difference, adding a 4-way switch might be one of them. It adds a 4th position where the neck and bridge pickups are wired in series, so it's sort of like playing a single humbucking pickup. It creates a fatter, more robust sound in that position. Another mod might be what some around here call the "Fezz Parka" mod. It only requires the removal of the bleed cap on your volume pot while also relocating one wire from the tone pot to the volume pot. In essence, it allows for a better-balanced volume control where the highs don't disappear when you roll back the control. I think it actually helps make the tone control better balanced as well.

This thread explains the "Fezz" model pretty well:

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-technical/29394-share-your-tele-tweaks.html

Jim you plain ROCK!:grin:

Yeah I have used the 4-way switch mod, it's pretty much a must do if you want that bit extra from your Tele....and no I'm not gonna do it to the 8502 Jim, keeping it original :wink:

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz144/Joebloggo400/IMG_9728.jpg?t=1284201939
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz144/Joebloggo400/IMG_9722.jpg?t=1284202292
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz144/Joebloggo400/IMG_9721.jpg?t=1284202312
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz144/Joebloggo400/IMG_9718.jpg?t=1284202342
http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz144/Joebloggo400/IMG_9717.jpg?t=1284202342
Here is my Application to the club

Jim you plain ROCK!:grin:

Thanks, but I'm only sharing some info that's been floating around here for a few years now.

Joe....nice 8502! Welcome to the club!

And Telenut.....yeah, unlike many other Teles, the 8502 is a nice guitar left pretty much as it is. The Strat pickup on mine was a bit of an experiement amongst the other mods, but in the end I returned the guitar to being completely stock with the exception of the Strat pickup in the middle position. Positions 1, 3 5 are now the standard 8502 wiring while positions 2 and 4 give me a couple new options. Of all the mods I did on this guitar, that's the only one I felt was worth keeping. Allthough, I still may do the "Fezz" mod on this guitar sometime soon.

Thanks, but I'm only sharing some info that's been floating around here for a few years now.

Joe....nice 8502! Welcome to the club!

And Telenut.....yeah, unlike many other Teles, the 8502 is a nice guitar left pretty much as it is. The Strat pickup on mine was a bit of an experiement amongst the other mods, but in the end I returned the guitar to being completely stock with the exception of the Strat pickup in the middle position. Positions 1, 3 5 are now the standard 8502 wiring while positions 2 and 4 give me a couple new options. Of all the mods I did on this guitar, that's the only one I felt was worth keeping. Allthough, I still may do the "Fezz" mod on this guitar sometime soon.

This has given me a whole new appreciation for this guitar that i already love! Thanks Jim, I'm definitely gonna get a new four way switch and try the fezz, I think you're absolutely right, best to keep the original hardware on it as it top quality, also liking the 3ply white pickguard might pick one up too. I'm looking forward to doing this, I just raised the bridge pickup a bit for extra bite, which suits me, so the four and the fezz next, just have to learn how to use a soldering iron! :neutral: :neutral:
Sorry, whats a tele nut??

Nice axe Joe and a 60th anniversary is an added bonus, fo sho.

Nice axe Joe and a 60th anniversary is an added bonus, fo sho.

Thanks man, there a lot of love for the 3502 here, its feels gooood
that 60th diamond is a classy feature.

This one was just delivered to me just yesterday. First Tele, and first Fender ever.....

Purchased from an Ebay auction advertised as only an "American Telecaster". Because of all the valuable information in this thread, I had a hunch what the guy was selling. I was able to get additonal pics to make sure it was an 8502, and the body color, bridge, and HS logo were the dead giveaways. Right before the close of auction, 1st and only bid won it.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3738/dscn0213c.jpg
Jeff @ Fender confirmed #Z7131933, 8/6/2007.

What a wonderful instrument, sounds as good as it looks. Now I understand why everyone holds these guitars in such high regard, thanks for the help!

This one was just delivered to me just yesterday. First Tele, and first Fender ever.....

Purchased from an Ebay auction advertised as only an "American Telecaster". Because of all the valuable information in this thread, I had a hunch what the guy was selling. I was able to get additonal pics to make sure it was an 8502, and the body color, bridge, and HS logo were the dead giveaways. Right before the close of auction, 1st and only bid won it.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3738/dscn0213c.jpg
Jeff @ Fender confirmed #Z7131933, 8/6/2007.

What a wonderful instrument, sounds as good as it looks. Now I understand why everyone holds these guitars in such high regard, thanks for the help!

Nice score Heavy congrats and welcome to the club!!!:cool:

Nice indeed, snucked under my radar :shock:

I had been looking for a Tele for a while. Did all the usual, played a bunch, and through the information here was aware of the 8502.

Locally on CL I saw a Telecaster listed that looked like it might be an 8502. The picture was a little blurry so I started negotiating with the owner. He wanted to sell the Tele to buy another Strat he found and we negotiated a price that I figured even if it was just an American Tele I could buy it, turn it, and make a couple bucks.

I went to look at it and not only was it in perfect condition, no scratches, dents, buckle rash, etc, but it had all the correct markings of an 8502. It was like brand new with only minor pick scratches on the pick guard. He had changed out the original case and had a good Gator case but I made a point out of it and he dropped the price another $100.

After purchasing it I sent the serial information to Fender and they responded with the build specs and it is an 8502.

Now I have to be honest and admit my original plan was to turn this, make a few bucks, and buy as Custom Shop Tele or CS Nocaster. But after I got it home, changed the strings and turned it up I couldn't believe it. It is one of the best playing and sounding Telecasters I have ever played. I love the sound. I am really impressed by how resonate it is when played without an amplifier. I have other very nice guitars, but since I bought the 8502 this has been the guitar I have been playing constantly.

So thank you all for the information you have posted here. It has found another 8502 and elevated it to somewhat cult status.

Well done, Sunburst or Blondie? be nice to drop in a pic

Cool story, and congrats on the 8502! Welcome to the club! Be forewarned, though....some folks here are going to ask for you to post some pics. Some tend to believe that the guitar doesn't exist unless you have pics.....LOL.

It's blond. Haven't sorted out how to post pics on this site but I will when I find some time.

This one was just delivered to me just yesterday. First Tele, and first Fender ever.....

Purchased from an Ebay auction advertised as only an "American Telecaster". Because of all the valuable information in this thread, I had a hunch what the guy was selling. I was able to get additonal pics to make sure it was an 8502, and the body color, bridge, and HS logo were the dead giveaways. Right before the close of auction, 1st and only bid won it.

http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3738/dscn0213c.jpg
Jeff @ Fender confirmed #Z7131933, 8/6/2007.

What a wonderful instrument, sounds as good as it looks. Now I understand why everyone holds these guitars in such high regard, thanks for the help!

Great score! Nice photo, it's not easy to capture the grain like that.

Great score! Nice photo, it's not easy to capture the grain like that.

Couldn't agree more it's what drew me to mine in the first place.

Thread bump time..


So I was thinking the other day - My 8502 was the very first Fender Telecaster I got back in 2005. I had no idea what I was buying, what all my options were, etc.. I was just trying to find a cool American made tele on Musicians Friend and that is what I ended up picking.. sight unseen.

Fast forward 5 years, I find and join TDPRI and I've learned SO much more about Telecasters and all the choices out there. If I were to go out now and buy a new tele it would probably be something completely different from an 8502 (which yes I know they don't sell anymore). But the point is, now that I'm "so much smarter" about Telecasters, I'da never chosen the 8502 if the choice was made now.... which is a damn shame cause I'da missed out on one of the finest guitars Fender has ever made IMO.

I've continued to play (and acquire occasionally) new telecasters.. but none play as nice or sing so sweetly as my 8502 "Ann" does. I'm very glad I found her before I joined TDPRI. :mrgreen:

Take care.. Allen

Thread bump time..


So I was thinking the other day - My 8502 was the very first Fender Telecaster I got back in 2005. I had no idea what I was buying, what all my options were, etc.. I was just trying to find a cool American made tele on Musicians Friend and that is what I ended up picking.. sight unseen.

Fast forward 5 years, I find and join TDPRI and I've learned SO much more about Telecasters and all the choices out there. If I were to go out now and buy a new tele it would probably be something completely different from an 8502 (which yes I know they don't sell anymore). But the point is, now that I'm "so much smarter" about Telecasters, I'da never chosen the 8502 if the choice was made now.... which is a damn shame cause I'da missed out on one of the finest guitars Fender has ever made IMO.

I've continued to play (and acquire occasionally) new telecasters.. but none play as nice or sing so sweetly as my 8502 "Ann" does. I'm very glad I found her before I joined TDPRI. :mrgreen:

Take care.. Allen

That is crazy... I have basically the same story but I bought mine in 2003 and from a small shop near me.:cool::cool::cool:
Fun story and there is no doubt I'm glad I picked her up,
she will be with me for the duration.

I guess I got caught up in all the hoopla of the 8502 after having played about a dozen of other Teles over the years....so much so that I eventually ended up with four of them.....LOL. Of course, I'm now down to having two, but they're truly great guitars!

Just a heads up, but it appears as though there's an 8502 on Ebay that could probably be had at a good price:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-American-Ash-Telecaster-/270654590956?pt=Guitar&hash=item3f04454fec

Yes, you are right Jim, that looks like an early Z3 SE# too so would be a choice one. Duly notable with the early Z3 SE# that black guard was prolly added.

Great guitar for a killer price...I own a Z3 SE era 8502. A choice instrument for sure.

There was an early mid year '03 run that they made, seems to have some trade show pieces to show and to satisfy the early orders from that. Later '03 before year end there was another run, but few precious Z3 pieces got out anywhere before 1st qtr of '04.

None of the 8502 run builds were large enough to be done on the main production line. From what we've learned 400-500 pieces each SB and HB at most.

So it's that early Z3 run that to me is held in the highest esteem, I'm glad Jim ended up with that Z3 he has.

Howdy ya'll..

Ok this Z3 serial # stuff is new to me. Are the Z3s from 2003? Would that mean my Z4 is a 2004 model? Just curious thanks..

Well I can see the white around the windings...maybe, but it sure looks like the poles are staggered....Poss a pup swap?

Howdy ya'll..

Ok this Z3 serial # stuff is new to me. Are the Z3s from 2003? Would that mean my Z4 is a 2004 model? Just curious thanks..

Yup mine was made in 2003...Serial # Z313....

Ok cool, I learn something every day. I got my 8502 in 2005 so I kinda just assumed it was an 05 model. Now I find out I actually have an 04. Either way its the finest tele I've ever played. :lol:

And whatever kind of pickups it uses.. I think its cool that you can only get those kind in an 8502. Those pickups are magic I tell ya!!

take care ya'll..

Sold for $710 plus post...anybody here get it?

So it's that early Z3 run that to me is held in the highest esteem, I'm glad Jim ended up with that Z3 he has.

Well, my "03 number is "Z3136..." but with a white guard. I really don't have a clue about highly held its esteem is. It's not getting a lot of gigging time, but it gets played in my home studio on occasion. It's definitely a keeper, and it weighs in at just above seven pounds, too:

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Fendertele6.jpg

Sold for $710 plus post...anybody here get it?

Man, unless that guitar is in horrible shape, that's an incredible deal for that guitar!

And whatever kind of pickups it uses.. I think its cool that you can only get those kind in an 8502. Those pickups are magic I tell ya!!

And yes, those pups are very nice! My backup stage guitar is the one I've posted earlier with the Strat pickup in the middle position, but dang, whenever I pick up that guitar, it never fails me. I played around with swapping out the stock pickups for some boutique pups, but the stock variety proved to be best pickups for this guitar! I'm quite surprised that Fender didn't market not only these pups much further, but the 8502 guitar as well. It's really a "winner" instrument, even for folks like me who tend to lean toward the traditional thing.

Sold for $710 plus post...anybody here get it?

Yeah that would be me. I'm psyched!! $710 for an American Ash Tele!! Couldn't be happier.
It's due to arrive Friday via UPS.
As far as the seller say it has no real issues just normal wear and tear.

had this guitar in my sights before I knew it's rep and cult status. I can here looking for any info on em and found this thread. Then i saw that this auction was mentioned in the thread and was like "oh no, Im gonna have some competition." but ended up getting it at an amazing price. I love the features - It just want Im looking for in a Tele.

Ill be sure to post pics once i get it home.

Yeah that would be me. I'm psyched!! $710 for an American Ash Tele!! Couldn't be happier.
It's due to arrive Friday via UPS.
As far as the seller say it has no real issues just normal wear and tear.

had this guitar in my sights before I knew it's rep and cult status. I can here looking for any info on em and found this thread. Then i saw that this auction was mentioned in the thread and was like "oh no, Im gonna have some competition." but ended up getting it at an amazing price. I love the features - It just want Im looking for in a Tele.

Ill be sure to post pics once i get it home.

SWEET!!! It will bring much joy to you.

Macabre.....congrats on a great guitar at a great price! And, welcome to the forum!

Let me get a 1...2...check.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA_Q19HFQig

I know this ain't a 8502, but I thought it a pretty cool tone.....imagine my surprise when I found that my 8502 could emulate it pretty closely.....it's a genuine 50's...I believe it got stolen.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA_Q19HFQig

I know this ain't a 8502, but I thought it a pretty cool tone.....imagine my surprise when I found that my 8502 could emulate it pretty closely.....it's a genuine 50's...I believe it got stolen.

ZA_Q19HFQig

I can hit that tone all day with mine I couldn't agree more.:smile:

Dear All,

I have an blond 8502 that I am thinking of selling. Does anyone have any input of what current selling prices are? It is in perfect condition, no buckle rash, scratches or dents. It will come with a black and gray "tweed" G&G Fender case. Plays great, professionally set up. Thank you,

Greg

Dear All,

I have an blond 8502 that I am thinking of selling. Does anyone have any input of what current selling prices are? It is in perfect condition, no buckle rash, scratches or dents. It will come with a black and gray "tweed" G&G Fender case. Plays great, professionally set up. Thank you,

Greg

What year was it made?
Lay some pictures on us...:smile:

64475
I have the build info from Fender and it was built in June of 2006. I

64475
I have the build info from Fender and it was built in June of 2006. I

Shes a looker!!!
As far as market price, get the right buyer and you could fetch 850-9 for her easy. I wouldn't pay a cent over 750.

Thanks for your input.

Is that the orig pickguard?

I recently put 9.5s on my 8502 and Tele-Sonic and WOW what a great pairing for both.
These to be exact...D'Addario Electric Guitar Strings - XL Nickel Round Wound 9.5's

Shes a looker!!!
As far as market price, get the right buyer and you could fetch 850-9 for her easy. I wouldn't pay a cent over 750.

I just sold my blonde 8502 (with plastic molded case) for $950 locally via CL. There are still some folks who want an 8502 and are willing to pay a fair price (despite the current market trend). I took a $50 hit at the end of the day, but didnt mind a bit.

I must admit I was a little sorry to see it go, but since I still own a 'burst 8502, I can't feel too bad about it. I was glad to see it go to someone who would really appreciate it, and it weren't getting played much lately, so . . . . .

Here's my official application for entry into the 8502 club.

I'll get some comparison picks showing this neck vs. some other teles later.


http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss214/nvilletel/8502%20Tele/IMG_2119.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss214/nvilletel/8502%20Tele/IMG_2146.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss214/nvilletel/8502%20Tele/IMG_2121.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss214/nvilletel/8502%20Tele/IMG_2128.jpg
thats a great looking guitar! I guess its hard not to like sunburst

I was in a local shop yesterday that sells high end gear and played many custom shop teles. Nothing felt as good as my 8502, there truly is something magical about them.

Looks to be in good nic...

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110623584248&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Looks to be in good nic...

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110623584248&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

That is sweet with the original bridge included...NICE!

OMG!

This thread makes me so happy!

As my first post to this forum, i say hello, i'm Hashbrown.

And now i have found a club dedicated to my Tele!
It's a 8502, that's for sure.
I'll post pics very soon, i've got some great ones.

The Story:

So i've always loved Teles.
I think it's Keith Richard's fault, but also the Boss and Johnny Greenwood.
They just looked cooler than all the other guitars people played.
Anyway, i lusted after one for about a decade, never having the cash to buy a proper one.

2007:
One day i get a job for a client and bag just enough cash to go out and buy a Tele. I literally got the money in my account, and without thinking about food or petrol or rent, went on a search day.
I tried some Korean and MIM Tele's, all felt alright, but not the way the americans and 52RI's did.

I phoned my friend (old, good friend) at my local on the other side of town.
I asked him if he had any maple neck tele's, maybe with an ash body (i had done some research and wanted that spec). He said he had a great one for me, and i should come over. On my way there he restrung the thing and set the action up. So when i got there, it was in perfect playing condition! That's why i love having friends at guitar stores:)

At first it looked a bit foreign (i was envisaging a blonde with black pick guard), this was a 2-tone sunburst. I played it a bit and it just felt right.
You know when a guitar speaks to you?
That's the way i felt, like a long lost friend.
We discussed price, and he said he could give it to me at super cheap.
It had a very slight ripple in the finish, on the corner by the rear strap nut.
You could only know it was there when you touched it, it was nothing to worry about at all.
At that time, American Standards where going for R18,500 ($1900) - Fender is super expensive in SA. He offered it to me for R8500...(that equates at the exchange then to about $900 - New!)

I bought it then and there, never looked back.

Every time i look at my Tele, i fall in love again, harder.
It's the most beautiful Tele i have ever seen.
It's my first decent guitar, and now i find that it's even more special.

I always thought it was a standard ash, or something, but the pictures looked different. I could never find out exactly what it was until today.

I'm so happy with my tele. I haven't even named it (it's not even him or her, it's timeless and defies gender), it's just The Tele.

Thanks,
HB

Here are some Pics:

Isn't she gorgeous?

Oh, and i've emailed the serial to fender, just to make double sure it really is a 8502.

Serial Number Z4009821 (2004)
Corona California, USA

Here are some Pics:

Isn't she gorgeous?

Oh, and i've emailed the serial to fender, just to make double sure it really is a 8502.

Serial Number Z4009821 (2004)
Corona California, USA
What a stunner great story and axe play on brotha.:grin:

Wow....nice 8502! How cool! Welcome to the club, Hashbrown!

I was in a local shop yesterday that sells high end gear and played many custom shop teles. Nothing felt as good as my 8502, there truly is something magical about them.

+1!! I agree completely. I've now owned and played many telecasters, but nothing comes close to how good the 8502 sounds and feels and plays.

Hashbrown, great story! Beautiful guitar. Welcome aboard...

Been out of the loop for a while. Glad to see you folks are keeping the "Club" going. I'm enjoying catching up on all the posts again. The 8502 Telecaster seems to be getting harder to find at a decent price.

Way to go Jim Pridx....You da' 8502 Man!



__________________________

-2004 Honey Blond "8502" Telecaster

I am extremely interested in purchasing an 8502 tele in honey blonde. I am willing to pay a fair price. I am a touring/studio musician that this guitar will be babied and put to good use with. I have always been a strat guy, and have recently in the past year been on the search for a tele and this is the one. I lost my chance on ebay a couple of days ago on one, and figured you guys would be the ones to help me. So PLEASE do so!!!:lol:

I am extremely interested in purchasing an 8502 tele in honey blonde. I am willing to pay a fair price. I am a touring/studio musician that this guitar will be babied and put to good use with. I have always been a strat guy, and have recently in the past year been on the search for a tele and this is the one. I lost my chance on ebay a couple of days ago on one, and figured you guys would be the ones to help me. So PLEASE do so!!!:lol:

Good luck in your search you'll not be disappointed.

The American Series Ash Telecaster is based on the '52 vintage reissue. It features an ash body, one-piece maple neck/fingerboard with 22 frets and two Modern Vintage Tele single-coil pickups. Fender discontinued this guitar in 2006.

A quote from Wikipedia on the 8502 folks! :mrgreen:

While never marketed or commonly known as an "8502", an interesting note is that it was also known as the American Series Ash Telecaster.

Way to go Jim Pridx....You da' 8502 Man!

Yo, Telemon.....

Well, I've been out of the loop a bit myself as of late, but thanks! I will say, though, that there are certainly some folks that have latched onto the 8502 thing long before I did (think the brotherhood of the 8502....LOL). Just take a look at the early posts in this thread and you'll know what I mean. There are other extensive threads on the Fender guitar forum as well. I'm just thankful that much of this information landed my way when it did, for I was able to scarf a bunch of really nice 8502 guitars throughout the process, but now I only have two. Whether or not they become a legacy or collectible in the overall scheme of things doesn't seem to be all that important; the fact is, they're damn nice guitars! Just play them!

Jim

I posted this in the Tele Forum a few days ago, anybody have a problem with the finish on their 8502?

I opened the case of my 8502 Tele at rehearsal about a week ago, only to find the finish had cracks covering 3/4 of the top and the but end of the guitar! Also 2 cracks on the back. I bought this guitar new in 2007 and even tho I gig with it, it is still in pristine condition. I have no idea what has caused this, as all my guitars are stored in the same location (for the past 7 years) in my walk in closet in my bedroom. This is the first and only guitar I've owned in over 40 years that has ever done anything like this. As soon as I can get to Indianapolis, I'm taking it to an authorized Fender Dealer to see if anything can be done. I was heartbroken when I opened the case and found my guitar in this condition! :( It was one of two MIA Teles I bought myself for my 50th birthday!

Any help or suggestions appreciated...

the finish had cracks covering 3/4 of the top and the but end of the guitar! Also 2 cracks on the back.

Sorry to hear about this issue...

Sounds a lot like Finish "Checking" as it is called. It can happen to any guitar with a poly or nitro finish. Usually caused by the transitioning of the guitar from extreme heat to cold, and vice-versa. Always best to let the case & guitar warm to room temp. before opening. No ideas on how this can be fixed, other than a re-finish job.

Best of luck on resolving the problem...

A quote from Wikipedia on the 8502 folks! :mrgreen:

While never marketed or commonly known as an "8502", an interesting note is that it was also known as the American Series Ash Telecaster.

My Tele is an American Series guitar BUT it's not an 8502 - I think the model was 8402 or similar. When I got it I thought it may be an 8402 - care needs to be taken by a buyer to look for the details of an 8502 (decal, string tree, bridge pickup tape etc) to be sure.

Brian :)

Thanks for the shout out Jim, and for checking in here again.
Good to be part of a great forum, and a enjoy great Guitar!

You are absolutely correct Brian. The identifiers are all there IF you know what to look for.

And...The 8402 Telecaster is a very fine guitar in it's own right, and many folks own one for a good reason. Bravo on your choice. Keep an eye out for an 8502 as well.

Play on Folks...

I posted this in the Tele Forum a few days ago, anybody have a problem with the finish on their 8502?

I opened the case of my 8502 Tele at rehearsal about a week ago, only to find the finish had cracks covering 3/4 of the top and the but end of the guitar! Also 2 cracks on the back. I bought this guitar new in 2007 and even tho I gig with it, it is still in pristine condition. I have no idea what has caused this, as all my guitars are stored in the same location (for the past 7 years) in my walk in closet in my bedroom. This is the first and only guitar I've owned in over 40 years that has ever done anything like this. As soon as I can get to Indianapolis, I'm taking it to an authorized Fender Dealer to see if anything can be done. I was heartbroken when I opened the case and found my guitar in this condition! :( It was one of two MIA Teles I bought myself for my 50th birthday!

Any help or suggestions appreciated...

I had some checking issues due to the reaction from the guitar stand I was using. Minor stuff that bummed me out at first but it's all mojo now.

Thanks for the shout out Jim, and for checking in here again.
Good to be part of a great forum, and a enjoy great Guitar!


So, I'm telling you to check the early days of the thread, and you're the guy that started the thread.....LOL. Duh me....not sure what I was thinking. At any rate, it's good to see you again. It's been a while.

There was a blonde 8502 for sale in the houston.craigslist.org musical instruments section a few days ago. The guy wanted $700 for it. I'm not sure if its still available or not but a search there might lead to a good deal on a great guitar.

I wish I had an extra $700 lying around so I could have a backup of "Ann", by far my #1 guitar since I acquired her in 2005. Then I could be like my hero Jim! :lol:

take care everybody...

Allen

No worries at all Jim. Easy assumption, since It HAS been quite a while since I checked in here. I'm still in love with the 8502 Telecaster! Great to hear from you again too. :grin:

Good to see quite a few new members of the club. Welcome to all! Please Feel free to share your musical experiences with the "Rarest of Them All"..8502 Telecaster :cool:

Play on Folks!

Ebay Alert!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280608443981&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Another 8502 comes out of the woodwork! And it's a 60th anniversary model. Bidding has been brisk, stay tuned...

Ebay Alert!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280608443981&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Another 8502 comes out of the woodwork! And it's a 60th anniversary model. Bidding has been brisk, stay tuned...

NICE that will hit 950 for sure.:cool:
Good luck to all the bidders.

NICE that will hit 950 for sure.

Interesting. I'll guess it goes for over 1K :cool:

Interesting. I'll guess it goes for over 1K :cool:

It might, someone's going to have a good new year...:grin:

You were real close...

It SOLD on Ebay for $960....shipped! They seem to holding their value :grin:

You were real close...

It SOLD on Ebay for $960....shipped! They seem to holding their value :grin:

And so they should, when I got mine it was a bit of a culture shock lol....... Fat neck, no body contouring, heavy....... but now it's the guitar I play the most :wink:

May you all have a.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!

May you all have a.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Same to you Telemon.

"....... but now it's the guitar I play the most" :wink:

Glad to hear it, Telenut!

And, Happy New Year to all of you, too, although a bit belated!

Here is my application.

Here is my application.


Cool!

I recently picked up this 03 model and was able to identify it from the info on this forum. I have to say compared to the other tele's I have owned at one time or another, this one is a real keeper! It's nice to stumble on to something once in a while.

Here is my application.

Great lookin' guitar! Welcome to the "brotherhood!"

I recently picked up this 03 model and was able to identify it from the info on this forum.

Glad to be of assistance :wink:

Welcome to the club electech! Thanks for posting. Nice score...Beautiful 8502....Congrats!

I recently picked up this 03 model and was able to identify it from the info on this forum. I have to say compared to the other tele's I have owned at one time or another, this one is a real keeper! It's nice to stumble on to something once in a while.

I have an 03 as well I consider it the cream of the crop...:cool:
Welcome and enjoy the new axe.

Very cool, thanks all!

Hey guys, could anyone tell me if they noticed the 8502 neck profile on any other tele model, vintage or modern? This seems to be one that I really like. Is it a true U shape or some other possible combination. I was also wondering if they used steel bridges on any other models...

The 69' RI Telecaster has a U shaped neck, The 52' RI of course, and the GE Smith Tele, are 3 that come to mind. The only other steel bridge plates I know of, are on the Fender Custom Shop models.

Thanks Telemon.

I am still on the search for an 8502. If anyone has one they want to sell or know where one is for sale. Please let me know through a personal message. Thank you.

I am still on the search for an 8502. If anyone has one they want to sell or know where one is for sale. Please let me know through a personal message. Thank you.

Good luck in your quest.

But you got me thinking.. how big of an offer would it take for me to sell my 8502.. assuming I could never find another one. I suppose if someone offered me $10,000 for it I'd sell it.. but anything below that and I would seriously doubt that I could part with my true #1 guitar. I love it that much! I mean seriously, I can't think of another guitar on the planet that I would rather own than "Ann".. I do love my 8502.

btw one was for sale in the houston craigslist about a month ago for $700.. no idea if it is still available.

take care.. Allen

Good luck in your quest.

But you got me thinking.. how big of an offer would it take for me to sell my 8502.. assuming I could never find another one. I suppose if someone offered me $10,000 for it I'd sell it.. but anything below that and I would seriously doubt that I could part with my true #1 guitar. I love it that much! I mean seriously, I can't think of another guitar on the planet that I would rather own than "Ann".. I do love my 8502.

btw one was for sale in the houston craigslist about a month ago for $700.. no idea if it is still available.

take care.. Allen

I love mine too and will never part with her...Good luck Drzplayer, you should be able to find one. Hopefully someone that doesn't know what an 8502 is.:grin: I play a Dr Z version one Mazerati it's a fine match for the 8502.

Good luck Drzplayer... I have to agree with the last two. I also love mine and it moved up to the #1 position within two days. My other guitars are starting to collect dust! Seriously though, I highly recommend that quest and as previously mentioned, you may find one that slips through the identification process. Mine did.

By the way, does anyone have an idea the on the number of pieces produced each year? were these as plentiful as 52 RI's or American Series, or limited in quantity? I wondered with the apparent success of the 8502 why they were so abruptly discontinued.

The 52' and American standards, were most likely produced in much larger quantities in 03'-07.'

does anyone have an idea the on the number of pieces produced each year?

I'm certain only Fender knows for sure.

I wondered with the apparent success of the 8502 why they were so abruptly discontinued.

Apparently, as the rumor goes, the 8502 was designed to be an artist signature model. They never sealed a deal with an "artist", so it never came to be.
Fender probably feared the 8502 would cut into some of the CS business, so it was promptly discontinued.

Apparently, as the rumor goes, the 8502 was designed to be an artist signature model. They never sealed a deal with an "artist", so it never came to be. Fender probably feared the 8502 would cut into some of the CS business, so it was promptly discontinued.

That is a cool rumor! I wonder who the artist was?

I'm still also wondering about the pickups in the 8502.. apparently only available in this model and cannot be bought separately. Man, they are magic I tell ya! :lol:

take care.. Allen

That is a cool rumor! I wonder who the artist was?

I'm still also wondering about the pickups in the 8502.. apparently only available in this model and cannot be bought separately. Man, they are magic I tell ya! :lol:

take care.. Allen

I too wonder... The 8502 mystery is almost as fun as playing it.

I'm still also wondering about the pickups in the 8502.. apparently only available in this model and cannot be bought separately. Man, they are magic I tell ya! :lol:

I found an 8502 bridge pickup on eBay about three or four months ago, but the seller didn't have the neck pup. He obviously swapped out the pair for some reason, but I surely wouldn't mind buying a neck pickup if anyone ever decides to part with theirs. Not likely to happen, but I thought I'd throw it out there!

One thing for certain is that the 8502 truly is a special instrument when considering all other factors involved regarding other production Tele models that Fender was producing at the time. Those who have them can be very thankful, for they certainly don't seem to be as readily available as they were even a year ago.

Lucky me! Neighbour had an 8502 and didn't even know it! We swapped Tele's for a night, and I did my research, returned it to him and let him know what he had and all the differences between our guitars ( both approx. 2002/2003 tele's with maple necks); he was pretty stoked! He didn't like the pickups, was used to humbuckers (for noise cancellations, not necessarily tone) in previous guitars and had swapped pickups for noiseless pickups... so I enquired about the old pickups and got em in my telecaster now! I would love to comment further but its been quite awhile since the change so I can't remember the sound of the old pickups well enough to describe the difference, I just know I won't go back!

Buddy's guitar is an early production Honey blonde 8502 with the white/cream pickguard (not the black one). It's a VERY NICE guitar!

I replaced my pickups with Fender Samarium Cobalt Noiseless and still have the originals. I know it's highly frowned upon here but any pickups would sound good in the 8502 IMHO. I have plans on putting the originals back soon. I'm going to make a video A/B comparison of the two. http://www.billlawrence.com/Pages/SCNHistory.htm

I replaced my pickups with Fender Samarium Cobalt Noiseless and still have the originals. I know it's highly frowned upon here but any pickups would sound good in the 8502 IMHO. I have plans on putting the originals back soon. I'm going to make a video A/B comparison of the two. http://www.billlawrence.com/Pages/SCNHistory.htm

I have to agree with you, the 8502 would sound good with your favorite set of pickups as well. Considering the woods, the large size of the neck, steel bridge plate, it just rings out acoustically. However, I just returned from a guitar show in Columbus Oh this weekend and one of my buddies brought back a couple of tele's, a 52 RI (USA), and a baja. We compared the next day the two to the 8502, and while they both sounded nice, I was pleased with how much I liked the 8502 compared especially to the 52. I thought the 8502 had more clarity and definition. The 52 did sound really nice but in a different sort of way. I noticed the 8502 bridge pickup had a tad bit more "fatness" but still retained all the top end. I think part of the magic of this guitar for me is the slightly different tone these pickups offer compared to normal production run stuff... I need to check them out against some custom shop pieces though.

I just wrote a poem for my 8502.. here goes..

<coughs, clears throat>


My dearest 8502
how thee I love you

Your neck is so sweet and pure
Your body has such lovely contour

Your bridge brings me great delight
Your pickups keep me up all night

The maple and ash are pure gold
Only you I love to hold

Such sweet music that you can play
Please never leave me, I do pray

All other guitars can never compete
My 8502 has them all beat

So to you, my dear 8502
You're my number one, and that will always be true


The end

:mrgreen:

I just wrote a poem for my 8502.. here goes..

<coughs, clears throat>


My dearest 8502
how thee I love you

Your neck is so sweet and pure
Your body has such lovely contour

Your bridge brings me great delight
Your pickups keep me up all night

The maple and ash are pure gold
Only you I love to hold

Such sweet music that you can play
Please never leave me, I do pray

All other guitars can never compete
My 8502 has them all beat

So to you, my dear 8502
You're my number one, and that will always be true


The end

:mrgreen:

It's going to be a hit!:grin:

Very Cool :cool:

A poem destined to be a classic, just like the 8502! I like it :grin:

hi guys, this is what i ended up buying yesterday

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?2734995-usa-ash-tele

he accepted my offer of $700 plus $35 for shipping, i can't wait to play it. i will report back as soon as it arrives.

hi guys, this is what i ended up buying yesterday

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?2734995-usa-ash-tele

he accepted my offer of $700 plus $35 for shipping, i can't wait to play it. i will report back as soon as it arrives.


Welcome and enjoy.

Great Score! Hope it plays and sounds as good as it looks. :grin:

Congratulations stonerwitch, and welcome to the club...

Great deals can still be found out there :mrgreen:

Thanks guys! yeah, I wasn't in the market for another guitar. so when I found this on HC I almost fell you of my chair and sent him a PM immediately :) Yeah, I'm really happy about the price. I was going to save up for a Nash. but I'm all set on Tele's now. Tele is being shipped today so I should get it around the end of next week, joy!

hi guys, this is what i ended up buying yesterday

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showthread.php?2734995-usa-ash-tele

he accepted my offer of $700 plus $35 for shipping, i can't wait to play it. i will report back as soon as it arrives.

Nice tele, great score! Welcome to the club stonerwitch.

thank you snowmageddon, 8502 was supposed to be delivered today but the bad weather postponed it for a day....

the eagle has landed, i repeat, the eagle has landed!

:mrgreen:

first impressions, the neck is thick in a good way and the fret board is pretty flat and easy to play!

the pick ups sound nice and full.

i seriously thought there was going to be some over lap with my mij esquire, but they are pretty much different beasts and there is a NEED for both.

:mrgreen:

i'm pretty happy with the purchess and my NGD has made my day.

crummy cell phone pictures will be loaded up later...

Thanks for the update, and congrats on the safe delivery stonerwitch! The waiting is always the hardest part :wink:

Good to see your first impressions are positive, it is sure to grow on you. These guitars definitely have a tone all there own, and compliment many others :cool:

Can't wait for the pics! :mrgreen:

the eagle has landed, i repeat, the eagle has landed!

:mrgreen:

first impressions, the neck is thick in a good way and the fret board is pretty flat and easy to play!

the pick ups sound nice and full.

i seriously thought there was going to be some over lap with my mij esquire, but they are pretty much different beasts and there is a NEED for both.

:mrgreen:

i'm pretty happy with the purchess and my NGD has made my day.

crummy cell phone pictures will be loaded up later...

:cool:

crummy pic's as promised

it's funny how i'm loving tele's, i USEto be an sg guy...lol

i will dig out the digital camera and take better pictures tomorrow....:oops:
http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/stonesoffire/8502body.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/stonesoffire/8502neck.jpg

Cool! Now we have another poor soul who'll never find another Tele that'll live up to his standards. Congrats, Stoner!

Man there is something weird that happens to you for a time until the newness wears off...I did add a 52 RI to the collection a week ago so I could be normal again! lol I am now stratless!

I am now stratless!

Better Stratless than Teleless! :mrgreen:

So how does the 8502 compare to your recently aquired 52'RI?

Cool! Now we have another poor soul who'll never find another Tele that'll live up to his standards. Congrats, Stoner!

thanks, the guitar is basically mint, it's 05 and there is some scuffing on the pickguard and no/minimal wear on the frets, it's clean and it came with that vintage looking fender case...i don't think i ever bought a used guitar in this nice of condition. i'm still stoked about this guitar.

i'm not in the market for another tele,lol 3 guitars is plenty for me!

i have a 86 mij esquire 54 ri, 95 sg standard, 05 tele 8502

Better Stratless than Teleless! :mrgreen:

So how does the 8502 compare to your recently aquired 52'RI?

You are so right. I spent the last 15 years chasing the keeper strat and about a couple years ago found that the tele was the guitar I needed to be playing. Anyway, It is a 1998 52 reissue, all the typical features. I have the action as low as I can get away with considering its 7.25 radius. Still, the 8502 has smoother, lower action with a flatter fretboard. I have always been a vintage, or a reissue kind of guy. I just like those kind of cosmetics and vibe, however the 8502 just plays easier and faster, and I finally made friends with 6 saddles as well as 3! The stock pickups on the 52 are almost as punchy as the 8502. They are both nice clean and both are clear with overdrive, the 8502 seems to have a bit more cool factor when you overdrive. I'm not sure why, maybe more range, it just sounds a little better. The 8502 has a slightly bigger neck I think. Both feel completely different when you play them due to the nitro finish compared to the poly finish. In the past I NEVER would have chosen any standard, deluxe, or plus over a vintage reissue, but the 8502 is that exception. Even though I favor my 8502, I still like the oldies too, like stonerwitch said there's a need for both.

i really need to learn how to take better pictures, i will take better ones when i get a chance...

No you'll need a Dr Z to go with the 8502...:razz:

No you'll need a Dr Z to go with the 8502...:razz:

i will raise your the dr z with a reeves custom 50 and traynor yba 1a

:mrgreen:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/stonesoffire/DSCF0224.jpg

Alright guys, if you keep this up we are going to need sound bytes!!! Really cool amps you two are sporting.

i will raise your the dr z with a reeves custom 50 and traynor yba 1a

:mrgreen:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o179/stonesoffire/DSCF0224.jpg
Nice Emperor 612 they are made near me.
Here is a video I made for the Z forum with the 8502... http://vimeo.com/18572659 Fast forward to 3:08 to skip my blabbing.:smile:

Nice Emperor 612 they are made near me.
Here is a video I made for the Z forum with the 8502... http://vimeo.com/18572659 Fast forward to 3:08 to skip my blabbing.:smile:


yeah cool dudes, great video and nice tone!

yeah cool dudes, great video and nice tone!

:smile:

Nice Emperor 612 they are made near me.
Here is a video I made for the Z forum with the 8502... http://vimeo.com/18572659 Fast forward to 3:08 to skip my blabbing.:smile:

Nice Z cool tone, I liked it. Thanks for the clip.

Nice Z cool tone, I liked it. Thanks for the clip.

No worries.:smile:

I A/B'd a 2010 USA Standard up against my 8502.....verdict? What a USA Standard is against a MIM, the 8502 is to the USA, the difference was night and day.....but ssssssshhh don't tell anyone :wink:

I A/B'd a 2010 USA Standard up against my 8502.....verdict? What a USA Standard is against a MIM, the 8502 is to the USA, the difference was night and day.....but ssssssshhh don't tell anyone :wink:

I just made the announcement.:razz:

I A/B'd a 2010 USA Standard up against my 8502.....verdict? What a USA Standard is against a MIM, the 8502 is to the USA, the difference was night and day.....but ssssssshhh don't tell anyone :wink:

Same here, I had a 2005 American Standard Ash Telecaster in natural ash, I got rid of it due to the 8502.... OOoops.... the secrets out!

I had one of these a few years back.
Great guitar with sweet pickups.
Had to let it go for a number of reasons and still miss it.
Have been lucky enough to find the best 52RI I've ever played but still would like the old one back too.

I had one of these a few years back.
Great guitar with sweet pickups.
Had to let it go for a number of reasons and still miss it.
Have been lucky enough to find the best 52RI I've ever played but still would like the old one back too.

A good 52 RI is also hard to beat!

No you'll need a Dr Z to go with the 8502...:razz:

Ill second the drz:smile:

Ill second the drz:smile:
:cool:

The Pro Jr is another not so expensive superb Tele match...IMHO.

i'm totally in love with this tele, i didn't know how i would take to the thicker neck profile then my esquire, but to be honest the 8502 has been getting all the love...wow, what a great guitar. if it wasn't for this thread i would have never known.

i'm totally in love with this tele, i didn't know how i would take to the thicker neck profile then my esquire, but to be honest the 8502 has been getting all the love...wow, what a great guitar. if it wasn't for this thread i would have never known.
Hell ya it's a winner for sure.:cool:

Just received my 8502! Thank you telemon! An amazing guitar!

Just received my 8502! Thank you telemon! An amazing guitar!

Congrats!!!

Just received my 8502! Thank you telemon! An amazing guitar!

you will not be disappointed

congrats on your NGD!

Your very welcome drzplayer....Enjoy!
I'm happy to help with your search :grin:

Well, I'm deciding to sell my honey blonde 8502. Being that it is such a popular discontinued model, I was wondering what they are going for used, or what a fair price would be to ask for it being in good+ condition. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Brentley....check your inbox.

Well, I'm deciding to sell my honey blonde 8502. Being that it is such a popular discontinued model, I was wondering what they are going for used, or what a fair price would be to ask for it being in good+ condition. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
I live near Chicago send me some photos with an asking price.:smile:

The set of 8502 pups and bridge that was on sale here ended up on the evilbay.....and got snapped up :wink: I was tempted but the'd just be sitting waiting for a rainy day. Hope the new owner finds them a bit special

The set of 8502 pups and bridge that was on sale here ended up on the evilbay.....and got snapped up :wink: I was tempted but the'd just be sitting waiting for a rainy day. Hope the new owner finds them a bit special

the pickups and the bridge are what gives the 8502 their mojo...

the pickups and the bridge are what gives the 8502 their mojo...

And the neck, and Ash body are it's soul :cool:

The set of 8502 pups and bridge that was on sale here ended up on the evilbay.....and got snapped up :wink: I was tempted but the'd just be sitting waiting for a rainy day. Hope the new owner finds them a bit special

I got an email about those parts, turns out those were from one of the original brothers. I was hoping someone here would end up with them.

And the neck, and Ash body are it's soul :cool:

touche!

:mrgreen:

Two weeks ago I picked up a 73 telecaster custom, black with factory bigsby. Its not heavy, put together well, and has nice low and easy action. Keith Richards vibe. Cool factor is very high. I got to play it finally for 2 or 3 evenings in open g of course, and thought I would tune the 8502 to open g. Has anyone else tried that with the 8502? (my first time goofing around with open tunings for more than an hour) Hopefully I won't cause another poem for 8502 over-admiration, (lol) but the 8502 nails that too! Since I fell into the 8502 I started a very small tele collection that I hope to keep building on but, the 8502 is still #1.

I haven't tried an open G tuning with the 8502, but I've done it with many other guitars. There certainly wouldn't be anything wrong with doing it on an 8502. It would probably sound pretty cool. Go for it!

I use open tunings all the time with my 8502 it eats it up.

i have my esquire tuned to open g, i leave my 8502 in standard tuning....maybe i need to switch it up.

I especially like the neck pickup in open G with either the wide range HB on the 73 or the 8502 single. The 8502 seems to let you hear all the notes a little more when using overdrive. I also tried it with the 52, again the 8502 still receives the high mark. I guess we shouldn't be surprised.

I'm on the hunt for a Honey Blonde 8502, for a friend. Any help from my fellow club members, would be greatly appreciated. :wink:

Thanks folks...

Isn't there one for sale here???
He's in Scotland FWIW.

http://www.tdpri.com/phpclassifieds/showproduct.php?product=23324&title=american-series-ash-telecaster-8502&cat=9

Isn't there one for sale here???
He's in Scotland FWIW.

Thanks man, must have slipped under my radar :roll:

Email sent, worth a shot...

Thanks man, must have slipped under my radar :roll:

Email sent, worth a shot...

No worries brotha...:smile:
Good luck!!!

Here's another....bid or buy...:wink:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280640822021&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:AU:1123

Here's another....bid or buy...:wink:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280640822021&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:AU:1123

i feel pretty good about the price i got for mine....:mrgreen:

That Ebay seller is reeeeaaal optimistic on the Buy it now price :rolleyes:

The seller is obviously high...:lol::razz::lol:

That Ebay seller is reeeeaaal optimistic on the Buy it now price :rolleyes:

I kinda agree, it is for your market going rate....but for the quality of the guitar compared to a Deluxe or CS it prob worth that and more..all the more reason to bag one while it's still a sleeper

I kinda agree, it is for your market going rate....but for the quality of the guitar compared to a Deluxe or CS it prob worth that and more..all the more reason to bag one while it's still a sleeper


If you could get that for 850 that would ROCK.:cool:

Back a couple months ago, I think one may have sold on ebay for right at a thousand. They listed as an 8502 and mentioned this forum. I think they are still under the radar and can be had for under a grand. I wouldn't be surprised if these became more sought after when they hit the 10 year mark due to all the interest and info out there driving the prices up a bit.

I think one may have sold on ebay for right at a thousand.

Yes but, there was also a sunburst model on there recently for $799, and there were NO bids. And the seller even described it as an 8502! :shock:

So the pricing is still all over the place on these guitars...

Good point... And that is the beauty of evil-bay! I have been entertaining the idea of selling my 73 custom on ebay and looks like dart throwing on the priceboard.

Yes but, there was also a sunburst model on there recently for $799, and there were NO bids. And the seller even described it as an 8502! :shock:

So the pricing is still all over the place on these guitars...

i want a sunburst model...and yeah ebay is all over the map, it depends on how the stars are aligned that day. :shock:

Here's another....bid or buy...:wink:

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280640822021&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:AU:1123

Woke this morning, one bidder....lucky chappy, anybody from here?

Woke this morning, one bidder....lucky chappy, anybody from here?

Thats not a bad price... I thought about bidding but the wife smacked my hand.:razz:

i'm in london, looking for my ticket to join the club. if anyone has a lead on one for sale please let me know. very very slim pickings at the moment.

one bidder....lucky chappy, anybody from here?

Well...Um...Yeah. That would be me!! :mrgreen:

Snagged it for a friend really. Didn't think It would go for the opening bid :shock:

Final price was fair IMO. About the same as the original street price IIRC. I've seen many go for a little less, and some go for a lot more.

Still stoked about an opportunity to grab one though. It looks to be a real keeper, and it's described as MINT. I'll post a full report when it gets here.

I'll keep an eye out for you sdwilliams. You need to be in this club...

For those that ever thought you paid too much, for your 8502 Telecaster.

Anyone here see this recent Ebay Auction?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=270689268459&si=TYA9p4cTnei4Z4a0uhdFwsOgfc4%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT


Sold at a Buy-it-now auction. The total comes to original Full Retail Price! :shock:

For those that ever thought you paid too much, for your 8502 Telecaster.

Anyone here see this recent Ebay Auction?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=270689268459&si=TYA9p4cTnei4Z4a0uhdFwsOgfc4%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT


Sold at a Buy-it-now auction. The total comes to original Full Retail Price! :shock:


That 8502 sold for $1300, and the guy got $160 to ship it too?

Wow!

I saw a used one on the local CL going for $700. I should have grabbed it just so I could resell on ebay.

I wonder how it ended up in Japan...hope the upheaval over there don't bugger up the shipping time

I've been thinking about the irony of the american ash series.

If i want ANY other telecaster (nocaster, 50's, 70's, 70's, deluxe, plus, vintage, re-issue etc) and assuming i had the cash, i could find one in England pretty much right now and buy it. But becasue i want one of these, and I have the cash for it right now, i cant find one. They must be one of the least consistently available models. Does anyone know how many were actually made (i know this has come up before in tis thread, but i dont know if there was an answer).

As a result of my inability to wait for anything (i was raised on instant gratification) i'm seriously considering an american deluxe ash (assuming i can find one that actually has a 'u' neck). I should just save my money...

sdwilliams
Hold onto that cash. They come up for sale occasionally, but often are a stealth item listed as American Std etc. The headstock logo is the main giveaway.
Saw one as recently as Feb on eBay.

i'm seriously considering an american deluxe ash

Accept no imitations! Save that cash, and hold out for the real thing man :mrgreen:
Worth the wait, and no regrets :wink:

possibly one here for anyone in the US looking
http://cgi.ebay.com/2003-Fender-Ash-Telecaster-USA-Ash-Maple-/250790320573?pt=Guitar&hash=item3a644499bd

not sure about the bridge pickup comment. unfortunately i can't ship anything in due to the UK governments desire to tax everything that moves.

Well, The Ebay 8502 arrived yesterday in one piece (thanks ups).

First impression was the nice light finish. A "whitewash" look of the honey blond. Reminds me of a thin skin Tele. I can see most of the ash grain pattern. Out of the 4 blond 8502's I've seen in person, this one has the most grain showing. Very unique...I like it.

It arrived just as described...MINT! Very well balanced, and weighs in at just under 8lbs. Not a lightweight, but not a boat anchor either. As a bonus IMO, it's a Fender 60th anniversary, with the silver medallion on the back of the headstock. The pickups sound awesome (of course) and the neck plays like butter. A Dunlop strap lock system was also included, along with all the original case candy. All in all, a very nice guitar, and a great find!

Anyone still looking for a honey blond 8502?

Here ya go:

http://houston.craigslist.org/msg/2263483022.html

(No affiliation with seller).

Was playing through some amps the other day to find what i wanted to buy (went with the AC15C1), and i got a lot of remarks on how my 8502 sounds much better than all the other Teles in the shop. Haha, i love mine so much.

One thing:
I sold my Hotrod for the Vox AC15C1, cause it accepted the Tele better (the 8502 is my main axe), i found the HotRod to be quite hard, especially on the Bridge pickup.
Anyone else find the bridge pickup to be more hard than brittle?
I don't know why, but i like a bit more of a lighter, brittle feel from the bridge pickup, that the stock pup in the 8502 isn't giving me.
The Neck pup is so awesome it will never ever leave that hole, though, so i always use that position.

Was playing through some amps the other day to find what i wanted to buy (went with the AC15C1), and i got a lot of remarks on how my 8502 sounds much better than all the other Teles in the shop. Haha, i love mine so much.

One thing:
I sold my Hotrod for the Vox AC15C1, cause it accepted the Tele better (the 8502 is my main axe), i found the HotRod to be quite hard, especially on the Bridge pickup.
Anyone else find the bridge pickup to be more hard than brittle?
I don't know why, but i like a bit more of a lighter, brittle feel from the bridge pickup, that the stock pup in the 8502 isn't giving me.
The Neck pup is so awesome it will never ever leave that hole, though, so i always use that position.

Cool!!!
Welcome here and to the club. :smile:
I play through a Dr Z version one Mazerati it's a great match.
It's based on the AC-30, 4x EL84, 2x 5751, 1x 5AR4.
The controls are different one pot for volume and one for tone.
The 8502 sounds great through any amp but it LOVES EL84s.

i like a bit more of a lighter, brittle feel from the bridge pickup, that the stock pup in the 8502 isn't giving me.

Try adjusting the bridge pickup height, it may just make the difference your looking for :grin:

And...Welcome to the 8502-American Ash Telecaster Club Hashbrown!

possibly one here for anyone in the US looking
http://cgi.ebay.com/2003-Fender-Ash-Telecaster-USA-Ash-Maple-/250790320573?pt=Guitar&hash=item3a644499bd

This does indeed look like an 8502. Great price so far, but I've seen nicer burst finishes (could be the light & camera), and at 8.8 lbs., it's a bit on the heavy side. If the aftermarket bridge pickup is a deal killer, I just happen to have an original 8502 bridge pup that I'd part with.

Well, The Ebay 8502 arrived yesterday in one piece (thanks ups).

Congrats on another 8502! How many are you up to now?......LOL. I'm still at two these days. Love both of 'em!

Hi Jim, Great to see you posting here again!

Actually, I picked up that Ebay 8502 on behalf of a friend :grin:

Hope someone here gets a shot at that Burst' 8502, mentioned above on Ebay. Seems like a sweet deal at that opening bid...

Hey guys, I am going to sell my 2003 white pickguard blonde 8502. I really love this guitar and enjoy this forum, so I thought it would only be proper to mention it here first, before selling it on ebay or even locally. I have recently had opportunities to snag some nice acoustics, both vintage and newer, Gibson and Martin, and am currently having one built special order. Unfortunately I can't keep every nice guitar I get my hands on so I thought I would thin out a bit to offset some of this. I do like the acoustic! I already moved a couple other vintage electrics. I would perfer someone from the forum end up with the 8502.

Hey guys, I am going to sell my 2003 white pickguard blonde 8502. I really love this guitar and enjoy this forum, so I thought it would only be proper to mention it here first, before selling it on ebay or even locally. I have recently had opportunities to snag some nice acoustics, both vintage and newer, Gibson and Martin, and am currently having one built special order. Unfortunately I can't keep every nice guitar I get my hands on so I thought I would thin out a bit to offset some of this. I do like the acoustic! I already moved a couple other vintage electrics. I would perfer someone from the forum end up with the 8502.

Good luck with your sale eletech...:smile:

Hey guys, I am going to sell my 2003 white pickguard blonde 8502.

Your going to miss it Brother...

Good luck with your sale eletech...:smile:

Thanks, but after careful evaluation along with some wise words from Telemon, I decided to let her stay.:smile: My 73 is now history! Honestly, my collection was starting to get out of control (if there really is such a thing). :roll: Anyway, the 8502 is the best player and this is a really cool forum...Thanks guys.

Hey Jeff.....you made a good choice. That '03 is a great guitar! Enjoy!

Thanks Jim, you are on target... Vintage pieces are great to own but the 8502 wins in the category of total playability. What was I thinking!

Right decision in keeping it Jeff...Bravo!

That 8502 will be Vintage someday :mrgreen:

Thanks, but after careful evaluation along with some wise words from Telemon, I decided to let her stay.:smile: My 73 is now history! Honestly, my collection was starting to get out of control (if there really is such a thing). :roll: Anyway, the 8502 is the best player and this is a really cool forum...Thanks guys.

:cool::cool::cool:

Thanks, but after careful evaluation along with some wise words from Telemon, I decided to let her stay.:smile: My 73 is now history! Honestly, my collection was starting to get out of control (if there really is such a thing). :roll: Anyway, the 8502 is the best player and this is a really cool forum...Thanks guys.

I think your decision reflects excellent judgment on your part.

'03 white guard honey blonde 8502's are prolly the rarest of the rare.

I think your decision reflects excellent judgment on your part.

'03 white guard honey blonde 8502's are prolly the rarest of the rare.

I love my 03.:smile:

Well folks,

SOLD all of my guitars last night, INCLUDING my 8502 Telecaster!

APRIL FOOL!!! :lol:

Happy April fools day folks... :twisted:

So, who here is gigging and/or playing their 8502 this weekend?! :cool:

I'm still looking for one in the UK...slim pickings.

There is one I've come across in Portland Oregon at www.guitarcrazy.com. I hope this doesnt contradict forum rules. It 2007, blonde, looks mint (described as mint), and is advertised as a standard ($995). I've checked the serial number and can forward the specs directly to fender if anyone is interested. I can't snap it up becasue of taxes and import duties, it'll cost me over £900- ive attempted to negotiate but the guy wont be able to go low enough to make it feasible for me. hopefulle someone over the pond can snap it up.

I have no affiliation with the seller...

That one looks very clean and minty, whenever I see one sportin' old glory like that it still reminds me of that old singin' cowboy...

And another.........

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320680623309&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:AU:1123

best buy for the buck IMO

Wow man, That's right in my backyard! He swapped out the Bridge PU though :confused:

No way..... I can see the hole and the white tape

No way..... I can see the hole and the white tape

From the Ebay auction:

Upgraded Fender '62 Reissue Bridge Pickup :confused:

From the Ebay auction:

:confused:

Upgraded!!!.....Plonker :roll:

Well, if it's any consolation to a potential buyer, I have an 8502 bridge pickup I'd part with. I've always been hoping to find a neck pickup to match but never have.

Well, if it's any consolation to a potential buyer, I have an 8502 bridge pickup I'd part with. I've always been hoping to find a neck pickup to match but never have.


Offer it to the Seller of the SB, he said that the guitar came to him with the RI pup in it

Offer it to the Seller of the SB, he said that the guitar came to him with the RI pup in it

Made the offer.....we'll see what he says. Does anyone know what this pickup is worth? I can't remember what I paid for it......old age, I guess....:lol:

No way..... I can see the hole and the white tape

What does this mean exactly? I've heard about these mentioned before with the 8502 but I'm not sure what to look for.

Does anyone know what this pickup is worth?

No idea, maybe $100? I just know I'd love to own an extra set of 8502 pickups if I could afford them. They're magic I tell ya!

No way..... I can see the hole and the white tape

What does this mean exactly? I've heard about these mentioned before with the 8502 but I'm not sure what to look for.

I believe Telenut62 is referring to the hole in the top center of the 8502 bridge pickup, and the white & waxed copper wire wrapping, around the bottom of it.

Does anyone know what this pickup is worth? I can't remember what I paid for it.

Wish i could help Jim, but I have no idea :confused:

Maybe you should just hold on to it, you never know when a neck pickup will show up :mrgreen:

Does anyone know what this pickup is worth?:

A set sold for $180 recently and being the bridge pup a $100 is a fair price. I was sure it was an 8502 pup in the pic but he said the poles are staggered, so it's a RI

I don't think a C note is too much for an MV bridge unit. I prefer higher wind MV's and I would gladly pay that for a neck unit 7.48K or above...

Easy to tell an MV bridge, look for the poles to go right through the baseplate flush with the bottom.

Well, I didn't get what you guys were suggesting, but that's ok. I didn't get ripped, either. It appears as though the 8502 will now have a matched A-III set for anyone who might be interested.

But watch....a neck pickup will show up out of the blue and I won't have the bridge pup....LOL.

As long as we're talking about pics, here's the pickup:

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/8502-BR-3.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/8502-BR-2.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/8502-BR-1.jpg

It measured out at 7.33K on my meter. Kind of a strange looking beast, isn't it?

That's right in my backyard!

Guess I was mistaken, seller is near LA, I'm near Sac. (approx. 400 miles North) Must be 2 cities named the same...who knew? :rolleyes:

Congrats on moving that Bridge pickup Jim, Hope it finds it's rightful home :grin:

I got it in 2007, and was made in 2005 and sold to original owner in 2006. As mentioned in an earlier post, it has the through the body string setup, three hole bridge mount and the bridge plate is magnetic. I did switch the pickguard to a BWB fender one. The tone knob kind of locks in the 100% treble position. Chunky neck compared to the 96 MIM strat... Matches the drawing except this one is natural and pretty heavy.

Is this one?

Sorry Kyluckyman, it is not. The American Series Ash Telecaster (8502) was only produced in a Honey blond finish, or a 2-tone Sunburst. Also, the string tree is not the correct one, or in the correct position on your headstock, and the bridge saddles are not shined chrome plating.

Looks like a nice guitar though :cool:

Well...after much complaining, I've found one. Its a November 2003 sunburst just outside London for a very fair price (for the UK). Not sure the seller knows what he's got, but I'm paying his asking price so I feel ok about it. Pics to come once I've picked it up...

A funny thing I noticed...I have a 2007 Am Se ash body. In 2007, an ash bodied Am Se would cost more money than an 8502 (based on RRP from Fender) as the ash body was a $150 upgrade over an alder Am Se, making it $1506.99. An 8502 was $1499.99.

That's great sdwilliams, good for you! Looking forward to the pics. :cool:

Your correct on the pricing difference on the ash Telecaster's. Fender thought it necessary I guess, based on the sum of the parts :grin:

The 8502's were not marketed like their counterpart, and there lies the confusion over the models. It flew under the public radar for a long time. Still does :wink:

Here it is. Just about mint condition, two very small marks on the body, but i can live with that. Its a heavy beasty. I now appreciate how light my other Tele is. And they do sound very different. Through my amp, the 8502 is smoother and fuller sounding (I know that doesn't really describe much).

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr12/dr_p_leisure/Guitars/P1030068.jpg

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr12/dr_p_leisure/Guitars/P1030062.jpg
Two piece.

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr12/dr_p_leisure/Guitars/P1030056.jpg

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr12/dr_p_leisure/Guitars/P1030064.jpg
The Ash F%cK Twins (for any Orgasmo fans out there).

Thanks for all the info in this thread that has helped me track down and recognise this guitar.

Nice, diff grain pattern to mine and poss redder? Mine is more brown

it is more orange/brown than the photos, the camera is not the greatest. The grain doesn't really match up, but I kind of like it. Both of my teles have 'interesting' grain. Neither is uniform or neat looking.

Do you think it's a one piece? I can't see a join on the body of mine

mine is a two piece. it matches well on the back, not on the front

VERY NICE SCORE! Your patience has paid off...

You will grow to absolutely LOVE this guitar (if you don't already).
Some 8502's do tend to be on the heavy side, but that is really a non-issue as far as tone and playability IMO. I Like the grain pattern on yours, it's very unique. Sunburst finishes are very hard to photograph sometimes, all depends on the lighting.

Congrats sdwilliams! Play on brother....

I sold my mij esquire and my sg standard and I kept the 8502

I sold my mij esquire and my sg standard and I kept the 8502

You kept the best one, hands down. You obviously have excellent taste :grin:

I sold my mij esquire and my sg standard and I kept the 8502

Sounds like some of the stuff I've been doing. By the way guys, I ended up with a Trainwreck Liverpool clone by Hall Amplification to play with my 8502. I heard someone on the forum mention a Vox AC 15. There is something about those "Voxy" Liverpool type amps that do sound good with the 8502.

I like the MV's with tweed flavored amps.

I like the MV's with tweed flavored amps.

Master Tone Super Tweed?

I've got two Fender Tone Master amps, which to me have a definite tweed on steroids influence, also a '57 Deluxe RI with a Celestion Blue.

All very nice. I like the fender amps with the 8502. Since I got rid of my other tele's, I play my 8502 more now. I especially like the 6V6 sound with a telecaster, but the 6L6's are equally cool. While I'm having fun with the liverpool, I foresee a fender sitting beside it in the near future. Can't go too long with out tremolo and reverb!

For my Zinky era Tone Masters and Prosonics I've all but given up on 6L6's in favor of Tung Sol 5881's.

For reverb with my heads I have a couple of Fender 63 RI reverb boxes. I love the sound of a loud clean Tele with trem, my amps don't have built in trem so for that it's the Boss TR-2.

I had to sell my 8501 a few years back due to a financial crisis. I still miss her. Gonna hunt down another one!!