8502-American Ash Telecaster Club

To those of you that know and love this model....Welcome!

To those new to this Telecaster....
Let's hear it for the rarest of them all....The American Series Ash Telecaster, (8502 Model). Manufactured only from 2003 through 2007, in Corona, Ca. USA, and based on some of the 52' RI specs, with some very modern appointments.

Such as: "Modern Vintage" Pickups (only on this production model).
Chrome plated brass saddles
Steel Bridge plate
Delta-Tone Switching

Available only in Vintage Honey Blonde (black guard), and 2-tone Sunburst (white guard). Though some of the earlier Blondes had a white guard.

[IMG]http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll4/troubador6/374723.jpg [IMG]

A great model.

Would have done a beautiful job of reinforcing people's perceptions that the USA models were the ones to have, had this model been made available to more customers.

The failure to back this model up with serious inventory numbers, as well as the same for the Texas Tele, still has me scratching my head about FMIC.

Ah, the Telecaster that Fender failed to promote. Unless I should happen upon a real 50s tele for a silly price I don't see me ever replacing it. Even then I suspect I'd prefer the neck on this one. I have put in a 4 way switch but I can't think of any other change I could possibly want to make to this excellent guitar. In fact I'm thinking of reversing the mod because I hardly ever use the "humbucker".

I'm with BB....a great model. I only recently sold mine as I needed a jazz box more.
With the tort guard it was the best looking, sounding and playing Tele I've ever had.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v206/jazzrat/8502%20Tele/IMG_2314.jpg

I've always liked these, though I have never owned one. Was the body routed for two singles like '52, or did it get the H/S/H routing that is common with the American Series?

i have that same guitar. It was my first tele. It was exactly what i wanted. maple neck and ash body. The pickups are good too. I plan on keeping it stock.

I've always liked these, though I have never owned one. Was the body routed for two singles like '52, or did it get the H/S/H routing that is common with the American Series?

Mine is routed H/S/S like the Nashvilles. I think this is standard.

I did have an 8502 tele and foolishly sold it in favour of a G&L (please don't hate me!) ASAT Classic Bluesboy (semi-hollow, no f-hole). There was definately something special about that 8502's neck. It felt just perfect to my hands. Again, I should never have sold it. Thing is, I've played other teles with the same neck specs (on paper) as the 8502 but they never feel as right or the same. Can someone comment to explain why this might be the case? Please PM me if so. Thanks!

I've never quite known what model my tele is until I read this and think I may have just found out! It's a 2 tone sunburst with a one piece neck, the ash body and all that stuff listed. The only thing I found comparable in pics was the deluxe with the S1 switching but mine never had that. Is there a diffinative way of finding out? I bought it 2nd hand so just picked it up, played it and fell in love.

Kid, of you have a stock bridge plate with the 3 mount holes below 6 through holes arrangement, and your plate is magnetic (steel) that makes it virtually certain you have a 8502 model. There is a Classic Custom plate that may be magnetic also, but it has a little lip on top of the back edge of the plate. Every other Fender 3 mount holes below 6 thru holes type plate is chromed brass, I understand. If you got the steel plate, that's the Holy Grail. Bill Callaham and Glendale Guitars make a steel plate for those guitars but each is super easy to identify as aftermarket.

I have that!! The 3 screw mount and the steel magnetic bridge plate!! This is great, I've wondered fot ages what type I have and now I know, cheers Bubanov ;-)

Any idea what these are worth? I paid £700 (UK) for it a couple of years back...not that I'm thinking of selling it mind...

I have that!! Any idea what these are worth? I paid £700 (UK) for it a couple of years back...not that I'm thinking of selling it mind...

To give you an idea about prices, since this model doesnt come up for sale very often:

I was about to buy one (in honey blonde) for $925, including shipping, and in fact I did buy one, or rather I paid for one. But then the seller (the OP of this thread and founder of this club) changed his mind and decided to keep it for himself.

As wrong as that was, he was nice enough to give me a lead on another one
being sold on Craigslist in Philly . . . after some prodding, I got the guy to agree to ship it to me. That one, a 2 tone sunburst, cost me $800 plus shipping.

I'll be posting some pics of it and formally applying for membership in the club later.

Sounds like I paid a pretty reasonable price for here in the UK then. Wonder if they'll go up in value due to the limited run?

Gotta say that what a previous poster said about the neck is spot on - when I first played it what struck me was just how comfortable and smooth it felt. Never had that instant ease with a guitar before. Maybe I'll get some pics up on here later this eve..

One more thing, what is the neck profile on these? I've heard some saying U shaped but I'm pretty sure mine's a C....

Can someone explain why the 8502 neck felt so good to me (back when I had one) vs. other guitars with basically the same neck specs (on paper)? Is it the satin finish perhaps?

The Truth About The Blues;

http://www.fenderforum.com/userphotos/photo.php?id=35630

One more thing, what is the neck profile on these? I've heard some saying U shaped but I'm pretty sure mine's a C....


Chunky C?

Yeah, this "U" shaped neck stuff from Fender is just marketing speak.

They're trying to differentiate this one from the slim C neck on a regular series.

They do this on several models.

I haven't yet had a chance to take any pics of my 8502, but when I do I will be sure to get some nice pics of the neck. I dont know much about either the art or science of determining which letter of the alphabet a neck shape most resembles, but I can tell you that the neck on the 8502 is certainly chunky. I havent measured or done detailed side by side comparisons (yet), but if memory serves it is at least, if not more, chunky, than the AV52 and the 52 Hot Rod.

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

nvilletele,

Welcome to the Brothers of the 8502!

Anybody have an idea what the nut width is on these 8502s?

The reason I ask is that I really like the feel of the neck on the '52 Hot Rods (the one with nitro and the mini humbucker). Anybody know if the 8502 is similar in terms of profile, frets type/width, and profile?

From searching here and elsewhere I'd think the two necks would be similar but I figured I'd throw that out there in case somebody has played both or has more information. Thanks!

The 8502 nut width is the so called vintage width spec, 1mm more narrow vs a modern American Tele neck. A subtle but profound difference.

The 8502 neck should be similar to a fiddy two hot rod, but would have the extra fret.

The 8502 nut width is the so called vintage width spec, 1mm more narrow vs a modern American Tele neck. A subtle but profound difference.

The 8502 neck should be similar to a fiddy two hot rod, but would have the extra fret.

Thanks for the information! I'm been looking at a '52 AV Hot Rod - and I like the U shape neck - with at least that width nut. My fingers suffer from middle-age spread or some such and anything narrower - feels cramped to me. I guess my point is - I have a chance to buy a 8502 from a friend and wanted to know what to expect out of the neck before I bothered him. Thanks again.

Just picked up an 8502 myself and lovin' it!

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

Just picked up an 8502 myself and lovin' it!

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

ooh, nice. Very nice. Wanna trade for my sunburst? :wink:

ooh, nice. Very nice. Wanna trade for my sunburst? :wink:

Thanks, Nville, but this one is definitely a keeper. I played it out Wednesday night, and the pickups are by far the sweetest sounding Fender pups I've ever heard. Plus, this guitar weighs in at just 7.2 pounds. I'm really quite amazed that Fender didn't take the time to market these guitars more than they have, for it's the nicest modern Tele that I've ever played.

Hey Folks,

Checkin' in again after a while. Great to see this Club take off! These are truly great guitars. Vintage specs. unique pickups, and modern features. Always been a mystery to me as well why Fender would not promote them more when in production.

And tis' true nvilletele,

I regret our deal fell through, but i just could not part with it, and i still have it...of course. I'm certain you know how i feel, now that you have one. Glad you got a shot at that burst model, at a GREAT price. It's a beauty...congrats!

BTW, the 8502 Telecaster does not have the S-1 switching, and is listed as a "U" shaped neck on the original spec. sheet. The neck shape/profile feels quite a bit different than the "U" neck on the 69' RI though. I have not checked nut width on the 69, but that could make the difference.

They are difficult, but not impossible to find used :cool:
We all now have a place right here, to keep on posting our continuing experiences and impressions of this awesome guitar!

Proud owner of a 2004 Model 8502 Telecaster - Honey Blonde - Black Guard

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

Geez, I love a great looking two tone Tele!

Here's my application


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b273/casilleiro/8502.jpg

Welcome to the club casilleiro! Nice looking Blondie you have there.
Still has the flag sticker...:cool:


Your in an exclusive club now....Enjoy that awesome Telecaster, and share your impressions and experiences with us.

Thanks, Nville, but this one is definitely a keeper. I played it out Wednesday night, and the pickups are by far the sweetest sounding Fender pups I've ever heard. Plus, this guitar weighs in at just 7.2 pounds. I'm really quite amazed that Fender didn't take the time to market these guitars more than they have, for it's the nicest modern Tele that I've ever played.

Only 7.2 pounds? Wow, though I haven't weighed mine, it feels much heavier . . . I'd guess it is well over 8 pounds. I heard that these were on the heavy side, and mine certainly is, but at only 7.2 pounds you sure got a nice light one. I'll just tell myself that mine has more sustain, just to make myself feel better (though I know it ain't really true).

Hey Folks,

Checkin' in again after a while. Great to see this Club take off! These are truly great guitars. Vintage specs. unique pickups, and modern features. Always been a mystery to me as well why Fender would not promote them more when in production.

And tis' true nvilletele,

I regret our deal fell through, but i just could not part with it, and i still have it...of course. I'm certain you know how i feel, now that you have one. Glad you got a shot at that burst model, at a GREAT price. It's a beauty...congrats!

BTW, the 8502 Telecaster does not have the S-1 switching, and is listed as a "U" shaped neck on the original spec. sheet. The neck shape/profile feels quite a bit different than the "U" neck on the 69' RI though. I have not checked nut width on the 69, but that could make the difference.

They are difficult, but not impossible to find used :cool:
We all now have a place right here, to keep on posting our continuing experiences and impressions of this awesome guitar!

Proud owner of a 2004 Model 8502 Telecaster - Honey Blonde - Black Guard

All is forgiven, and was forgiven quite a while ago . . . after all, you gave me the lead on the sunburst in philly, and it was in great shape and I even saved $100 or so (though I admit the honey blonde is still giving me GAS pains).

Not important, but I think kidfortuna was not suggesting that there was or should be an S-1 switch on the 8502 - I read his post as saying he wasnt sure what he had, though it looked kinda like the Deluxe, but his didnt have the S-1 . . . so ultimately that led to the conclusion that he had an 8502. Anyway, that's the way I read his post. . . .

Here's my application


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b273/casilleiro/8502.jpg

Welcome to both the Forum and the 8502 Club! That's a beautiful one you got there. You still got the plastic on the pickguard there?

yeap, the flag sticker and the plastic are still on the pickguard, i just bought it two months ago, thank you for the kind welcome!

i´m really enjoying this beatuful guitar.

yeap, the flag sticker and the plastic are still on the pickguard, i just bought it two months ago, thank you for the kind welcome!

i´m really enjoying this beatuful guitar.

Do I take it then that you bought this new, and not used? If so, wow, great find, as these are no longer being made (last made in 2007, I understand).

Where did you find it? And if it is not too rude to ask, how much did it cost you?

Oh, one last question . . . do they have any more? :mrgreen:

A NOS 8502 Telecaster is Rare indeed! Tell us more on the history casilleiro, if you can. Very interesting....

well, i guess there are still a few ones in some fender dealers outside the US, I bought mine in Mexico (paid US$1100 for it).

A great find! At a decent price too. That's about what they were going for in stores, when introduced. You lucked out my friend....

I guess their ARE still some new ones to be found...:mrgreen:

Once again, welcome to the club, enjoy that "New" 8502 Telecaster!

Since it's gettin' a tad bit slow on this thread lately, I thought I'd post a pic of my pair of 8502s. I just acquired the second one (bottom) a couple of weeks ago, and it's virtually unplayed. I really can't say enough good things about these wonderful instruments.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/8502-pair1.jpg

Since it's gettin' a tad bit slow on this thread lately, I thought I'd post a pic of my pair of 8502s. I just acquired the second one (bottom) a couple of weeks ago, and it's virtually unplayed. I really can't say enough good things about these wonderful instruments.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/8502-pair1.jpg

With these guitars being relatively rare, dontcha think it's kinda selfish to have 2 of them? . . . sheesh, think about the poor starving children in Europe (= grandma's line to dad when he was a kid, though not originally referring to a Tele).

Nice looking pair though . . . .

Well, I guess I couldn't help myself......LOL. Plus, I found a nice backup to the other. The good news is that they'll both be seeing lots of playing time.

Awesome Jim, a couple of beauties...Enjoy!

We have a 2nd page now, here in the club :cool:
So what kind of music do you all play with your 8502's ?
Me...mostly Country, Blues, Oldies...

Wow! Imagine that!.....a second page! I'm continually amazed by how much of a secret this guitar remains amongst the Tele community.

I mostly play blues with my 8502, but I've been known to play country and some oldies as well. I'm even planning on playing it with some jazz musicians this week as well. It's really a very versatile guitar.

Hi guys, I looked through the thread, but might have missed it--are these poly or nitro finished?

Oops, never mind, I think I found it--polyurethane ala the Am Dlx line, no?

Was forwarded here to join the club. I have a 2004 American Ash in blonde!

Anyone swapped out their pickups for other things? Interesting combos?

jwl325...

Poly finish on the 8502.

BeepBoopBop...

Welcome to the club! There may be some folks that have swapped pickups on the 8502. Give em' a chance, they really are great on their own!

Oh...and Happy New Year!!

Thanks! I'm definitely digging the vibe from the guitar. I was thinking of putting in some Antiquities. Any thoughts?

Antiquities are awesome pickups! Give em' a go...

But hold on to those Stock Modern Vintage Pickups, from the 8502 Ash Telecaster. These were never available on a Telecaster production model, only from the Custom shop models.
You just may change your mind on the swap...

A few more identifiers of the Fender 8502 American Ash series Telecaster:

(Courtesy of 8502 Club Member Jim Pridx)

1.) Fender vintage '52 decal on the headstock
2.) Round string tree on the headstock as opposed to the earlier Standard
3.) Slightly shouldered one-piece maple neck
4.) Honey blonde or 2-tone sunburst are the only available colors
5.) White cloth wrapping on the bridge pickup provided it's stock
6.) Premium ash body, most of which can be heavy, but light ones can be found
7.) Steel bridge plate as opposed to chromed brass on the earlier Standard
8.) Chromed brass bridge saddles
9.) Fender Modern-Vintage pickups
10.) Many of the 8502s have the delta tone control (notch detent when dimed)
11.) Standard 3-way wiring scheme as opposed to the S-1

The 8502 is essentially a moderized version of the the '52 Reissue with medium jumbo frets, a 9 1/2" neck radius, and the modern bridge system. The pickups are also comprised of Alnico III magnets that somewhat simulate the OV pups with a modern twist. What exactly that means seems to be sort of a mystery, but they're pretty nice pickups for being stock.

Thanks Jim!

Yeah, I can't help myself. I'm too curious!

I was able to pick this one up on Craigslist about a year ago. The guitar was virtually untouched, still in its original case with plastic and all. Unfortunately, there's a nick/chip on the bottom back, maybe from a buckle or something. Any thoughts on how to fix it?

I mostly play instrumental rock and some indie rock stuff. This Tele is going through a Prosonic for my cleans and a JCM 800 for the dirties.

There are some 8502 American Ash Telecaster's still out there, just getting harder to find.
Glad you had an opportunity to snag one.
i'm not sure how to fix a finish nick, maybe a guitar tech. or woodworker may have some ideas.

I'm playing mine through an older solid state Peavey Bandit 112 for now, and a Roland cube 60 at times. It still sounds Awesome!

Would anybody happen to know if Fender made any lefty 8502s? I have a lefty friend that would like to find one of these, but neither of us have ever seen any lefty models.

New member here. First Tele too.

Welcome, spudman! For your very first Tele, you certainly have a nice one! Enjoy!

Kid, of you have a stock bridge plate with the 3 mount holes below 6 through holes arrangement, and your plate is magnetic (steel) that makes it virtually certain you have a 8502 model. There is a Classic Custom plate that may be magnetic also, but it has a little lip on top of the back edge of the plate. Every other Fender 3 mount holes below 6 thru holes type plate is chromed brass, I understand. If you got the steel plate, that's the Holy Grail.

Isn't the American Deluxe bridge also a steel plate with chrome plated brass saddles?

My 2003 Model 8502 Telecaster Honey Blonde - White Guard

My 2003 Model 8502 Telecaster Honey Blonde - White Guard

A little late, but welcome to the 8502 club!


http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/8502-pair1.jpg


A few more identifiers of the Fender 8502 American Ash series Telecaster:

(Courtesy of 8502 Club Member Jim Pridx)
4.) Honey blonde or 2-tone sunburst are the only available colors



Jim - In your pic the two 8502's seem to be different colors, but neither is a sunburst . . . is this a trick of the light, or were there more than just the 2 colors mentioned above? One of yours seems very light, almost white, compared to the other, which seems a deeper blonde.

Howdy ya'll...

I'm new here. Just a few days ago I posted this thread (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/welcome-wagon/204085-greetings-houston-here-my-story.html) in the Welcome Wagon saying "hi", and then I posted this thread (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaster-discussion-forum/204127-what-happened-american-ash.html) in the Tele Discussion forum asking what happened to the American Ash. Spudman was nice enough to point me to this thread.

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/960/medium/tele_600.JPG

Here is my 8502 American Ash tele. I have left it completely stock, it is perfect for me. I had no idea what the rap was on this particular model.. but seems like the rep is pretty good. Anyone know about how many total were made?

It is a fairly heavy guitar tho.. much heavier than my old G&L ASAT and my friend's 82 tele (which is a VERY early RI of the 53). Anyway ya, great guitar, I love it... its been my #1 ever since I got it... the only "real" tele I've ever owned.

Take care... Allen

Jim - In your pic the two 8502's seem to be different colors, but neither is a sunburst . . . is this a trick of the light, or were there more than just the 2 colors mentioned above? One of yours seems very light, almost white, compared to the other, which seems a deeper blonde.

Actually, the two guitars are identical in color. The one sitting more upright (top) is catching light from an indoor incandescent source while the other guitar is catching outdoor light from a window. It's sort of weird how that happened, for I never put any thought into it when I snapped the photo.

Big Bend....welcome to the 8502 Club! Nice guitar you've got there! I've never modded either of my 8502s, for they're just right as they are....and I'm a huge fan of modding my Teles. As for the number of them made, I don't have a clue other than that they were made from about 2003 to 2007 or early '08. I'm sure others know more about this than I do. Of my two 8502s, one is fairly light at 7.2 pounds while the other is about 8.3 pounds. I would venture to say that my favorite feature of the 8502 is the installation of Fender's Modern Vintage pickups with Alnico III magnets. They just make for a very sweet sounding guitar, but one can get a lot of "spank" out of them, too. Although, I would also venture to say that they probably aren't the best guitars for "twang," but some will certainly say otherwise. All in all, I just think they're great guitars with great features that typically aren't found on most modern Teles.

Alexander_Meier.....I'm a little late to welcome you here as well, but it's great to have you here. Nice guitar indeed!

Welcome Allen,
I just joined in January myself. I've got one of the early blondes with the white parchment pickguard as seen above. I've left it stock too. It weighs almost nine pounds and that's the only thing I'm not wild about. It sounds and plays great. I never thought I'd like a U-shaped neck, but I took right to it.

Hey! Welcome, spudman! Funny, but I just realized you're the same guy that's on the Fender forum. It's great to have you here!

Hey! Welcome, spudman! Funny, but I just realized you're the same guy that's on the Fender forum. It's great to have you here!

Thanks Jim,
I figured now that I had a Tele I'd better join here too. :smile:

Hey spudman....just know that there's an abundant amount of information to be found on the TDPRI, especially for new Tele players. Plus, most folks here are more than happy to lend a helping hand. It's really a pretty great place to hang out!

The two links i´ve found, a time machine from the time when it was still for sale

Product ID (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=98636&sku=515121)
and product page (http://web.archive.org/web/20071011013535/www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-American-Ash-Telecaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=515121)

The two links i´ve found, a time machine from the time when it was still for sale

Product ID (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document?doc_id=98636&sku=515121)
and product page (http://web.archive.org/web/20071011013535/www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-American-Ash-Telecaster-Electric-Guitar?sku=515121)


Those are good finds thanks!!

So did anyone else buy an American Ash sight-unseen like I did? Or did you have to actually play one first? I ordered mine from MusiciansFriend without ever having played one.. I just liked the advertisements and stats for the guitar. Fortunately my tele has exceeded all expectations - again its just a wonderful guitar.

take care.. Allen

So did anyone else buy an American Ash sight-unseen like I did?

Yeah, I did! In fact, two of them. I bought the first one from a guy who gave me a great description of the guitar, and I've been using it on every gig ever since it arrived. I loved it so much I wanted to find another. The second one felt a little more risky because the guy I bought it from didn't know it was an 8502 model, although, his photos clearly revealed that it was. Still, he only briefly played it in his house maybe five or six times, and shortly after he gave up playing the guitar. It turned out to be a great guitar, too, but since it's in absolute mint condition, I've decided to store it with my other collectibles.

He, can I join the club ? I bought this one today.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/8826/ashtele001.jpg (http://img59.imageshack.us/i/ashtele001.jpg/)

He, can I join the club ? I bought this one today.

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/8826/ashtele001.jpg (http://img59.imageshack.us/i/ashtele001.jpg/)

Pretty! I gotta take some better pictures.

What a great tele is this , love it , it suits me better thena 52RI I owned before , the 9.5 radius makes the difference for me.

Bloody hell, I didn't know they were rare. I modded mine last year. Mostly reversable but...

Pics to follow. Stay tuned.

Bloody hell, I didn't know they were rare. I modded mine last year. Mostly reversable but...

Pics to follow. Stay tuned.

I've seen a couple for sale lately that were asking more than they sold for originally, so it makes me wonder.

As promised here are some pics of my AA Tele. Neck pocket stamped April 07. Has an insane flame maple neck to so i really lucked out with this one. There's a bit of wear and tear here and there including wood showing along the upper bout. This came about semi naturaly. i had allready worn through the veneer and was down to the paint. When I modded it i took the top couple of layers of the gloopy plastic finish off and this removed the paint.

Full list of mods to follow.

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae160/Veitchy_88/AATeleMod.jpg?t=1269593456

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae160/Veitchy_88/AATeleHeadstock.jpg?t=1269593457

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae160/Veitchy_88/AATeleSerialNumber.jpg?t=1269593461

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae160/Veitchy_88/AATeleControls.jpg?t=1269593464

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae160/Veitchy_88/AATeleBardenBridgePickups.jpg?t=1269593464

http://i967.photobucket.com/albums/ae160/Veitchy_88/AATeleNeckFlame.jpg?t=1269593458

Mods are as follows.

Striped off some of the finish.
Allparts Bakalite pickguard.
Barden Pickups and Bridge.
Tone -Pros/Klusson tuners (save one.)
Glendale Knobs and 'Retro Rocket' ferrules (aluminium for bottom strings, brass for top.)
Run her with 11 gauge strings and she plays like a dream.

I highly recomend a drop-in vintage bridge to owners of these guitars. Unless you really want the 6 saddles, you're missing out in my opinion. The single biggest change to the way my guitar sounds and plays in my opinion. A word of warning on the barden bridge though, It does require some drilling, so if you want to convert it back to stock (sounds like it may be the case with these guitars) get one thats a true drop in.

I highly recomend a drop-in vintage bridge to owners of these guitars. Unless you really want the 6 saddles, you're missing out in my opinion. The single biggest change to the way my guitar sounds and plays in my opinion. A word of warning on the barden bridge though, It does require some drilling, so if you want to convert it back to stock (sounds like it may be the case with these guitars) get one thats a true drop in.

Well I was perfectly happy with the 6 saddle bridge on my 8502, until I joined this forum last month and started reading all the 3-barrel posts. :lol:

It is tempting to drop in a vintage bridge and see how it sounds that I could easily put the stock original back in if I chose. Any recomendations on the best drop in vintage bridge to use with the AA?

ttfn.. Allen

Any recomendations on the best drop in vintage bridge to use with the AA?

ttfn.. Allen

I was looking at a Glendale until I saw that Barden made an American Standard 3-saddle bridge. Search old threads here and you wont stop hearing people sing their praises. Callaham also crops up here and there but I havn't had anthing to do with them personaly.

http://glendaleguitars.com/

A note on the Glendale item, it comes as a bridgeplate only, you pick your own saddle set (they do fantastic saddles) and put them in yourself. Easy job and you get exactly what you want.

www.callahamguitars.com

Wow! Nice guitar, but definitely highly modified! Do you still have all of the orignial parts?

I've also been thinking about a 3-saddle setup on one of mine. The particular guitar I'm thinking of is fairly well used, so it wouldn't really bother me to do some mods on it. It could also use a slight boost in the high-end tones, so a new bridge setup might just be the way to go.

I love that neck. It looks like the flame on a custom shop model. I do think some of the mods take away from what makes this model special, but it's yours, so do what makes you the happiest.

I do think some of the mods take away from what makes this model special......

I agree, and this is the only reason I've been reluctant to mod mine at all. The Modern Vintage pups are especially nice! Although, I did replace the tuners with locking Schallers, only because I had two or three tuners that were shot upon purchasing the guitar. I'm also certain I'd never replace the bridge if I had to drill any extra holes.

Here is mine I bought new in 2003, with my 2000 V1 Mazerati and 1999 Telesonic.
I found mine in a small shop.
I replaced the black pick-guard and the pickups with samarium cobalt noiseless and still have the originals.
When people play her they always ask to buy, I'll never sell.

Guess you better add me to the club!

I've owned mine since 2007, bought it new from M.F. without ever seeing/playing one. Best money I ever spent on an American made Tele! She looks and sounds as good as the day I opened the case for the first time.

It's a real shame Fender discontinued this model, one of the best US made Teles that didn't cost an arm & leg, IMO.

Guess you better add me to the club!

I've owned mine since 2007, bought it new from M.F. without ever seeing/playing one. Best money I ever spent on an American made Tele! She looks and sounds as good as the day I opened the case for the first time.

It's a real shame Fender discontinued this model, one of the best US made Teles that didn't cost an arm & leg, IMO.

I bought it new for 850 it was on sale at a small shop near my house in 2003. It had the best feel and playability of all they had in the shop.
It's funny people always ask to buy because of how she plays it's great. WELCOME TO THE CLUB!
Lay a few pictures on us.:smile:

Can anyone comment on the neck shape of the 8502 compared to:
Highway One Texas Tele
American Deluxe Ash

Here are a few photos I took for you.
I think it's thick, U shaped and fit's me nicely.
My hands are large with long fingers it's not a smokin' fast neck I would say just right. Compared to the guitars you mentioned I wouldn't know. Hope I helped in some way.

Can anyone comment on the neck shape of the 8502 compared to:
Highway One Texas Tele
American Deluxe Ash

I think it's the same neck as the American Deluxe Ash.

I think it's the same neck as the American Deluxe Ash.

That's cool I didn't know that.

Thanks for the pics, therecordfable.

Hendrix, on paper, they sound like they should be the same. But did the American Deluxe Ash come with a wider 43mm nut?

According to Fender specs:

8502: Width @ Nut: 1.650” (42 mm)

Deluxe Ash: Width @ Nut: 1.6875” (43 mm)

According to Fender specs:

8502: Width @ Nut: 1.650” (42 mm)

Deluxe Ash: Width @ Nut: 1.6875” (43 mm)

Ok, my mistake.

Thanks for the pics, therecordfable.

Hendrix, on paper, they sound like they should be the same. But did the American Deluxe Ash come with a wider 43mm nut?

No worries and good find Jim.:smile:

Ya know I was thinking of getting a vintage 3 barrel bridge for my AA 8502.. I was talking to a guitar tech and he said "ya if you want to lose intonation". Do the 6 saddles really have better tuning capabilities? Do the 3 barrels really sound that much better, even with the loss of fine intonation control?

I'm gona leave mine stock.. well, I might get a different color pickguard but thats about it.

L8r...

I wouldn't change it mine has been great and stays in tune for days.

Ok, my mistake.

Well, while the two nut widths are indeed different, I'm not sure I could notice the difference between a 42mm and a 43mm nut width. That seems pretty miniscule to me. But, I usually don't have much trouble adapting to most necks unless they're unusually thin in both width and depth.

BTW.....incoming 8502! It's scheduled to arrive on Monday, April 5. I'll post more pics next week!

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Tele7.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Tele8.jpg

Well, while the two nut widths are indeed different, I'm not sure I could notice the difference between a 42mm and a 43mm nut width. That seems pretty miniscule to me. But, I usually don't have much trouble adapting to most necks unless they're unusually thin in both width and depth.

BTW.....incoming 8502! It's scheduled to arrive on Monday, April 5. I'll post more pics next week!

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Tele7.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Tele8.jpg

That's killer:cool:

BTW.....incoming 8502! It's scheduled to arrive on Monday, April 5. I'll post more pics next week!


You're getting a 3rd 8502? How sweet is that! Enjoy, and yes a trip report on how it compares to your other two would be appreciated.

take care..

Yeah, I'm getting a 3rd 8502. It's certainly not like I'm trying to hoard or collect them by any means; I just tend to believe that for my purposes this is a great Tele just as it is for very affordable prices, and they're great players, too! I honestly tend to think that these guitars are one of Fender's best production instruments ever when considering that not only did Fender incorporate a vintage sound within the pickups of this guitar, but they also incorporated modern features in the bridge and neck as well. While I tend to lean toward more of a vintage vibe, the 8502 proves to be a very versatile Tele in many respects. I only wish that I had discovered these guitars during their production run.

And yeah, I'll be sure to post a report on the new/old 8502.

Yeah, I'm getting a 3rd 8502. It's certainly not like I'm trying to hoard or collect them by any means; I just tend to believe that for my purposes this is a great Tele just as it is for very affordable prices, and they're great players, too! I honestly tend to think that these guitars are one of Fender's best production instruments ever when considering that not only did Fender incorporate a vintage sound within the pickups of this guitar, but they also incorporated modern features in the bridge and neck as well. While I tend to lean toward more of a vintage vibe, the 8502 proves to be a very versatile Tele in many respects. I only wish that I had discovered these guitars during their production run.

And yeah, I'll be sure to post a report on the new/old 8502.

I agree the 8502 and my Telesonic are my main axes for life. Where are you finding the 8502? I can't find them anywhere.:neutral:

I agree the 8502 and my Telesonic are my main axes for life. Where are you finding the 8502? I can't find them anywhere.:neutral:

Same here, can't find any for sale. I was lucky enough to get one in 'burst, but still want the blonde . . . . anyone got one they don't need? (heh heh)

Same here, can't find any for sale. I was lucky enough to get one in 'burst, but still want the blonde . . . . anyone got one they don't need? (heh heh)

I found one for sale in mint condition on fleabay but he's in the UK and wont ship CONUS...:mad:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Fender-telecaster-USA_W0QQitemZ220579969606QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxq2010 0330?IMSfp=TL100330182002r16136

I agree the 8502 and my Telesonic are my main axes for life. Where are you finding the 8502? I can't find them anywhere.:neutral:

Well, some 8502s are secretly hiding in the hands of sellers who don't really know what they're selling. The last one I bought was advertised as an American Standard Tele, but the 8502 features stuck out like a sore thumb in the photos. The seller also posted a photo showing the back of the headstock, so I wrote Fender with the serial number to confirm that it was indeed an 8502, and it was. So, it seems they're out there for sale from time to time, but you need to sort through quite a few to find them, that is, unless the seller actually advertises it as an 8502.

BTW, there is a honey-blonde 8502 for sale on "The Gear Page" as we speak. The guy is asking $1000 or best offer - shipped & PayPal'd. It appears to be in great condition, too. It's probably a little more money than I would spend on one, but who knows? The guy might sell it for less when considering he's using the OBO option. He's also looking for a Tele-style guitar with two HBs to trade.

Well, some 8502s are secretly hiding in the hands of sellers who don't really know what they're selling. The last one I bought was advertised as an American Standard Tele, but the 8502 features stuck out like a sore thumb in the photos. The seller also posted a photo showing the back of the headstock, so I wrote Fender with the serial number to confirm that it was indeed an 8502, and it was. So, it seems they're out there for sale from time to time, but you need to sort through quite a few to find them, that is, unless the seller actually advertises it as an 8502.

BTW, there is a honey-blonde 8502 for sale on "The Gear Page" as we speak. The guy is asking $1000 or best offer - shipped & PayPal'd. It appears to be in great condition, too. It's probably a little more money than I would spend on one, but who knows? The guy might sell it for less when considering he's using the OBO option. He's also looking for a Tele-style guitar with two HBs to trade.

1000:shock:
I'll keep my eyes out, thanks for the information.

I've already contacted him . . . there are a couple guys ahead of me in line, it seems. Maybe some of you folks . . . .

$1000 is only a bit higher than I've seen these sold for. And it includes shipping, so not that terrible a price for this guitar.

I've already contacted him . . . there are a couple guys ahead of me in line, it seems. Maybe some of you folks . . . .

$1000 is only a bit higher than I've seen these sold for. And it includes shipping, so not that terrible a price for this guitar.

Not in this economy.
850 would be about right IMHO.
If he gets 1000 great I just don't see it happening.
It's a crappy time to sell anything.

Not in this economy.
850 would be about right IMHO.
If he gets 1000 great I just don't see it happening.
It's a crappy time to sell anything.

It also has an excellent case with it. I agree with this being a bad time to sell anything, but look how many of us have bought these guitars recently.

It also has an excellent case with it. I agree with this being a bad time to sell anything, but look how many of us have bought these guitars recently.

I bought mine new in 2003 for around 900 after taxes, at a small local shop.
Personally I wouldn't pay 1000 for a used 8502 but like I said it's great for the seller if he or she can get that much.
One will come up for less eventually.
I'd like to find someone who doesn't know the cult following the 8502 has and snatch her up, like jim pridx mentioned..:grin:

Well, the 2006 'burst 8502 arrived today. I took a couple of photos, so no surprises here. It's a tad heavy at 8.62 pounds, but that wasn't much of a surprise, either. It plays and sounds like an 8502, and the finish is just as the seller described, so I'm quite pleased.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Tele%208502%20Burst/Burst2.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Tele%208502%20Burst/Burst1.jpg

Well, the 2006 'burst 8502 arrived today. I took a couple of photos, so no surprises here. It's a tad heavy at 8.62 pounds, but that wasn't much of a surprise, either. It plays and sounds like an 8502, and the finish is just as the seller described, so I'm quite pleased.

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Tele%208502%20Burst/Burst2.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Tele%208502%20Burst/Burst1.jpg

Just plain KILLER!!!
Congrats.

I bought mine new in 2003 for around 900 after taxes, at a small local shop.
Personally I wouldn't pay 1000 for a used 8502 but like I said it's great for the seller if he or she can get that much.
One will come up for less eventually.
I'd like to find someone who doesn't know the cult following the 8502 has and snatch her up, like jim pridx mentioned..:grin:

Well, it looks like the other buyers ahead of me in line for the 8502 over at the gear page have all fallen out of contention (apparently some couldnt wait and bought another guitar in the interim), so I'm up and have taken the seller up on his offer. $1000 shipped is (obviously) more than the $850 I paid for my sunburst 8502, but not enough to worry about. And it's in mint condition, and reasonably light weight, if you can believe the seller (which I do).

I'll make up the extra cost by brown bagging it for a while instead of going out to lunch . . . .

Re finding someone selling an 8502 while unaware of the cult following, I found someone selling this 2003 american tele. Could this be an early 2003 8502 before the switch to black pg? It looks like it has vintage tuners, but that could have been a mod (one which I like too). These are the only pics I have been able to get. What do you guys think?

Could this be an early 2003 8502 before the switch to black pg? It looks like it has vintage tuners, but that could have been a mod (one which I like too). These are the only pics I have been able to get. What do you guys think?

It doesn't look like an 8502 to me, but I can't be absolutely positive of this. Of course, better pics would help. But, like you said, it has vinatge tuners. The pickguard seems to be of the 5-screw variety, and it also appears to have a vintage 3-saddle bridge, all of which aren't typically found on an 8502.

And congrats on the new purchase! It really appears as though you'll be getting a very nice guitar!

It doesn't look like an 8502 to me, but I can't be absolutely positive of this. Of course, better pics would help. But, like you said, it has vinatge tuners. The pickguard seems to be of the 5-screw variety, and it also appears to have a vintage 3-saddle bridge, all of which aren't typically found on an 8502.

And congrats on the new purchase! It really appears as though you'll be getting a very nice guitar!

Thanks Jim. Good catch on the 5 hole pg! Can't believe I missed that one.
And even better catch on the 3 saddle bridge (hard to see the bridge at all, but you are right on that I think). So now I am wondering just what this tele might be . . . though it's quite possible the bridge too was replaced, and maybe even the pg and tuners . . . .maybe he was going for a real vintage look (even at the expense of the 8502 steel bridge plate).

For all we know the neck might be a replacement as well (possibly off an AV52?), stuck on a MIM body? The classic 50s series comes with 5 hole pg's, right? But that series' blonde is really white-ish I think, not as yellow as the one in the pic . . . and was that series around in 2003?

Oh well, no need to be concerned about this other one really, just was curious. Can't wait for the real 8502. The long lost (fraternal) 8502 twins will be (re-) united at last . . . .

So now I am wondering just what this tele might be . . . though it's quite possible the bridge too was replaced, and maybe even the pg and tuners . . . .maybe he was going for a real vintage look (even at the expense of the 8502 steel bridge plate).

I would suppose this is possible, but it does seem unlikely that it's an 8502. But, who knows? We've all seen some pretty strange stuff out there. My first guess is that it might have been a Highway 1 Tele, but the headstock doesn't look right for that. Heck, I don't know.

btw Jim . . . congrats on your sunburst . . . that's a real beauty, love the grain and color.

Well, it looks like the other buyers ahead of me in line for the 8502 over at the gear page have all fallen out of contention (apparently some couldnt wait and bought another guitar in the interim), so I'm up and have taken the seller up on his offer. $1000 shipped is (obviously) more than the $850 I paid for my sunburst 8502, but not enough to worry about. And it's in mint condition, and reasonably light weight, if you can believe the seller (which I do).

I'll make up the extra cost by brown bagging it for a while instead of going out to lunch . . . .

Re finding someone selling an 8502 while unaware of the cult following, I found someone selling this 2003 american tele. Could this be an early 2003 8502 before the switch to black pg? It looks like it has vintage tuners, but that could have been a mod (one which I like too). These are the only pics I have been able to get. What do you guys think?

Congrats!!!:smile:

Re finding someone selling an 8502 while unaware of the cult following


Wait, I'm in a cult? :roll: Do I have to drink the cool-aid and everything? :lol:


So basically we're saying the 8502 costs the same now as they did brand new. I suppose that beats the alternative but I don't think these will ever be huge collector Teles someday. I mean its a very nice guitar and all but to be "cult" worthy I think they need to be selling for a bit more than the original $1000 or so that most of us paid.

Then again maybe I'm missing the boat by not cashing in my retirement fund so I can go 8502 hunting. :rolleyes:

Take care.. Allen

.........but I don't think these will ever be huge collector Teles someday.

Funny, but the majority of guitarists in 1968 generally thought that '52 Teles were merely nothing more than well-used junk and would rarely fetch any more than $75 or $100 at best. If there was a little fret wear and a few dings on the body, nobody wanted them. Of course, one never knows what the future will bring, but hindsight can indeed be an interesting thing to ponder over when it's all said and done.

Edit addition: While I'm certainly not saying or predicting that the 8502 will become a collectible instrument, there are some factors that reveal that the 8502 is somewhat or quite rare in comparison to many other Tele models. First, it was a limited run from 2003 to late 2007, and for some reason it was discontinued. The lack of sales probably wasn't a consideration, for the guitar was never widely distributed. Perhaps the majority of models were sold through Musician's Friend, but it appears as though they never appeared at Guitar Center and very seldom at local dealers. Moreover, those that own these guitars generally cherish them as very fine instruments that have also included desired appointments unlike many of today's modern Telecasters. For what it's worth, and I may be totally off base here, but my personal viewpoint is that this particular model may have likely been an instrument that was indirectly competing with Fender's Custom Shop as well as many of its reissue models, but because of its limited availability, why wouldn't it be probable that Fender might have wanted to use the 8502 as a means to test the market? After all, what other modern USA Tele truly incorporates some vintage appointments while also incorporating modern features that so many players of today truly enjoy? For this guitar to be considered a collectible instrument by today's standards, it would be good to know just how many of these guitars were manufactured as well as knowing the numbers of the finishes applied (i.e., the number of honey-blondes & 2-tone sunbursts). It appears as though no one has these numbers but Fender, but I do find it interesting that there aren't many 8502s available. I just happen to be a guitarist that falls into a category of those looking for a guitar that sounds much like a vintage instrument while also having modern appointments, and the 8502 fits the bill! Anyway, I'm always open to be corrected for my thoughts as well as to further understand more about these guitars, but for now I guess that's my take on it. Thanks!

btw Jim . . . congrats on your sunburst . . . that's a real beauty, love the grain and color.

Thanks, Nville!

Great post everyone:smile:
I'd say a cult following.
Unless your a member here or in the know in general you most likely have no idea what an 8502 Telecaster is. I ask people all the time and most have no idea what I'm talking about. Perhaps a sturdy underground following would be a better suited moniker for the 8502.:razz: I bought the 8502 because it played, sounded and felt great in my hands. I didn't know it was an "8502" until I became a TDPRI member. Whatever it will become I love it and she is an all-around kick ass axe. I bought my Telesonic with the hope one day it will become a collectible and I think it's on the way to doing just that.

News Flash!

Within a year of the model actually being available in 2004, after more than a 6 month delay from it's announcement date in mid 2003, there was already a cultic group of believers who held the 8502 in high esteem. This group if you have never heard of them is responsible for the popularity of the model being known by it's model number, and is known as The Brothers of the 8502.

All of The Brothers might not actively post on the same forum any more but are as alive and well as ever.

And also if you are new here, identifying the American Ash Telecaster by the moniker 8502 was actually resisted by various people for quite a while on this forum, even long after it was pretty much publicly adopted everywhere else including ebay. So the Brothers were not exactly welcomed with open arms on this forum and so be it to this day remain a fringe element.

Have you guys never been read to from the book of Uncle Duderonomy?

By the way, some of you guys are doing an admirable job of carrying the torch here, very nice 8502's and well done photo's.

News Flash!

Within a year of the model actually being available in 2004, after more than a 6 month delay from it's announcement date in mid 2003, there was already a cultic group of believers who held the 8502 in high esteem. This group if you have never heard of them is responsible for the popularity of the model being known by it's model number, and is known as The Brothers of the 8502.

All of The Brothers might not actively post on the same forum any more but are as alive and well as ever.

And also if you are new here, identifying the American Ash Telecaster by the moniker 8502 was actually resisted by various people for quite a while on this forum, even long after it was pretty much publicly adopted everywhere else including ebay. So the Brothers were not exactly welcomed with open arms on this forum and so be it to this day remain a fringe element.

Have you guys never been read to from the book of Uncle Duderonomy?

By the way, some of you guys are doing an admirable job of carrying the torch here, very nice 8502's and well done photo's.

Cool story.:smile:

News Flash!

Within a year of the model actually being available in 2004, after more than a 6 month delay from it's announcement date in mid 2003, there was already a cultic group of believers who held the 8502 in high esteem. This group if you have never heard of them is responsible for the popularity of the model being known by it's model number, and is known as The Brothers of the 8502.

All of The Brothers might not actively post on the same forum any more but are as alive and well as ever.

And also if you are new here, identifying the American Ash Telecaster by the moniker 8502 was actually resisted by various people for quite a while on this forum, even long after it was pretty much publicly adopted everywhere else including ebay. So the Brothers were not exactly welcomed with open arms on this forum and so be it to this day remain a fringe element.

Have you guys never been read to from the book of Uncle Duderonomy?

By the way, some of you guys are doing an admirable job of carrying the torch here, very nice 8502's and well done photo's.

Thanks, Tele Jr! Actually, it was the "Brothers" that got me initially interested in the 8502. As you're probably well aware, many of the Brothers or members of the "Brotherhood" are still alive and well while still active over at the FDP, which is where I first heard of these guitars. Although, at the time I had other interests in mind, so I never pursued any further interest. Finally, one day last fall an 8502 more or less fell into my lap by accident, and to my amazement, it sounded equally as good or better than my AV52RI, but played much nicer. It was only then when I realized what all the "hoopla" was about, and I knew that I had to have one. Until then, I had never seen one before, nor was I about to buy one from Musician's Friend sight-unseen.

I also found the "8502 moniker" controversy quite amusing as well. It seems that many folks simply couldn't accept that others would call this guitar by anything other than it's proper model name: the American Series Ash Telecaster. Still, to this day there remains a great deal of confusion as to what this model really is and where its place actually was in the Fender lineup during its run. Hence, one of those early owners called it the "8502," and, in my opinion, clearly gave this guitar a much needed identity.

one of those early owners called it the "8502," and, in my opinion, clearly gave this guitar a much needed identity.

I'm just gota say again wow I love my 8502 Telecaster!! :grin: I have literally 12 other guitars in my house right now, and 11 of the hardly ever get played.. its been like that for the last 5 years since I got my Telecaster. I'm in a band and every song we do I'm playing on my 8502 on the bridge pickup. For the last 28 years I've been looking for "my tone"... But ever since I married the American Ash with a Super Reverb amp and a Sparkle Drive pedal.. I honestly can't think of any other setup I'd rather play through. It feels good... Real good!

Take care ya'll... Allen

I'm just gota say again wow I love my 8502 Telecaster!! :grin: I have literally 12 other guitars in my house right now, and 11 of the hardly ever get played.. its been like that for the last 5 years since I got my Telecaster. I'm in a band and every song we do I'm playing on my 8502 on the bridge pickup. For the last 28 years I've been looking for "my tone"... But ever since I married the American Ash with a Super Reverb amp and a Sparkle Drive pedal.. I honestly can't think of any other setup I'd rather play through. It feels good... Real good!

Take care ya'll... Allen

Cool Allen KEEP ON ROCKIN'!!!:twisted:

An '03 blonde white guard 8502 on Ebay for $799.95 BIN. It appears to be in mint condition, too. I'd grab it, but I already have more than my share.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2003-Fender-American-Ash-Telecaster_W0QQitemZ320516416814QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZGuitar?hash=item4aa044652e

SOLD! It was only up for about an hour or so. Man, someone snagged that up pretty quickly.

An '03 blonde white guard 8502 on Ebay for $799.95 BIN. It appears to be in mint condition, too. I'd grab it, but I already have more than my share.

http://cgi.ebay.com/2003-Fender-American-Ash-Telecaster_W0QQitemZ320516416814QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZGuitar?hash=item4aa044652e

SOLD! It was only up for about an hour or so. Man, someone snagged that up pretty quickly.

Damn!!!:sad: I would have snagged that for sure thanks for the heads up, that was a goon buy right there. That is my exact model and year, I would be more than happy to have two...:smile:

Hey Jim, you sure know how to pick em!

Here she comes again...

http://cgi.ebay.com/2003-Fender-American-Ash-Telecaster_W0QQitemZ320516916052QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZGuitar?hash=item4aa04c0354

I'm just gota say again wow I love my 8502 Telecaster!! :grin: I have literally 12 other guitars in my house right now, and 11 of the hardly ever get played.. its been like that for the last 5 years since I got my Telecaster. I'm in a band and every song we do I'm playing on my 8502 on the bridge pickup. For the last 28 years I've been looking for "my tone"... But ever since I married the American Ash with a Super Reverb amp and a Sparkle Drive pedal.. I honestly can't think of any other setup I'd rather play through. It feels good... Real good!

Take care ya'll... Allen

That's it right there, people want to know what the hype is about and it's pro quality gear with tone and feel that gives no quarter.

Hey Jim, you sure know how to pick em!

Here she comes again...

http://cgi.ebay.com/2003-Fender-American-Ash-Telecaster_W0QQitemZ320516916052QQcmdZViewItemQQpt ZGuitar?hash=item4aa04c0354


Wonder how long it will last . . . still up there just now . . . an early one, with the white pg . . . I'd probably have bought it, had I not just bought the one over at TGP. And I do prefer the look of the black pg.

Hmmmm.....weird! That's the same guitar up for sale again.

Hmmmm.....weird! That's the same guitar up for sale again.

That was a little to sketchy for me.
I'll wait to find one on Craigslist.

Looks like it's gone now. That one looked good and appeared to be from the second run in late '03.

Oh well, the thrill is in the hunt...

The blonde 8502 I just bought via TGP is set to arrive tomorrow, but I'll be away up in LA, so wont see it until Monday or thereabouts (it is being delivered to my teacher's house so the GF (whom I am living with right now) won't see it.

I'll sneak it in later while she's at work. I have enough blondes that she wont notice it, I hope.

Looks like it's gone now. That one looked good and appeared to be from the second run in late '03.

Oh well, the thrill is in the hunt...

Ya it looked the same as mine.
Mine is a 2003 I love it I can't say enough good things about it.

Looks like it's gone now. That one looked good and appeared to be from the second run in late '03.

Oh well, the thrill is in the hunt...

Well, the hunt is even a greater thrill when one bags the prize. It'll be arriving in WI on Tuesday.....same price & free shipping. The seller was actually quite cool to deal with.

Jim, Did you get Z3136325?

Jim, Did you get Z3136325?

That I did:

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/fendertele19.jpg

As I had said elsewhere, "I need this guitar like I need a hole in my head," but I really love these guitars! I have yet to play one that doesn't have lots of "mojo," and the modern appointments just make it such a fun and easy instrument to play!

That I did:

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/fendertele19.jpg

As I had said elsewhere, "I need this guitar like I need a hole in my head," but I really love these guitars! I have yet to play one that doesn't have lots of "mojo," and the modern appointments just make it such a fun and easy instrument to play!

If you decide to sell I'd be happy to take her off your hands.:wink:
Congratulations!!!

Well, the hunt is even a greater thrill when one bags the prize. It'll be arriving in WI on Tuesday.....same price & free shipping. The seller was actually quite cool to deal with.

How did you manage to get free shipping? I thought it was $40? Well done, in any event.

But speaking on behalf of all of us who missed out on this particular 8502, and in the spirit of the best possible sour grapes, let me point out that the white guard really doesn't look so good, they really hadn't gotten all the kinks out in that early version, the case that came with that one was molded, not tweed, was probably owned by a smoker with lots of cats, etc. (ran out of phony/insignificant issues to pretend to raise).

So tell us some more about it and post some more pics.

(My blonde 8502 arrives today, at a secret location, away from prying eyes of the GF)

How did you manage to get free shipping? I thought it was $40? Well done, in any event.

But speaking on behalf of all of us who missed out on this particular 8502, and in the spirit of the best possible sour grapes, let me point out that the white guard really doesn't look so good, they really hadn't gotten all the kinks out in that early version, the case that came with that one was molded, not tweed, was probably owned by a smoker with lots of cats, etc. (ran out of phony/insignificant issues to pretend to raise).

So tell us some more about it and post some more pics.

(My blonde 8502 arrives today, at a secret location, away from prying eyes of the GF)

:lol::lol::lol:
My case was molded:cry::lol:

If you decide to sell I'd be happy to take her off your hands.:wink:
Congratulations!!!

I'll definitely keep that in mind. Once I check out the '03 for playability, sound, and weight, I may just decide to sell either the '03 or the '06 with the black guard. The '06 is also in mint condition, so you couldn't go wrong with that one, either. If nothing else, I'll keep an eye open for another one.

About the shipping and purchase of the '03, I ended up buying it outright through the seller's store as opposed to making the final transaction through Ebay. He offered to ship for free in exchange for what he'd have to pay for Ebay and Paypal fees, so I agreed. It just sweetened the deal a little more. I'll be the first to admit that the whole thing seemed a little "fishy" at first, especially since the guitar had already sold once, but once I spoke with him on the phone, I had no reason to believe that anything would go sour. The seller was actually great to deal with.

Well pardon me, but I was of the belief that 8502 cork sniffers with a properly refined sense of history and taste would prefer the white guard...

Nice job Jim, I think you are going to like the '03

I would be interested in finding out more of the intimate details of all of your 8502's.

I would like to start a registry of 8502's by Owner, SE#, finish color, approximate weight, and the measurements of both the neck and bridge pickups. Also neck thickness @ 1st and 12th frets.

Just enter the info into this table with a comma between each attribute, like this for Jim's new one;

The 8502 Registry...
Owner Name,SE#,Color,Weight,Neck Pup,Bridge Pup,1st Fret,12th Fret
Jim_Pridx,Z3136325,HB,N/A,N/A,N/A,N/A,N/A

If you have some but not all attributes available, just put an N/A in the proper space for the ones you are missing, you can always add more later if you only have some info now. For color use HB or SB.

To add an 8502 to the table, copy the most recent table revision and add yours to the end. At some point it could be taken out and sorted out by SE# and pasted back in.

Or if you don't want to mess with copying the table you could just add your data to a post you do and someone else can can assist and add it to the table.

8502 rocket scientists believe they can fairly accurate generalizations about what an 8502 will sound like based on the weight and pickup measurements.

Well pardon me, but I was of the belief that 8502 cork sniffers with a properly refined sense of history and taste would prefer the white guard...

Well, I think Nville was just joking.....LOL.

The registry idea sounds like a cool idea. While I haven't measured the neck profiles (don't have a tool to do it), I have measured some of the pickup DC resistance and weight of the guitars. I have found, though, that the neck feel is very similar in all of the 8502s. The output of the pickups seems very consistent as well. The weight, on the other hand, is all over the map. My first one weighs 7.2 lbs., while I believe my last one is 8.63 lbs. And, who knows what this next one will weigh? I've heard of some being over nine pounds, so hopefully I won't end up with a boat anchor. But, I'll take some measurements next week when the guitar arrives.

I've always been a white guard fan, something about the neg vs positive space there.

Another thing I'd like to do here but without breaking the forum rules, is that if anyone pulls parts off an 8502, they should be known to be available to the group here before they get dumped on the general public. We like to keep it in the family. For example, I have the bridge to Psychedelic Brother A.J. Love's original 8502 and Mark Sun has the white guard (that's right, swapped out for a black guard, did I mention Mark has excellent taste?).

So there are sort of standing purchase orders that have been out there for years, anybody with spare 8502 bridges, guards, and especially MV's, you know what to do. We don't want to start breaking forum rules and use this as a buy/sell conduit or anything like that. 8502 parts are rare to find for sale and it's more of giving the group here first dibs.

I have some parts myself that I've been able to use to convert my CS Custom Classic into what I think of as an 8502 conversion.

I'll definitely keep that in mind. Once I check out the '03 for playability, sound, and weight, I may just decide to sell either the '03 or the '06 with the black guard. The '06 is also in mint condition, so you couldn't go wrong with that one, either. If nothing else, I'll keep an eye open for another one.

About the shipping and purchase of the '03, I ended up buying it outright through the seller's store as opposed to making the final transaction through Ebay. He offered to ship for free in exchange for what he'd have to pay for Ebay and Paypal fees, so I agreed. It just sweetened the deal a little more. I'll be the first to admit that the whole thing seemed a little "fishy" at first, especially since the guitar had already sold once, but once I spoke with him on the phone, I had no reason to believe that anything would go sour. The seller was actually great to deal with.

Thanks Jim I appreciate it...:smile:

Well, the '03 white-guard 8502 arrived today. Much to my surprise, it's in absolute "mint" condition with no fret wear, pick scratches, dings, etc. The plastic is still on the pickguard and the neck pickup as well. I never saw this in the photos. Plus, it weighs in at 7.34 lbs. Needless to say, I'm very excited about this guitar. Here are some pics the seller took in the event you haven't seen them before:

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Fendertele5.jpg

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

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Fendertele7.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/fendertele11.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/fendertele17.jpg

About the only thing I've noticed is that it has a slight alignment issue, but certainly nothing that can't be adjusted.

Congrats Jim. What a score!

Sorry Jim I'm losing count here.. is this the 3rd, or did you find a 4th 8502? :lol:

Either way very nice and congrats! You gona keep looking for more or is this enough for now? I don't mind you buying them all up cause that'll raise the value of mine too. :razz:

take care.. Allen

Well, the '03 white-guard 8502 arrived today. Much to my surprise, it's in absolute "mint" condition with no fret wear, pick scratches, dings, etc. The plastic is still on the pickguard and the neck pickup as well. I never saw this in the photos. Plus, it weighs in at 7.34 lbs. Needless to say, I'm very excited about this guitar. Here are some pics the seller took in the event you haven't seen them before:

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Fendertele5.jpg

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

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Fendertele7.jpg

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/fendertele11.jpg



http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/fendertele17.jpg

About the only thing I've noticed is that it has a slight alignment issue, but certainly nothing that can't be adjusted.

Dude SWEET, it is exactly like mine you will be very happy.
Congratulations!!!

Sorry Jim I'm losing count here.. is this the 3rd, or did you find a 4th 8502? :lol:

Either way very nice and congrats! You gona keep looking for more or is this enough for now? I don't mind you buying them all up cause that'll raise the value of mine too. :razz:

take care.. Allen

Thanks, guys! This is actually the fourth 8502. Before I bought my first, I never thought I'd end up having four, but these guitars just agree with me. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more, but only to get them in the hands of others who desire to have them. With this last purchase, I'm also considering the notion of putting my '06 Blonde up for sale, but I'm going to play the '03 for a while before making any decisions to sell.

Thanks, guys! This is actually the fourth 8502. Before I bought my first, I never thought I'd end up having four, but these guitars just agree with me. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more, but only to get them in the hands of others who desire to have them. With this last purchase, I'm also considering the notion of putting my '06 Blonde up for sale, but I'm going to play the '03 for a while before making any decisions to sell.

The 03 is a killer axe you'll never stop playing.:razz:

The 03 is a killer axe you'll never stop playing.:razz:

I have a feeling you're right about this particular guitar! I've just been playing this thing for about the last 1/2 hour or so, and I'm beginning to feel it's the "cream of the crop!" Not only is it fairly light, but it's quite resonant acoustically speaking. After adjusting the neck just a tad as well as the saddles to center the string alignment, it plays really nice, too. And dang....I haven't even plugged it in yet.....LOL. Although, since it's like a brand new axe, I'm also feeling a little reluctant to really tear into the thing.

I have a feeling you're right about this particular guitar! I've just been playing this thing for about the last 1/2 hour or so, and I'm beginning to feel it's the "cream of the crop!" Not only is it fairly light, but it's quite resonant acoustically speaking. After adjusting the neck just a tad as well as the saddles to center the string alignment, it plays really nice, too. And dang....I haven't even plugged it in yet.....LOL. Although, since it's like a brand new axe, I'm also feeling a little reluctant to really tear into the thing.

Friends that play her give major accolades, wait until you plug in.
It has a nice weight no doubt the overall feel and playability is SICK.
If I can find another 03 I'm taking her for sure.

Congrats Jim! That looks so sweet in the photo's, I thought I saw the plastic on the neck pup but wasn't sure. They don't come any fresher than that.

Hey guys.....it looks as though there's an 8502 on the Dallas CL, but I'm not absolutely certain.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/msg/1703417081.html

Edit update: I checked with the seller about this guitar....it is indeed an 8502, for it's labeled as such on one of the original tags, and he'll sell it for his asking price plus shipping. And no, I won't be adding another 8502 to my collection any time soon.....LOL.

The placement of the logo on the headstock and the round string tree are the first things I look for. That one has some pretty rough pictures but still looks like it's sporting some nice wood.

I'm still marveling at the condition of your new Z3136325, I couldn't resist the 8502 porno and had been checking out those photo's with photoshop. Hard to see any bubbles under the plastic on the guard, even around the screws, that thing had hardly been touched. Must have been a case queen so I imagine the color is still pretty rich? Sort of more mustardy or whatever on the early ones before that fades out?

The bridge thing is sort of common on the early ones in fact imho sort of a neat thing about them.

You have a world class collection of 8502's there you lucky dog!

Where are you in Wisconsin? I'm in Mpls area.

Howdy ya'll...

So I've had my one and only tele for 5 years now, the 8502. Love that guitar!

But I also recently traded for a brand new Deluxe Tele, totally modern state of the art stuff with the S1 switch and N3 Noiseless pickups. The guitar plays great.. but sure doesn't sound as good as my 8502. I tried to use the new Deluxe in band practice last night but kept going back to the 8502 to get "my sound".

Now I've heard the pickups in the 8502 are only found in this guitar, but I don't really know that much about them. Can someone clue me into these pickups, and maybe what PUs I could get for my new Deluxe that would make it sound more like my 8502?

Thanks & Take care ya'll.. Allen

Now I've heard the pickups in the 8502 are only found in this guitar, but I don't really know that much about them. Can someone clue me into these pickups, and maybe what PUs I could get for my new Deluxe that would make it sound more like my 8502?

I wish I knew more about these pickups myself, but I do know that they're based on vintage specs with Alnico III magnets, and one set of mine measures out at 7.09K for the bridge pickup and 7.16K for the neck. After doing some research on pickups for another guitar, I found that the CS Nocaster pups have some similarities, such as having the Alnico III magnets as well as having a similar DC resistance. So, I popped a pair in my Kirn Tele, and they sound great! I wouldn't say they have an identical sound to the 8502 - perhaps just a tad brighter - but they're definitely in the same league. Plus, the Nocaster bridge pup is RWRP, so the two also provide hum-cancelling when both pups are active (middle position).

Another set that may be worth trying is the Fender Original Vintage (OV) set. They have Alnico III magnets as well, but while I liked the neck pickup, I felt that the bridge pickup was just a little more shrill or "ice-picky" than the Nocaster bridge pickup.

All in all, though, I tend to think it's the Alnico IIIs that make the 8502 such a sweet sounding guitar. Hope this helps!

Thanks Jim! I'll check out the CS Nocaster pickups.. sounds like what I'm looking for!

take care.. Allen

I replaced mine with the Samarium noiseless cobalt a while back they are a great match.
I have the originals which might be put back in the future. I think the 8502 has massive sustain being a string through ash body. I love this guitar!!!

Here's an update of the registry adding a couple of ex's owned at one time by the bluesman Uncle Dude later sold to original club member JohnnyGuitar...

The 8502 Registry...
Owner Name,SE#,Color,Weight,Neck Pup,Bridge Pup,1st Fret,12th Fret
Jim_Pridx,Z3136325,HB,7.38lb,7.16K,7.09K,N/A,N/A
UncleDude-ex,Z3135440,HB,8.0lb,7.48K,7.38K,N/A,N/A
UncleDude-ex,Z3046191,SB,7.0lb,7.39K,7.11K,N/A,N/A

therecordfable, I would make you an offer but you should really hang onto those, imho it would hurt the resale potential not to have them available. An alternative to going noiseless is extra shielding, there are some good examples of that done by our own Mark Sun.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/Tele_Jr/Telecasters/8502/8502Guard_shield.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/Tele_Jr/Telecasters/8502/8502Neck_Shield.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/Tele_Jr/Telecasters/8502/8502Bridge_shield.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/Tele_Jr/Telecasters/8502/8502Control_shield.jpg

Here's an update of the registry adding a couple of ex's owned at one time by the bluesman Uncle Dude later sold to original club member JohnnyGuitar...

The 8502 Registry...
Owner Name,SE#,Color,Weight,Neck Pup,Bridge Pup,1st Fret,12th Fret
Jim_Pridx,Z3136325,HB,7.38lb,7.16K,7.09K,N/A,N/A
UncleDude-ex,Z3135440,HB,8.0lb,7.48K,7.38K,N/A,N/A
UncleDude-ex,Z3046191,SB,7.0lb,7.39K,7.11K,N/A,N/A

therecordfable, I would make you an offer but you should really hang onto those, imho it would hurt the resale potential not to have them available. An alternative to going noiseless is extra shielding, there are some good examples of that done by our own Mark Sun.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/Tele_Jr/Telecasters/8502/8502Guard_shield.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/Tele_Jr/Telecasters/8502/8502Neck_Shield.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/Tele_Jr/Telecasters/8502/8502Bridge_shield.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w78/Tele_Jr/Telecasters/8502/8502Control_shield.jpg

I would never sell them or her for that matter.
That is way cool I like the shielding you did...:cool:
I was simply curious to hear what the noiseless sounded like and they rock.
It's an easy reverse mod, I installed them myself. I like these pups in her a nice match, I highly recommend. I love the sustain the 8502 has it she can hold a note for days.

Perhaps I'm a bit of a purist, but the single-most thing that I find myself most attracted to regarding the 8502 Tele is the stock Modern-vintage pickups. While shielding a guitar is always well and good in nearly any Tele, and while the 8502 has many other appointments I also find appealing, I especially find that the Alnico III MV pups are essentially what makes the 8502 a desiralbe guitar. If I were to want the "Samarium noiseless cobalt" pickups, I think I'd just buy a Deluxe. After all, the Deluxe offers many more body options that I'd never have with the 8502. In the end, the 8502 is just a "no frills" basic Tele that covers a bit of a vintage vibe while having modern appointments as well. Just my opinion!

Perhaps I'm a bit of a purist, but the single-most thing that I find myself most attracted to regarding the 8502 Tele is the stock Modern-vintage pickups. While shielding a guitar is always well and good in nearly any Tele, and while the 8502 has many other appointments I also find appealing, I especially find that the Alnico III MV pups are essentially what makes the 8502 a desiralbe guitar. If I were to want the "Samarium noiseless cobalt" pickups, I think I'd just buy a Deluxe. After all, the Deluxe offers many more body options that I'd never have with the 8502. In the end, the 8502 is just a "no frills" basic Tele that covers a bit of a vintage vibe while having modern appointments as well. Just my opinion!

Good points Jim.
I think eventually I'll put the old pups back in but to my ears the cobalts sound stupid good in her. The overall way the 8502 felt in my hands was why I initially bought in. I have big hands and she fit right in. She has a nice weight and a wicked sustain you could put any pup in and she would sound great.:grin:

Good points Jim.
I think eventually I'll put the old pups back in but to my ears the cobalts sound stupid good in her. The overall way the 8502 felt in my hands was why I initially bought in. I have big hands and she fit right in. She has a nice weight and a wicked sustain you could put any pup in and she would sound great.:grin:

My guess is that you have an exceptionally nice 8502. I tend to think that my latest one is like that, too, for it has the best sound and feel of all my 8502s.

My guess is that you have an exceptionally nice 8502. I tend to think that my latest one is like that, too, for it has the best sound and feel of all my 8502s.

Mine was built in 2003 like yours it looks the same.

Perhaps those '03s had a little special "mojo" added to them.

Perhaps those '03s had a little special "mojo" added to them.

No doubt:smile:

Hey guys. I had no idea that the 8502 had such a following. I picked up mine used from Guitar Center. I admit to somewhat confused because it has locking tuners and SCN in the neck position. I suspect it was modified but it is definitely an 8502 as the guitar had the original tags with the model number & serial number. I love the neck profile and the tone (even acoustically) is outstanding.
I am not playing it much as I recently acquired a thin skin 62. I am thinking of putting on e-bay. Any idea what a fair price would be?

Looks like there is a blonde 8502 on the bay right now (no connection to this auction):

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320522489997

I am thinking of putting on e-bay. Any idea what a fair price would be?

Well, in recent months I've seen them go for as little as $650 and as much as $1000. Although, the people that are getting less money aren't selling them as the "8502" model, probably because they don't realize that it's a unique model upon itself and somewhat different from the standard American Series Tele, which I believe is either the 8400 or the 8402 model. I would also venture to say that a modified 8502 probably wouldn't get as much as a stock model, for many folks love these guitars simply for the stock pickups.

Also, another mod I think I'm seeing in your guitar is a 3-ply, B/W/B pickguard, correct? The 8502 typically comes stock with a single-ply guard. Without seeing a close-up pic of the bridge pickup, it also appears as though that pickup may have been swapped out as well since it's normally wrapped in white. What year is that guitar, if you don't mind me asking?

It has a 2003 serial number.
I am certain the bridge PU has been changed as well because it doesn't have a white band and yes, it has a BWB pickguard.
As I said, it's definitely an 8502 as the original Fender tag correctly identifies both the serial and model numbers.
These pictures don't do it justice as it has the think blonde finish which shows the grain of the ash. The neck profile on this guitar is great.

It has a 2003 serial number.
I am certain the bridge PU has been changed as well because it doesn't have a white band and yes, it has a BWB pickguard.
As I said, it's definitely an 8502 as the original Fender tag correctly identifies both the serial and model numbers.
These pictures don't do it justice as it has the think blonde finish which shows the grain of the ash. The neck profile on this guitar is great.

The 03s ROCK!!!

It has a 2003 serial number.
I am certain the bridge PU has been changed as well because it doesn't have a white band and yes, it has a BWB pickguard.
As I said, it's definitely an 8502 as the original Fender tag correctly identifies both the serial and model numbers.
These pictures don't do it justice as it has the think blonde finish which shows the grain of the ash. The neck profile on this guitar is great.

Yeah, I think I'd be inclined to drop some nice vintage pups in that guitar and give her a test drive again before selling it.

Yeah, I think I'd be inclined to drop some nice vintage pups in that guitar and give her a test drive again before selling it.

+1

Hi Guys
Here's my membership application.
Back in the 1960s I bought an old Tele from a guy. He claimed to be related to Steven Stills, and he claimed that it was Stills' old guitar. I think I paid $100 for it. I sold it for $100 a few years later when I went off to college.
It was butterscotch, with a maple neck.
It must've been a late 50s or an early 60s model, cause it was old when I bought it.
In the last 10 or 15 years I've built up a little guitar collection of modern and vintage guitars, but I never did replace that old Tele.
Lately I got the jones to get a butterscotch tele, like the one I owned back in the day.
Yesterday I was offered an 8502. I'd never heard of the model before. I googled it and found this forum. What a great resource! After reading about the 8502 here, and elsewhere, I knew I was gonna buy that guitar.
The seller brought it over to my house tonight, and I bought it on the spot for $650. It is absolutely mint and virtually unplayed.
I am in love. It's evident to me that this will be my favorite guitar of my collection, and I can't believe it's been 45 years since I last owned a tele. It feels like I'm home again.
I was going to get an American Vintage 52, but I'm so happy to have found this guitar instead. Funny how things work out, huh?
Thanks to all who contributed their knowledge to this forum. It helped me out immensely.

Tim, about all I can say is "holy crap!" Nice guitar...and what a great price for it! Sorry for the rather crude reply, but after playing a bunch of Teles from the 70's through the 80s and even into the 90s, once I got my hands on an 8502, it totally changed my mind about modern-day Telecasters! There's quite a bit of "hoopla" about these guitars, and for good reason! Welcome to the club, and welcome to the TDPRI!

Hi Tim welcome aboard and congrats on your new tele!! She is a beaut, you're gona love how the 8502 plays. I own 3 teles now and the 8502 is the finest playing and sounding of them all. Fun stuff!

Hi Guys
Here's my membership application.
Back in the 1960s I bought an old Tele from a guy. He claimed to be related to Steven Stills, and he claimed that it was Stills' old guitar. I think I paid $100 for it. I sold it for $100 a few years later when I went off to college.
It was butterscotch, with a maple neck.
It must've been a late 50s or an early 60s model, cause it was old when I bought it.
In the last 10 or 15 years I've built up a little guitar collection of modern and vintage guitars, but I never did replace that old Tele.
Lately I got the jones to get a butterscotch tele, like the one I owned back in the day.
Yesterday I was offered an 8502. I'd never heard of the model before. I googled it and found this forum. What a great resource! After reading about the 8502 here, and elsewhere, I knew I was gonna buy that guitar.
The seller brought it over to my house tonight, and I bought it on the spot for $650. It is absolutely mint and virtually unplayed.
I am in love. It's evident to me that this will be my favorite guitar of my collection, and I can't believe it's been 45 years since I last owned a tele. It feels like I'm home again.
I was going to get an American Vintage 52, but I'm so happy to have found this guitar instead. Funny how things work out, huh?
Thanks to all who contributed their knowledge to this forum. It helped me out immensely.

COOL!!!

Thanks guys.
The seller had installed "String Saver" saddles on it, but he gave me the original saddles that came wit the guitar (he even had all the case candy that came with it, too).
He suggested re-installing the original saddles. Said they gave it a brighter tone.
Any thoughts on that?
Also, if I'm going to change out the saddles, has anyone tried using the vintage 3 saddle brass bridge on this guitar?
Comments on the best bridge set up would be appreciated.
I'll probably end up re-installing the original saddles and get it set up professionally at the same time, but before I do I thought I'd solicit the expert advice from you guys.

Thanks guys.
The seller had installed "String Saver" saddles on it, but he gave me the original saddles that came wit the guitar (he even had all the case candy that came with it, too).
He suggested re-installing the original saddles. Said they gave it a brighter tone.
Any thoughts on that?
Also, if I'm going to change out the saddles, has anyone tried using the vintage 3 saddle brass bridge on this guitar?
Comments on the best bridge set up would be appreciated.
I'll probably end up re-installing the original saddles and get it set up professionally at the same time, but before I do I thought I'd solicit the expert advice from you guys.

Reinstall the originals I have always found them to be a valued component.

I agree with therecordfable. This is the one tele that I think is best with the original bridge, rather than the 3 barrel vintage type.

I'm a pretty firm believer that the 8502 is a mighty fine instument just as it is. However, I have one that's quite used, and I've been considering the notion of swapping out the bridge for a Glendale 3-saddle system just to hear what the differences might be. Since I play mostly blues and jazz, the nature of the 8502 fits very well, but I haven't found it to be a great "twang" guitar. On the other hand, when I want twang, I have two other Teles that fit the bill, so I probably wouldn't be swapping out the bridge any time soon. If you're considering a swap, I'd be certain to install one that has a compatible mounting system so that you can always put the original bridge back in without altering the guitar in any way.

I'm a pretty firm believer that the 8502 is a mighty fine instument just as it is. However, I have one that's quite used, and I've been considering the notion of swapping out the bridge for a Glendale 3-saddle system just to hear what the differences might be. Since I play mostly blues and jazz, the nature of the 8502 fits very well, but I haven't found it to be a great "twang" guitar. On the other hand, when I want twang, I have two other Teles that fit the bill, so I probably wouldn't be swapping out the bridge any time soon. If you're considering a swap, I'd be certain to install one that has a compatible mounting system so that you can always put the original bridge back in without altering the guitar in any way.

Jim, you are in a special position with all your 8502s. You can experiment with the beater and compare it to a stock quite easily. I'll be watching your research closely.:wink:

Looks like there is an early 8502 (blonde w/ white guard) for sale on CL in Lexington KY.
http://lexington.craigslist.org/msg/1714617148.html

Here's one of his pics (I've got no connection with this sale):
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Br1ilJtef3k/S9hvXC3Y6GI/AAAAAAAABrU/oFavD4NNE4c/s800/P1020137.JPG

Not in mint condition, clearly, and he is asking 900 OBO.
Take a look at his bridge . . . maybe it's just the angle, but looks somewhat askew, even more than the one on the blonde 8502 I just got (as discussed in another thread here).

I'll post some additional pics of my new 8502 later.

Looks like there is an early 8502 (blonde w/ white guard) for sale on CL in Lexington KY.
http://lexington.craigslist.org/msg/1714617148.html

Here's one of his pics (I've got no connection with this sale):
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Br1ilJtef3k/S9hvXC3Y6GI/AAAAAAAABrU/oFavD4NNE4c/s800/P1020137.JPG

Not in mint condition, clearly, and he is asking 900 OBO.
Take a look at his bridge . . . maybe it's just the angle, but looks somewhat askew, even more than the one on the blonde 8502 I just got (as discussed in another thread here).

I'll post some additional pics of my new 8502 later.

Looking forward to the pictures.
The one in KY looks like it's been to war...COOL:twisted:
I'd offer 700 tops IMHO.
Here is the one on ebay... http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-American-Series-Ash-Telecaster-8502-Tele-USA-/320527260075?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar&hash=item4aa0e9d9ab

I think this is one too the string tree is different... http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Telecaster-2004-Electric-Guitar-American-Made-/230467665926?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar&hash=item35a8f18006

I think this is one too the string tree is different... http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Telecaster-2004-Electric-Guitar-American-Made-/230467665926?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Guitar&hash=item35a8f18006

The decal is different on this one, too. I'm thinking it isn't an 8502, but it does have the white bridge pickup wrapping and single-ply guard.

The other one on Ebay has been there for a while now. Of course, the seller is aware of the 8502 status, so he's obviously trying to get some cash for it. Although, I have noticed that he's come down $100 since his first posting. I don't think I'd ever pay anything more than about $950 for one - at least not in these times - and it would have to be in great condition.

The decal is different on this one, too. I'm thinking it isn't an 8502, but it does have the white bridge pickup wrapping and single-ply guard.

The other one on Ebay has been there for a while now. Of course, the seller is aware of the 8502 status, so he's obviously trying to get some cash for it. Although, I have noticed that he's come down $100 since his first posting. I don't think I'd ever pay anything more than about $950 for one - at least not in these times - and it would have to be in great condition.

I figured as much and couldn't agree more about the price.

I almost bought the Lexington guitar from the previous owner. I decided to go with another 8502 in better cosmetic shape. There was also a decal on the front of the guitar that left a lighter area when it was removed. Some sunlight should even it out.

Howdy ya'll...

Ok for the longest time the 8502 was my one and only tele. Then I recently got a new American Deluxe Tele (http://fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0119400731) but I traded it back after a few weeks and acquired a very sweet 1982/52 reissue instead. Finally just for grins with my IRS refund I bought a Classic '60s Tele (http://fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0131600305) cause I always wanted a red guitar. So now I have 3 telecasters. I'm done (ya right). :mrgreen:

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/960/medium/teles3.JPG

But the 8502 is still my #1 and will remain so. It just plays the best, feels the best, and sounds the best. I honestly don't know of another tele out there, any of them, that I'd rather play at this point. It has "my" sound. Being that my 8502 was my very first real Fender Telecaster purchase, it seems rather fortuitous that I found my #1 with the very first one I bought. I've never played any other 8502s so I don't know how it compares.. but wow ya I love this guitar!

Kinda reminds me of my very first elecric guitar purchase way back in 1982, when I as 18.. I bought a beautiful 1969 Custom Les Paul Black Beauty for oh $300, which I still have. I only like to play the best hehe.. :lol:

Howdy ya'll...

Ok for the longest time the 8502 was my one and only tele. Then I recently got a new American Deluxe Tele (http://fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0119400731) but I traded it back after a few weeks and acquired a very sweet 1982/52 reissue instead. Finally just for grins with my IRS refund I bought a Classic '60s Tele (http://fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0131600305) cause I always wanted a red guitar. So now I have 3 telecasters. I'm done (ya right). :mrgreen:

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/960/medium/teles3.JPG

But the 8502 is still my #1 and will remain so. It just plays the best, feels the best, and sounds the best. I honestly don't know of another tele out there, any of them, that I'd rather play at this point. It has "my" sound. Being that my 8502 was my very first real Fender Telecaster purchase, it seems rather fortuitous that I found my #1 with the very first one I bought. I've never played any other 8502s so I don't know how it compares.. but wow ya I love this guitar!

Kinda reminds me of my very first elecric guitar purchase way back in 1982, when I as 18.. I bought a beautiful 1969 Custom Les Paul Black Beauty for oh $300, which I still have. I only like to play the best hehe.. :lol:

My 8502 barley sees her case. I'm always playing and she gets better with age.
Seven years strong and she has become an major part of "my sound".
She sounds great through my version 1 Mazerati a match in the devils loins.:lol::twisted::lol:

Okay, I'm in. Got mine new in 2007, so about the end of the model run I guess.

Had a Baja Tele before this (great guitar too) but my daughter took a liking to that, so gave her the Baja and I got the 8502.

I've modded my "Honey Bee" quite a bit since then (Kinman Boadcaster noisless PUPS, 4 way switch, full shielding job, locking tuners, fancy knobs) but kept all the original parts, as I think this model is destined to be a classic.

I'll never part with her of course and she's still my main gigging guitar, possessing all that Tele snarl & bite, along with warmth and growl in the 4th position when needed. Superb action too.

I love the thang!

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc209/gelliot2/rat01.jpg

Okay, I'm in. Got mine new in 2007, so about the end of the model run I guess.

Had a Baja Tele before this (great guitar too) but my daughter took a liking to that, so gave her the Baja and I got the 8502.

I've modded my "Honey Bee" quite a bit since then (Kinman Boadcaster noisless PUPS, 4 way switch, full shielding job, locking tuners, fancy knobs) but kept all the original parts, as I think this model is destined to be a classic.

I'll never part with her of course and she's still my main gigging guitar, possessing all that Tele snarl & bite, along with warmth and growl in the 4th position when needed. Superb action too.

I love the thang!

http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc209/gelliot2/rat01.jpg

At the risk of sounding crude, this pick gave me woodie...:lol:
VERY NICE!!!

Just a heads up here....there's a 2-tone burst 8502 on the bay at the moment. I'm on holiday and on a strange computer or I'd post a link. It's 850 or 950 BIN.

Thanks guys.
The seller had installed "String Saver" saddles on it, but he gave me the original saddles that came wit the guitar (he even had all the case candy that came with it, too).
He suggested re-installing the original saddles. Said they gave it a brighter tone.
Any thoughts on that?
Also, if I'm going to change out the saddles, has anyone tried using the vintage 3 saddle brass bridge on this guitar?
Comments on the best bridge set up would be appreciated.
I'll probably end up re-installing the original saddles and get it set up professionally at the same time, but before I do I thought I'd solicit the expert advice from you guys.

I would definitely encourage you to get it restored back to stock condition, those chrome brass saddles and steel bridge plate are part of what make the 8502 unique and special.

Comments would include that the two outside saddles should have a little shorter screws so they don't stick up so far above the top if you crank them down.

It's pretty easy to set those up by sight and if you have a good electronic tuner setting up the intonation is not difficult either. Just check the open string intonation vs 12th fret.

If you are going to take it to a shop anyway I might suggest having your man take a look at touching up the nut work if needed and consider a pro fret dress.

Bump..

Sorry this club went 10 days without a post. I feel the need to just say "hi ya'll".

I'm definitely never gona change a thing about my 8502, will leave it stock forever... Its been my main #1 guitar for the last 6 years, and is wearing in nicely. I wonder what it will look like say 40 years from now?

I hope to find out. :lol:

Bump..

Sorry this club went 10 days without a post. I feel the need to just say "hi ya'll".

I'm definitely never gona change a thing about my 8502, will leave it stock forever... Its been my main #1 guitar for the last 6 years, and is wearing in nicely. I wonder what it will look like say 40 years from now?

I hope to find out. :lol:

Hey....the 8502s are great guitars! I really tend to believe that the pickups are what makes this guitar so special.

I think the MV pickups are the main thing, but the bridgework and the rest of the guitar are matched up well with the MV's too. Kind of like a match made in heaven. I put a set of MV's in my Custom Shop Tele and it's like an 8502 conversion to me now.

Heads up here's a Z3 8502 on ebay right now listed as an Am Dlx Ash Tele.

Quick question for club members since I am still pretty much a tele noob. My high E string has a bit too much sizzle, sitar like sound to it. Do I need to lower my bridge pickup? I'm away from it now and just thought to ask, but I think it's the bridge setting only.

Quick question for club members since I am still pretty much a tele noob. My high E string has a bit too much sizzle, sitar like sound to it. Do I need to lower my bridge pickup? I'm away from it now and just thought to ask, but I think it's the bridge setting only.

It's most likely coming from the nut. It's your break angle there. Not quite enough angle to get it straight through and hit the right part of the nut groove cleanly.

If you have too much relief and are overcompensating for it by setting your saddles too low that could do it. Most of the time I suspect it could also be a side to side thing where the bolt on neck drifts off treble or bass side just enough to spoil the angle through the nut. You can loosen your neck and try to square that angle up and see if it helps the break angle at the nut. I've heard of 8505's getting shipped and having the neck shift enough to need that.

Or you could have the nut looked at and consider a pro nut job. I wouldn't do that until I had checked the neck angle and relief though.

Heads up here's a Z3 8502 on ebay right now listed as an Am Dlx Ash Tele.

Looks like they are listing it correctly now (assuming this is the same one). Still has apparent mistakes, as the ad says it has nocaster pups, but from the pic I think that is just an error rather than reflecting a mod.

In looking at this one, it seems to have the same kind of bridge off-set as my new one does, with all the holes in the bridge stamped slightly off center. Here's the one on ebay, and I'll put up some pics of my "new" 8502 blonde in a separate post.

Here are some better pics of the 8502 I got a few weeks back and discussed in a separate thread. Lightweight (just over 7 pounds) and plays like a dream. What's not to love?

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss214/nvilletel/Blonde%208502/IMG_2577.jpg


http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss214/nvilletel/Blonde%208502/IMG_2565.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss214/nvilletel/Blonde%208502/IMG_2574.jpg

http://i577.photobucket.com/albums/ss214/nvilletel/Blonde%208502/IMG_2572.jpg

The slight pickguard off center issue is actually one of the cool things about an 8502, note many early blackguards also had that sort of hand built look to them, including the one on the cover of the Duchossoir...

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ISBN=0793508606/guitarbookscomA

Coming from the horn world, you can always tell a custom made hand built horn because the pipes and the bell will never be quite perpendicular like a factory mass produced product will. The pickguard issue on the 8502's to me tells of the way the first ones were team built in short runs off of the main line...

I has a Springsteen concert on tv while I was working out today and it looked like he came out playing 2 8502's. One sunburst and one honey blonde. Definitely had the modern chrome bridges ala 8502, headstock logo placement also looked like an 8502. Modded with Barden looking double blade pickups though, hard to say of they really were 8502's or something similar.

The slight pickguard off center issue is actually one of the cool things about an 8502, note many early blackguards also had that sort of hand built look to them, including the one on the cover of the Duchossoir...


Yup. I agree. The only truly perfect thing is that which has imperfections.

Though you refer to it as a pickguard issue (and though that is what is most noticeable in terms of identification), it is of course really a bridge stamping issue. At least with mine and the other one I mentioned. Nothing really out of position on the guitar per se, just that the bridge (but not its holes, and therefore not the pup or strings) is slightly off-center.

Bow your heads for the mighty "8502"!:razz:

FWIW, as far as price is concerned, I bought my 8502 brand new in 2007 for $950 from M.F.. I bought the last one they had in stock, and evidently, the last one they ever sold before being discontinued. It was perfect out of the box!

So, unless it was new/NOS and unplayed, I'd have issues paying near new price for something used. BTW, when I bought mine, the regular sale price was around 1,049 - 1,099, it's been a while since I thought about this, so I could be off a little. But I know I got $150 off the price due to a coupon they were offering at the time.

The 8502 is one of the best production model Teles available, IMO. So sad it was discontinued!

FWIW, as far as price is concerned, I bought my 8502 brand new in 2007 for $950 from M.F.. I bought the last one they had in stock, and evidently, the last one they ever sold before being discontinued. It was perfect out of the box!

So, unless it was new/NOS and unplayed, I'd have issues paying near new price for something used. BTW, when I bought mine, the regular sale price was around 1,049 - 1,099, it's been a while since I thought about this, so I could be off a little. But I know I got $150 off the price due to a coupon they were offering at the time.

The 8502 is one of the best production model Teles available, IMO. So sad it was discontinued!

While I normally would agree with you about having issues paying near new price for something used, you yourself have just explained why some of us (and others) do exactly that when it comes to the 8502 - it is "one of the best production model Teles available" (this leads to higher demand) and "it was discontinued" (this leads to limited supply).

While supply and demand are not the only factors in determining price of a used instrument, they are still fairly strong determinants. So with a great model no longer in production, it is not strange that some folks are willing to pay as much, if not slightly more, than the original price when new.

What's the latest price on an original '52 Tele? And how much did it cost originally?

Yep Econ 101 the price of anything in a free market is determined by supply and demand. The supply of new 8502 guitars is very low.. but with over 30 other Telecaster models to choose from the demand isn't that high either for an 8502. I certainly wouldn't buy one as an investment like I might buy a '52. I don't think the 8502 will ever be in that big of a demand.. it'll remain with a small cult-like following, but nothing that'll raise prices much in the future.

Its all good tho.. :lol:

I hope they remain somewhat undiscovered so I can snatch another one up from someone not "in the know"...8)

I hope they remain somewhat undiscovered so I can snatch another one up from someone not "in the know"...8)

Which brings up a question I was wondering about.. why would you want to own more than 1 guitar that is pretty much identical to one you already own? I love my 3 teles.. but I love them cause they're all so different. Personally I can't see acquiring a 2nd 8502.. unless I really wanted a backup for my main one.

I know Jim here has 4 of them. :razz: To each their own...

Yep Econ 101 the price of anything in a free market is determined by supply and demand. The supply of new 8502 guitars is very low.. but with over 30 other Telecaster models to choose from the demand isn't that high either for an 8502. I certainly wouldn't buy one as an investment like I might buy a '52. I don't think the 8502 will ever be in that big of a demand.. it'll remain with a small cult-like following, but nothing that'll raise prices much in the future.

Its all good tho.. :lol:

I tend to agree! While there are some of us that have discovered this little gem of an instrument at fairly decent prices, those that are trying to sell this guitar for any more than say, $1000, are simply making an attempt to take advantage of the interest in them (dare I say our little cult?). I think the beauty of this guitar is that it's pretty cool in nearly every respect right out of the box, but it's also quite easy to pick up many other Teles and modify them to a similar fashion as the 8502, or, perhaps even better. Another beauty of the 8502 is that it's also very easy to modify, especially with the pre-routed middle pickup and the enlarged neck cavities. As a matter of fact, I'm converting one of my 8502s to sort of a Nashville version now, but I'm being careful so that I can restore it to being entirely stock if I choose to do so.

So, I guess that'll bring my 8502 count down to three.....LOL. And, who knows?.....I may just mod another one. Actually, I'm seriously thinking of selling the heavier two. They sound great, but they're a tad heavy for me.

Re the last comment from Big Bend:

I now have two 8502's . . . one sunburst, one honey blonde. The burst is heavy, and the blonde is very light. They sound similar, but not quite the same. Each has their purpose and uses, though I do admit in my case it doesn't really make all that much of a difference since my playing skills are rudimentary at best.

Still, I enjoy each of these, and that's what it's really about, isn't it?

Re the last comment from Big Bend:

I now have two 8502's . . . one sunburst, one honey blonde. The burst is heavy, and the blonde is very light. They sound similar, but not quite the same. Each has their purpose and uses.......

I've noticed much of the same between my two lighter 8502s and the heavier ones. While the lighter models seem to be a little more resonant, they're also just a bit darker and mellower in tone. I find them great for playing jazz and blues, while the heavier models have a bit more bite....or perhaps more twang. Between my lighter ones, I plan on keeping my latest purchase stock just to have one that maintains the 8502 "goodness," but what I'm hoping to achieve by modding the other one is to have much more diversity in one guitar. I've loaded it up with CS Nocasters in the Tele positions, and the middle pickup is a Fralin Blues Special. I've also installed a direct replacement Glendale bridge and saddles in hopes of gaining a bit more high end and twang with a crisper low end. Yeah, some Tele purists will say the elongated bridge looks "goofy," but I couldn't justify drilling new holes on an 8502. I'm really after the tone more than the aesthetics. You'll also notice a Hipshot B-Bender installed. While I'm not certain I'll keep it on this guitar, since it supposedly doesn't require any additional drilling, I thought I'd give it a try. I was hoping to have it fully assembled by now, but I'm just waiting for a 5-way, single-blade super switch that should be arriving any day now. Anyway, here's a photo of where it's at now:

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

Which brings up a question I was wondering about.. why would you want to own more than 1 guitar that is pretty much identical to one you already own? I love my 3 teles.. but I love them cause they're all so different. Personally I can't see acquiring a 2nd 8502.. unless I really wanted a backup for my main one.

I know Jim here has 4 of them. :razz: To each their own...

Simply because I can.
One to play out with and one to keep home minty fresh...:razz:

Hey all! Well, the 8502 mod is complete. It actually sounds much like I thought it would, and here's the wiring setup:

1.) Bridge
2.) Bridge/middle
3.) Bridge/neck
4.) Neck/middle
5.) Neck

Positions 1, 3, and 5 are set up just like a standard Tele, which was what I was striving for. Positions 2 and 4 obviously add two new tones that are a little Strat-like, but truly unique upon themselves. So far I'm liking them! It no longer sounds quite like an 8502, but I was striving for something different as well. Interestingly, the thinner Glendale bridge plate and 3-barrel system along with the pickup swap definitely made the guitar brighter, but certainly not obnoxiously bright. It also twangs much better than it originally did. Plus, it's still fairly light at 7.4 pounds. The Hipshot B-Bender didn't work out, at least not for now; the break angle from the bender to the saddle was just too shallow and, as a result, the B string was sliding all over the barrel. Perhaps it'll be a project for another guitar but, all in all, I'm quite pleased with the overall result. While I'm certain some of you would never care to mod an 8502, and justifiably so, I just felt this guitar was practically begging for me to mod it. After all, it's somewhat of a beater and well-played, and I've always wanted to try this mod.

Anyway.....so now I have a Nashville 8502....LOL. Have a great weekend!

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Conversion2.jpg

Hey all! Well, the 8502 mod is complete. It actually sounds much like I thought it would, and here's the wiring setup:

1.) Bridge
2.) Bridge/middle
3.) Bridge/neck
4.) Neck/middle
5.) Neck

Positions 1, 3, and 5 are set up just like a standard Tele, which was what I was striving for. Positions 2 and 4 obviously add two new tones that are a little Strat-like, but truly unique upon themselves. So far I'm liking them! It no longer sounds quite like an 8502, but I was striving for something different as well. Interestingly, the thinner Glendale bridge plate and 3-barrel system along with the pickup swap definitely made the guitar brighter, but certainly not obnoxiously bright. It also twangs much better than it originally did. Plus, it's still fairly light at 7.4 pounds. The Hipshot B-Bender didn't work out, at least not for now; the break angle from the bender to the saddle was just too shallow and, as a result, the B string was sliding all over the barrel. Perhaps it'll be a project for another guitar but, all in all, I'm quite pleased with the overall result. While I'm certain some of you would never care to mod an 8502, and justifiably so, I just felt this guitar was practically begging for me to mod it. After all, it's somewhat of a beater and well-played, and I've always wanted to try this mod.

Anyway.....so now I have a Nashville 8502....LOL. Have a great weekend!

http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh293/jpridx/Conversion2.jpg

Nice job that is way cool...:cool:

Nice job that is way cool...:cool:

Thanks! Although, I tried the guitar out on a gig last Saturday night, and it sounded a bit foreign to me sound-wise. Of course, it could have been the poor acoustics of the room or the guitar or a combination of both, but I'll have to play it some more before I can give a decent review on the mod. Still, I was hoping for it to have that "magic," and it wasn't there. We'll see how it goes down the road.

So on August 12 of this year I'll be EXACTLY (8502 x 2) days old.

I think I should buy another 8502 to celebrate hehe .. :lol:

Yes I'm getting old. :roll:

So on August 12 of this year I'll be EXACTLY (8502 x 2) days old.

I think I should buy another 8502 to celebrate hehe .. :lol:

Yes I'm getting old. :roll:

Happy B-Day.
I say yes for a birthday 8502.:mrgreen:

Jim...That's what you get for messing with greatness...:razz:
I hope she sounds better, I'm sure it was just an off night.

Jim...That's what you get for messing with greatness...:razz:
I hope she sounds better, I'm sure it was just an off night.

Well, since it's been quite slow here lately, I thought I'd provide an update on the Nashville 8502 mod. First, and after a second gig, I found that my first impression wasn't "just an off night." Even though I thought that the mod might create an ideal situation within a guitar - just think of the possibilities with three pickups on an 8502 - maybe "messing with greatness" wasn't such a good thing after all.

One thing to keep in mind is that this particular 8502 has been well used. Also, of my four 8502 guitars, even though it's quite light, it's also been the least responsive of any of the four. Therefore, I just thought it might act as sort of a "guinea pig" for a little trial and error.

For starters, the Glendale bridge and saddles did absolutely nothing special for this guitar. While I love Glendale components for other guitars, it just didn't work well for the 8502, so I reinstalled the 6-saddle modern bridge. The Glendale didn't necessarily add as much high-end as I had hoped, but I also lost sustain as well. Even though I tend to lean toward a 3-saddle bridge system, the stock bridge sounds better on this guitar.

Secondly, while the Fralin Strat middle pup was close in DC resistance to the Nocasters that I installed, I tend to believe that the higher output of the Alnico 5 magnets on the Fralin was virtually no match for the Nocaster Alnico 3s. It just couldn't blend well with the other pickups. In other words, there was just too much Strat pickup going on. So, instead of having a middle Strat pup at something like 7.02K-ohms (8502 pups measure out much the same), I just installed another Fralin Strat pickup that measures out at about 5.96K-ohms. Thus far this seems to have helped, for it sounds much more balanced with the Nocasters, but another gig will be the real test. By the way, the Nocaster pups aren't a far cry from the stock Modern-Vintage variety, so I'm quite pleased with them in an 8502. While they seem to be quite similar, I tend to believe that the Nocasters add just a bit more high-end to the guitar.

While I can't say that I have a final analysis since the jury is still out there on this particular mod, I am beginning to fall back into my original belief that the 8502 is just a cool guitar just as it is. After all, this particular guitar, even though I've felt that it's had some drawbacks, still has some "mojo" to it. At any rate, it's been fun to check out the possibilities.

Jim

Thanks for the update Jim.. I suspected this would be the results.. but good of you for trying it out. Nice you had an "extra" 8502 to mod up like that.

I decided to not even put a 4 way switch in my 8502.. Ann, as I call her, will always stay completely stock. I agree the 6 saddle bridge works great on Ann. I now have 4 teles and Ann is by far the best one, both in playability and downright righteous tone. Why mess with perfection?

Hi Guys,
I'm new to the forum but I'm glad to post here that mine Tele is a 8502-American Ash Telecaster !!!
I'v bought it here in Italy in 2004 from a friend of mine and, of course, I was not informed it was a so "special" model ! Yes, it's weight is higher than a Jazz Bass, and it's sound is great. Thi friend sad me something about it was a rare model, but only now I'm discovering it's a 8502.
It is a 2-color SunBurst model, the serial number is z3135713...if you want to add me to the Owners registry, you're welcome
Ciao from italy

Hi Guys,
I'm new to the forum but I'm glad to post here that mine Tele is a 8502-American Ash Telecaster !!!
I'v bought it here in Italy in 2004 from a friend of mine and, of course, I was not informed it was a so "special" model ! Yes, it's weight is higher than a Jazz Bass, and it's sound is great. Thi friend sad me something about it was a rare model, but only now I'm discovering it's a 8502.
It is a 2-color SunBurst model, the serial number is z3135713...if you want to add me to the Owners registry, you're welcome
Ciao from italy

Welcome to the TDPRI! This truly is a fun place to hang out, and there's lots of good information about Teles in general. I'm not sure if a registry has begun yet, but it's great that you have an 8502. They really are quite "special" guitars in their own right. Enjoy!

Hey all! I have a couple of 8502s in the classifieds for anyone who may be interested. I'd certainly rather see them go to one or two of you as opposed to having to sell them on the dreaded 'Bay. Thanks!

So, Jim, you're flooding the market with more of those worthless, no-good, over-hyped 8502s, eh? And two at once? Clearly time to start dumping these losers, I guess . . . .

But then, you are still holding on to 2 others, right? Or are you planning to continue shorting this stock with them as well . . . .?

I'm definitely planning on keeping the other two......no doubt about it. After purchasing yet another guitar, and upon the planning of some new construction on our home, I've just decided that having 30+ guitars is just too many to keep around the house these days. I'm also going to be putting about five or six other guitars up for sale soon, too. I really hate to let any of them go, but if I'm not playing them, I might just as well sell them to somebody who will.

I hear ya, Jim . . . I just dropped some nickels and dimes into a home remodel, and was thinking about maybe selling a guitar or two as well. I even thought about maybe selling one of my 8502s, but then quickly recovered from that brain attack. I've only got around 20 anyway, and would be hard pressed to decide which to sell.

Probably wont sell any for a while yet, in any case, since I want to get the music room up and running, playing each of the guitars more than they have been played for a while, and then make some decisions on which to sell (if any). Only question then is: what then should I buy?

Only question then is: what then should I buy?

Isn't that an addiction that we're all fully aware of known as GAS? I've had it all my life, but it isn't such a bad thing. Every once in a while it's probably a good idea to clean up shop so that we can make way for new arrivals to come.....:grin:

BTW, my modded 8502 is back to normal in every respect with the execption that it still has a middle pickup and a superswitch to accommodate it. Positions 1, 3, and 5 maintain the typical Tele setup, while positions 2 and 4 incorporate the Strat pup with hum-cancelling. It's really quite nice to have two additional tones with this guitar. In addition, I really found that it was a mistake to remove the Modern-vintage pickups from this guitar in favor of some other pups, for it just didn't work very well! While it was fun to try, I really found that the 8502 really has a natural flavor of it's own, and it probably shouldn't be messed with......at least not too much!

Howdy Ho!

Just bought a USA Telecaster and I think it may be an 8502.

It's a two tone sunburst, serial number Z5136231, 2005 build.

It is due to arrive tomorrow and I'll post up more pics, info etc and get the magnet onto the bridge, get the neck off etc!

Here are a couple of pictures of it in the shop - was advertised as a Fender USA Series Telecaster, Ash Body, Maple Neck etc...no case but I have bought a tweed case, strap, Schaller strap locks, etc for it already :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/wrxmania/05AMSeriesTele3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/wrxmania/05AMSeriesTele2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v318/wrxmania/05AMSeriesTele1.jpg

Brian :)

Looking at pics the headstock seems to have the longer version of the logo and I can't tell if the string tree is round but looks closer to the body that other ones. Also can't tell if the bridge PU is white bound or black...

What is it if not an 8502?

Well, it doesn't look as though it's an 8502 to me. The headstock logo isn't the same as an 8502, the bridge pickup appears black-wrapped as opposed to white, and the pickguard apprears to be a 3-ply as opposed to a single-ply. You can always go to customer service on the Fender site and email them the serial number. In return, a guy by the name of Eddie (if he's still there) will send you the specs on the guitar.

What is it if not an 8502?

Not sure, but you'll still have a very nice Telecaster! Congrats on the new guitar!

It looks like an 8402...

Tell me a bit about a 8402? What does it have/not have off the top of your head?

Ok, earlier I was thinking that it was either an American Standard or an American Series 8402. Upon looking at the 2005 Fender catalog, I'm leaning toward the 8402 as Tele Jr stated. The reason being is because the 8402 offers a 2-tone sunburst option whereas the Standard only offers something called a brownburst. Sorry, but I don't know any of the details for this guitar, but here's a link with some information that should help. It's essentially the same spec sheet that Fender would send you:

http://www.totalguitarbuyer.com/Fender-American-Telecaster-Electric-Guitar.html

Thanks - I think you are right and it is an 011-8402-703 :)

Will see more when it arrives tomorrow :)

You're very welcome, but if you want to be absolutely certain that it's an 8402, I'd be inclined to send an email message to Fender's customer service with the serial number to verify it. Here's their email address:

consumerrelations@fender.com

Thanks Jim. I emailed them earlier today :-)

The serial is Z42594442 but all I can find out is it was made in Ca Corona in 04-05.
Patrick

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/517/medium/back.jpg
http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/medium/tele30.jpg
http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/517/medium/machines.jpg
http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/517/head.jpg

edit 08/13 - doh - just read the last post - I've emailed Customer realtions too.

The serial is Z42594442 but all I can find out is it was made in Ca Corona in 04-05.
Patrick

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/517/medium/back.jpg
http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/medium/tele30.jpg
http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/517/medium/machines.jpg
http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/517/head.jpg

edit 08/13 - doh - just read the last post - I've emailed Customer realtions too.

:cool: Nice 8502!!!
Round string-tree and the white waxed thread on the bridge pickup is a good sign. They were made from 03-07 as well.

And the Fender logo on HS front, made in USA on HS back make it pretty clear this is an 8502. Welcome to the club!

And the Fender logo on HS front, made in USA on HS back make it pretty clear this is an 8502. Welcome to the club!

Well, I'm not eligble for membership yet as we haven't done the deal! How much should I pay do you think? He was advertising it for $795, now he'll take $700 apparently (no case tho).

Sound reasonable?
Thanks for your help chaps!

Well, I'm not eligble for membership yet as we haven't done the deal! How much should I pay do you think? He was advertising it for $795, now he'll take $700 apparently (no case tho).

Sound reasonable?
Thanks for your help chaps!

Ya 700 is a good price without a case.

That guitar looks to be an 8502 with the exception of the 3-ply pickguard. That is a 3-ply, correct? In all honesty, the white wrapping on the bridge pickup isn't exactly crystal clear in the photo, either, but it looks as though it could be. I'm anxious to hear what Fender says it is.

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/medium/tele30.jpg

By the way, guys, I'm down to owning only two 8502s: the '03 and the '06. The '06 has been returned to its original state with the exception that I still have a Strat pickup in the middle position. It's really quite a versatile guitar.

Uncle Dude, here is my 8502 Registry...
Owner Name,SE#,Color,Weight,Neck Pup,Bridge Pup,1st Fret,12th Fret
Ironman (Cort), Z4258370,HB,8lb,7.46K,7.4K,N/A,N/A

That guitar looks to be an 8502 with the exception of the 3-ply pickguard. That is a 3-ply, correct? In all honesty, the white wrapping on the bridge pickup isn't exactly crystal clear in the photo, either, but it looks as though it could be. I'm anxious to hear what Fender says it is.

http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/500/medium/tele30.jpg

By the way, guys, I'm down to owning only two 8502s: the '03 and the '06. The '06 has been returned to its original state with the exception that I still have a Strat pickup in the middle position. It's really quite a versatile guitar.

Wot Ed says based on the serial (although it does look like a 3 ply in the pics hmm) - I'm going to try play it - I have my $700 saved up. What's a good case recommend?

This is a 2006



Model Name: American Ash Telecaster®

Model Number: 011-8502-(Color#)

Series: American Series

Body: Ash

Neck: Maple, “U” Shape,

(Satin Polyurethane Finish)

Fingerboard: Maple, 9.5” Radius (241mm)

No. of Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo Frets

Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)

Width @ Nut: 1.650” (42 mm)

Hardware: Chrome

Machine Heads: Fender®/Schaller® Deluxe Staggered Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines

Bridge: American Series Tele Steel Bridge with 6 Chrome-Plated Brass Saddles

Pickguard: 1-Ply Parchment on (703) 2-Color Sunburst,

1-Ply Black on (767) Honey Blonde

Pickups: 2 Modern Vintage Tele® Single-Coil Pickups

Pickup Switching: 3-Position Blade:

Position 1. Bridge Pickup

Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickups

Position 3. Neck Pickup

Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone

Colors: (703) 2-Color Sunburst,

(767) Honey Blonde,

(Polyurethane Finish)

Strings: Fender Super 250L, Nickel Plated Steel,

Gauges: (.009, .011, .016, .024, .032, .042),

p/n 073-0250-003

Unique Features: Rolled Fingerboard Edges,

Sharp ‘52 Style Body Radius

Source: U.S.

Accessories: Standard Molded Case

U.S. MSRP: $1,470.99

NOTICE: Product Prices, Features, Specifications and Availability Are Subject To Change Without Notice

INTRODUCED: 7/2003

DISCONTINUED: 1/2008

DISCONTINUED COLORS:

COMMENTS: Uses Case P/N 0996101106

WRENCH SIZES: Truss Rod/Tilt Adjust Wrench #0023811000 (1/8” Hex),

Saddle Height Adjustment Wrench #0018531000 (.050” Hex)



Take care,

Ed Treat

Consumer Relations

Fender Musical Instruments

8860 E Chaparral Rd # 100

Scottsdale, AZ 85250

480-596-7274

Cool! You've got a winner there, especially for that price! I would guess that someone may have swapped out the pickguard for some reason.

Congrats Randallp as far as a case mine is a molded Fender model that came with it. I'm sure you could find one quite easily.

Just received a very nice Z6031380 from Mr.Prideaux, thanks mate

http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx64/telenut66/8502/8502003.jpg

Just received a very nice Z6031380 from Mr.Prideaux, thanks mate

You're very welcome, mate! It's great to see that the guitar went to a good home!

....I would guess that someone may have swapped out the pickguard for some reason.

You were right - the previous* owner had put a 3 ply on it. I'm off to get one of these wdmusic pearl pickguards (http://www.wdmusic.com/fender_tele_pickguard_te_128c.html) this afternoon.

What a great tone this thing has. My first Tele :smile:

* previous implies my application to join the club - for $700 I'm *very* happy. I spent a whole day trying out Teles a few weeks back and am very pleased with this one.

Patrick
Port Charlotte
Florida

How many pieces make up the body....one? I can't see a join in mine

I see the pickguard is fitted under the neck. Do I have to loosen the neck joint to change it over?

Answered my own: - no it slides right in.http://www.tdpri.com/telephoto/data/517/medium/small.jpg

What a great tone this thing has. My first Tele :smile:

* previous implies my application to join the club - for $700 I'm *very* happy. I spent a whole day trying out Teles a few weeks back and am very pleased with this one.

Patrick
Port Charlotte
Florida


Wow congrats and welcome to the club!!! You got an outstanding telecaster at a great price too. My 8502 was also my first tele.. and after 4 more have been added to the stable, its still my #1. They're awesome guitars.

Antiquities are awesome pickups! Give em' a go...

But hold on to those Stock Modern Vintage Pickups, from the 8502 Ash Telecaster. These were never available on a Telecaster production model, only from the Custom shop models.
You just may change your mind on the swap...

Ok guys I'm feeling a bit miffed because I was led to believe the 8502 had these unique "Modern Vintage" pickups....as in 'both' of them. However I lifted the lid today and low and behold there was this 048609 plastic bobbin neck pickup which turns out to be a fairly common one found in most American series and some Mexican mades, read here....

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/just-pickups/222454-mystery-pickups.html

So whats the story??? Is it just a code for the plastic base and the pickup itself is different :confused:

How many pieces make up the body....one? I can't see a join in mine

Just to try answering both questions here, of the four 8502s that I had, all four had 2-piece ash bodies. Although, one in particular was particularly well-matched, for I had a very difficult time finding the seam, but it was there. Unless some 1-piece models came out in production that I wouldn't know about, my guess is that standard production was 2-piece.

So whats the story??? Is it just a code for the plastic base and the pickup itself is different :confused:

Upon viewing the link you provided, I believe mellecaster nailed it when he said this:

"........many Models use that same Plastic base, that's all the imprinted number means."

It's my understanding that the Modern-vintage pickups are unique upon themselves because they were built with alnico III magnets with select-gauge wire and wound to vintage specs, all while using the standard Fender plastic base plates that have been used on various models of Fenders over the past 10 or 15 years or so, including those constructed of A-III, A-V, and ceramic magnets. It is interesting, though, that there remains quite a mystery about the Modern-vintage pickups, for Fender has never marketed such a thing on any other guitar other than the 8502, and Fender doesn't seem to care to give out much information on them, either.

Hope this helps!