A bunch of noob questions

[riolux]

Hi,
I've tried to search the forum for these quiestions, but I always end up admiring pictures of some cutsom build, someones partscaster or a flake paint, so I thought I'd just ask again:

1. If your tele is fitted with a "modern" bridge, can you put a vintage bridge on it without having any visible holes? Are there certain after market bridges that fits better than other?

2. When browsing my local webshop's tuners, the kluson types are pictured along with a bushing, is this a conversion?

3. What's the difference between the highway one and the highway one texas tele?

4. On american standards and/or series, is the clearcoat of the "Natural" as thin/thick as the clearcoat on painted versions?

5. When did the 3-ply pickguard show up on tele's? Did they start with both black and white at the same time or did the black ones come later?

Any answer appreciated!

[KevinB]

1) There are manufacturers (like Callaham) who make a 3-saddle bridge for AmStd guitars, but generally, it's a fill and drill type operation as the holes don't line up.

2) All Klusons have a bushing of some sort, but "conversion" bushings allow them to fit headstocks with larger holes originally meant for more modern tuners.

3) See Fender's website. All the specs are there.

4) I'm not 100% sure but I'd be surprised if they're not the same.

5) One ply black was the original. This was replaced by one-ply white in late 1954. The 3-ply white came along in mid-59 and by that time 5 screws had given way to 8.

[riolux]

Great, thanks!

[Telemarkman]

Originally Posted by KevinB

The 3-ply white came along in mid-59 and by that time 5 screws had given way to 8.

Those 3-ply's that were launched in '59 were celulloid and actually had a greenish tint to them caused by the nitrate content. They were only fitted to the Custom Telecaster - the Blonde standard Tele kept the one-ply white guard until 1964 (with 8 screws).

By 1963 all custom color Teles (any color except Blonde) were fitted with a "nitrate" guard, but this was discontinued after 1964 due to being highly flammable.

So you could argue that the 3-ply white plastic guard really became the standard pickguard as late as 1965.

[KevinB]

Originally Posted by Telemarkman

...They were only fitted to the Custom Telecaster - the Blonde standard Tele kept the one-ply white guard until 1964 (with 8 screws).

Good point! I have the Duchossoir book, but was trying to "condense" (maybe not too effectively ) it.

[riolux]

Thanks guys!
So when did the modern type bridge appear, is that an 80's thing?

[KevinB]

The vintage 3-saddle bridge was unchanged for a long time, but in the mid 70s a 6-saddle version of it was offered on some models, and it was available as an accessory. The "modern" style bridges were first available in 1983. Reissues - as you would expect - all get the vintage bridge though.

[mikehixx]

I have a 2007 MIM and was planning to swap out the bridge for a vintage 3-saddle. Do I need to order something special (like Callaham) or will my guitar work with any typical after-market 3-saddle bridge?

[VWAmTele]

Originally Posted by mikehixx

I have a 2007 MIM and was planning to swap out the bridge for a vintage 3-saddle. Do I need to order something special (like Callaham) or will my guitar work with any typical after-market 3-saddle bridge?

It'll work with any of the vintage bridges - no mods necessary. $8 at MF

[Mark Davis]

Originally Posted by riolux

Thanks guys!
So when did the modern type bridge appear, is that an 80's thing?

1986 on the American Standard.