Long time tele lover, first time poster...

Tom S · August 3rd, 2005, 01:15 PM

Hi folks,

I have been a tele-style fan for many years, since I built the first one I had back around 1980. I've owned at least a dozen or so. I can't believe I've never run across this website!

I have a question that someone here might be able to shed some light on. Here goes:

One of my current teles is a custom Chandler that I would guesstimate to have been made in either the late '80s or early '90s. I have had it for about 5 years. I believe this one pre-dates the "Telepathic" model. I realize that it is difficult to determine the originality of early Chandlers because they sold a lot of parts in addition to complete guitars. But I have good reason to believe this is an original (I will spare you the details at this point). The one thing that has always caused me some confusion on this guitar is the bridge. It is a Fender bridge, and I always wondered why this guitar, seemingly a full Chandler in all other ways (with the exception of the EMG pickups, perhaps) would have this Fender bridge.

So recently, I tried to find out something about the bridge. I thought the number on the bridge was the Pat. Pend. # (duh), but have found out that it is actually a serial number. The number is 5119. A small bit of research tells me that this is likely a bridge from a '53 or '54 telecaster! The aged brass saddles certainly fit the bill.

Am I on the right track here? Think this is the real deal? If so, out of curiousity, what is this bridge worth on the market these days? I noticed a neck plate, supposedly from a '54 (IIRC), was listed for the absurd price of $450 on ebay, and it has no markings to authenticate it whatsoever. Anyway, I doubt I'd sell the bridge, but I'm curious now!

Thanks for any info,

Regards,
Tom

BB · August 3rd, 2005, 01:37 PM

Welcome Tom. You found a great place to hang out. Can't help you with the bridge info except to say if it is an original 50's, you're sitting on a mini gold mine! Other members with more knowledge on this will be able to give you an accurate reading on the age and value. I just wanted to say welcome to the site. The old Chandler stuff is top notch. Great gutiars.

Poppatwang · August 3rd, 2005, 01:39 PM

the Tele-Gurus will reveal all.

0le FUZZY · August 3rd, 2005, 02:09 PM

Welcome !!

First of all check that bridge for the "Dipple" under the 4 digit number (even sum early five digit bridges had the "dipple").

If it has the punch mark it is a reissue but still werth good getus.

If it looks to haff no "Dipple" then it could be an old won and yes, be werth a bunch.

Look at the screws and under the saddles for more specific year details.

Please visit my page

Tom S · August 3rd, 2005, 02:20 PM

It looks as though this is a reissue bridge.

Oh well, it's good to know anyway. The guitar is a special one, so no loss really.

Thank you!

Tom S · August 3rd, 2005, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BB

Welcome Tom. You found a great place to hang out. Can't help you with the bridge info except to say if it is an original 50's, you're sitting on a mini gold mine! Other members with more knowledge on this will be able to give you an accurate reading on the age and value. I just wanted to say welcome to the site. The old Chandler stuff is top notch. Great gutiars.

Thank you very much, BB.

Looks as though I'm not sitting on a gold mine, though! :) But at least I found a cool forum.

August 3rd, 2005, 01:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
Tom S Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,211 49 Photos	Long time tele lover, first time poster... Hi folks, I have been a tele-style fan for many years, since I built the first one I had back around 1980. I've owned at least a dozen or so. I can't believe I've never run across this website! I have a question that someone here might be able to shed some light on. Here goes: One of my current teles is a custom Chandler that I would guesstimate to have been made in either the late '80s or early '90s. I have had it for about 5 years. I believe this one pre-dates the "Telepathic" model. I realize that it is difficult to determine the originality of early Chandlers because they sold a lot of parts in addition to complete guitars. But I have good reason to believe this is an original (I will spare you the details at this point). The one thing that has always caused me some confusion on this guitar is the bridge. It is a Fender bridge, and I always wondered why this guitar, seemingly a full Chandler in all other ways (with the exception of the EMG pickups, perhaps) would have this Fender bridge. So recently, I tried to find out something about the bridge. I thought the number on the bridge was the Pat. Pend. # (duh), but have found out that it is actually a serial number. The number is 5119. A small bit of research tells me that this is likely a bridge from a '53 or '54 telecaster! The aged brass saddles certainly fit the bill. Am I on the right track here? Think this is the real deal? If so, out of curiousity, what is this bridge worth on the market these days? I noticed a neck plate, supposedly from a '54 (IIRC), was listed for the absurd price of $450 on ebay, and it has no markings to authenticate it whatsoever. Anyway, I doubt I'd sell the bridge, but I'm curious now! Thanks for any info, Regards, Tom

August 3rd, 2005, 01:39 PM	#3 (permalink)
Poppatwang Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 1,892 13 Photos	If you post a picture... the Tele-Gurus will reveal all. __________________ The Dieselfitters http://www.dieselfitters.com Roy Hubbs http://www.royhubbs.com

August 3rd, 2005, 02:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tom S Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,211 49 Photos	Ah yes, I see it. It looks as though this is a reissue bridge. Oh well, it's good to know anyway. The guitar is a special one, so no loss really. Thank you!

August 3rd, 2005, 01:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
BB Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Pacific NW Age: 53 Posts: 3,145	Welcome Tom. You found a great place to hang out. Can't help you with the bridge info except to say if it is an original 50's, you're sitting on a mini gold mine! Other members with more knowledge on this will be able to give you an accurate reading on the age and value. I just wanted to say welcome to the site. The old Chandler stuff is top notch. Great gutiars.

August 3rd, 2005, 02:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
0le FUZZY Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kolly-forn-knee-ya Posts: 10,001 6 Photos	Welcome !! First of all check that bridge for the "Dipple" under the 4 digit number (even sum early five digit bridges had the "dipple"). If it has the punch mark it is a reissue but still werth good getus. If it looks to haff no "Dipple" then it could be an old won and yes, be werth a bunch. Look at the screws and under the saddles for more specific year details. Please visit my page