'52 RI necks and where can I get one?

[tweeddeluxe]

Just returned from our local (sort of) Fender dealer who had a very sweet new '52 RI. Way better build quality than my buddy's '82 RI. Don't really care for the color tho--a bit too butterscotch, but I could live with it.

And the neck is sublime!! Nice and fat, without being a boat oar, a little on the sticky side, but man what a comfortable neck. Even fatter than my JV strat.

Four questions:

1. Are the necks typically thinner on earlier models?

2. When did the change to fatter necks occur?

3. When did the color become more butterscotchy?

4. Where can I get a similar neck without paying a fortune for the real deal?

I'd like to put one on my highway 1

...with apologiez to those who may frequent another board.

[Dacious]

Look on this page:

http://www.angela.com/catalog/guitar-parts/tele.html

This is about halfway down:

15. Fender Telecaster '52 style reissue neck, solid maple with yellowed finish. Made In USA. TWO OF THESE BABIES IN STOCK NOW FOR IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT! SALE! EACH $255!!!

I haven't seen them cheaper.


He's also got a new body for $299.
You'll also need the Kluson-type Gotoh tuners, which are listed elsewhere on that page.

[bluesy]

I believe the least expensive necks liscensed by Fender come from WD, although I could be mistaken.

[dhdfoster]

Anyone know where, or who, the necks on the MIM '50s classic come from. Corona factory? Mine is nice and fat, and feels so comfortable. Are they the same as the newer '52 necks?

I don't know if they're the same, but for $150 more than a '52 neck, you could buy a whole used '50s Tele.