'63 tele-esquire mongrel

[royem]

I am the lucky new owner of this beautiful guitar.... here's what I know about it: the neck is from a 1963 Esquire and has never been refinished or altered; the pickups are from the early 60's; the pick guard is from an old esquire and was re-routed to accommodate the neck pickup; the body is from the Fender custom shop.... I think the body is made of alder but that is a guess.

That is what I know and I look forward to learning more from those of you who know so much more than I about these guitars... I am also interested in knowing what might be the approximate value of this guitar. Thanks!

Here is a link to some photos that I hope works: http://s267.photobucket.com/user/robertroyem/embed/slideshow/tele-esquire[/url]

 

[Antoon]

Body seems ash to me. You might be able to sell the neck and tuners for 2500? (haven't checked Ebay recently) 1000 for the pickups and another 1000 for the other old hardware (bridge, neck and control plate plus PG). And then something for the body, switch and pots. Total something like 4 to 5k?

 

[royem]

I'm a very lucky man and I did not pay that kind of money for it. It is an awesome guitar that I am playing through a Fender Blues Junior that has seen significant mods. It is a great combination.

and the neck is amazing.

I have always associated ash with an oak-type grain that this does not have, but not sure....It is a very light-weight guitar too... not sure how that figures in. thanks for input!

 

[Dan R]

Most Fenders that are painted, are alder. The ash bodies are normally used for blonde or sunburst finishes due to the tight grain. Alder takes stain and paint very well.

Congrats on your score. That is a keeper. Wonderful guitar.

 

[71Tele]

I'm a very lucky man and I did not pay that kind of money for it. It is an awesome guitar...

Is it like saying that, if you already have a pre-CBS neck, you don’t necessarily need to mount it on a pre-CBS body to have a great guitar?

Just being curious, as I might be able to get a 63 Strat neck for a decent price.

Beautiful guitar, by the way. Yes, you're a lucky man!

 

[Major Gruber]

I once bought a damaged 63 body for less than 300$. In your position, I think it'd be worth purchasing an old body, nothing can beat old wood.

 

[71Tele]

Thanks for your answer, Major. You were indeed very fortunate to find such a deal!! An old body is difficult to find, if not impossible here in Naples, Italy. Even in Paris (I’m from there), they are very rare, right?
Through dealers, they are way too expensive for me now, for an unknown result. Because, being old wood does not mean the body sounds great…

So I was thinking of ordering some good quality replacement, this way I can choose exactly what I want and it won’t cost millions... Hence my initial question.

 

[royem]

For playing, I don't think one body vs another is going to make that much difference, but the neck you're playing on definetly will. I'm no authority on vintage teles, but the neck on my guitar plays so nicely and has just a great feel.

 

[Major Gruber]

For playing, I don't think one body vs another is going to make that much difference, but the neck you're playing on definetly will. I'm no authority on vintage teles, but the neck on my guitar plays so nicely and has just a great feel.

For how you feel when playing, that's for sure, but concerning the tune of the guitar, I think both neck and body are important, and the age of the wood can bring character. But I think the most important, whatever is the age of the range of the guitar, is the cohesion between the two pieces of wood. Some very cheap guitars sound amazingly good, some very expensive are disappointing, I think that's one of the main reason for it.

 

[71Tele]

For playing, I don't think one body vs another is going to make that much difference, but the neck you're playing on definetly will. I'm no authority on vintage teles, but the neck on my guitar plays so nicely and has just a great feel.

Soundwise, it does make a difference. Both body and neck are, I believe, the most important components in a guitar. Put a great neck on a crappy body, it will sound just so so. Mount that same neck on a great body, chances are it will sound killer.

I tend to believe also – but I’ve no idea if it’s true or not – that when you mount a neck and a body together, it takes them some time to ‘adjust’ to each other, and sound the way they are supposed to. Not sure if that makes any sense… :?:

Anyhow, the body of your Tele is apparently a good one - at least you’re happy with it and that’s what’s important -, even though it’s recent. Once again, you’re a lucky man. And I wish I’ll find a good recent one too, if I can grab that 63 Strat neck I’m ogling at. Spending €3 or 4K for an old body, I just won’t be able…

 

[71Tele]

For how you feel when playing, that's for sure, but concerning the tune of the guitar, I think both neck and body are important, and the age of the wood can bring character. But I think the most important, whatever is the age of the range of the guitar, is the cohesion between the two pieces of wood. Some very cheap guitars sound amazingly good, some very expensive are disappointing, I think that's one of the main reason for it.

I agree. I however believe that there are great souding but non-vintage bodies, as well as not so good sounding vintage bodies. It's all about luck in the end. And yes, on top of that, the cohesion body/neck...
Mamma mia!!!

 

[Major Gruber]

I agree. I however believe that there are great souding but non-vintage bodies, as well as not so good sounding vintage bodies. It's all about luck in the end. And yes, on top of that, the cohesion body/neck...
Mamma mia!!!

Oh yes, of course. What I love about vintage is that they sound all different and when they're great they're very special and deliver something inimitable, but I never intended to say there were not many fantastic guitars made today, of course, that'd be stupid.