CS headstock decal question

[gwjensen]

I've never seen "Custom Shop Telecaster" on a CS headstock... These are pics of used CS Tele at a local GC I was thinking of checking out. I'm nervous about it, though, because of that headstock decal, plus I don't know enough to spot a fake and I wouldn't know if the pickups have been switched out... and I don't think the folks at this particular GC would know enough either... Any thoughts?

 

[Si G X]

Looks right to me (as someone who knows nothing about custom shop teles!)

I thought they always put that logo on there?

 

[Rasher]

This is as it should be. It isn't Custom Shop Telecaster on the headstock, but Custom Telecaster, which is the model, with binding on the body, etc.

 

[Si G X]

.. oh wait, you mean on the front?

That's the model, a (double bound) custom tele.

 

[gwjensen]

This is as it should be. It isn't Custom Shop Telecaster on the headstock, but Custom Telecaster, which is the model, with binding on the body, etc.

Thanks. That's what I meant to say "Fender Custom Telecaster" on the front.

 

[gwjensen]

I've never seen "Custom Telecaster" on the front and I've been trying find pics on the web...

 

[Si G X]

It's not the most common model of tele that's for sure, it was originally a 60's model I think.. but there have been reissues. I think there may have been a Squier version too.

 

[gwjensen]

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It's not the most common model of tele that's for sure, it was originally a 60's model I think.. but there have been reissues. I think there may have been a Squier version too.

That was quick! Thanks! I'm guessing the double binding makes it a "Custom Telecaster"?

 

[Boreas]

That was quick! Thanks! I'm guessing the double binding makes it a "Custom Telecaster"?

Yes - that and the decal!

If you can get hold of a serial number, you can run it through the Fender database.

 

[gwjensen]

Yes - that and the decal!

If you can get hold of a serial number, you can run it through the Fender database.

Good idea! So it sounds legit. One thing that makes me nervous is how do I know if the pickups have been switched? I could look under the control plate for any soldering clues...

I saw an American Original Strat at this GC where the pickups had very obviously been switched - the pick guard was bulging out because they didn't fit and I could see they were cheap ceramics!

 

[Si G X]

That was quick! Thanks! I'm guessing the double binding makes it a "Custom Telecaster"?

yup, I think that's pretty much it ... maybe originally they made custom colours that weren't available on other models or something.

It is confusing, especially as the 'Telecaster Custom' is a totally different model again.

 

[gwjensen]

I don't think they would want me to actually disasemble it to look at the pickups themselves... I'd have to buy it and do that at home. there is the 30 day return policy... Sounds like I'm talking myself into it!

 

[Si G X]

Good idea! So it sounds legit. One thing that makes me nervous is how do I know if the pickups have been switched? I could look under the control plate for any soldering clues...

I saw an American Original Strat at this GC where the pickups had very obviously been switched - the pick guard was bulging out because they didn't fit and I could see they were cheap ceramics!

Without looking underneath I would say it's pretty hard to tell.... CS models should come with a bit of paper that should say what pickups were in it originally, but as a custom shop model someone could have spec'd whatever they wanted.

I would certainly make sure it has all the paper work, so you can check everything is as it should be.

 

[netgear69]

If it has the certificate of authenticity email Fender see if matches up with the colour specs etc
if it does not have the COA I would not buy it I can never see a reason why a custom shop guitar is getting sold without one
I have seen COA for sale on the likes of Eddie Vegas site but that fella parts guitars up which would explain that

 

[gwjensen]

Without looking underneath I would say it's pretty hard to tell.... CS models should come with a bit of paper that should say what pickups were in it originally, but as a custom shop model someone could have spec'd whatever they wanted.

I would certainly make sure it has all the paper work, so you can check everything is as it should be.

Absolutely! But at this GC there's a 50/50 chance they won't be able to find the case! I've run into that so many times... Not with a CS, though.

 

[gwjensen]

If it has the certificate of authenticity email Fender see if matches up with the colour specs etc
if it does not have the COA I would not buy it I can never see a reason why a custom shop guitar is getting sold without one
I have seen COA for sale on the likes of Eddie Vegas site but that fella parts guitars up which would explain that

Yep. no COA, no deal... I would expect most the case candy to be there, too, like a strap or cable, or whatever Fender would've put in the case. Thanks for the input about emailing Fender.

 

[Boreas]

On a different note - It looks to me like the fingerboard is rolled. Make sure you LIKE that. It appears the high E is already almost off of the neck near the body. While some adjustment is likely possible, I would make sure you really like the neck in that first 30 days! Not everybody likes rolled necks.

 

[gwjensen]

On a different note - It looks to me like the fingerboard is rolled. Make sure you LIKE that. It appears the high E is already almost off of the neck near the body. While some adjustment is likely possible, I would make sure you really like the neck in that first 30 days! Not everybody likes rolled necks.

I do like them rolled but not if the Es are too close… I also don’t like strings abutting the grub screws… the neck is key

 

[Dan Skammer]

A guy that used to work on my guitars had a real '61 Telecaster Custom neck a few years ago he had up for sale...looks period correct..

 

[gwjensen]

A guy that used to work on my guitars had a real '61 Telecaster Custom neck a few years ago he had up for sale...looks period correct..

Thanks. Looks nicely figured too