Used Fender Telecaster 1955 "White Guard" Blonde w/ Original Tweed Case

This is a gorgeous example of a 1955 white guard Telecaster that truly exemplifies everything Fender was offering at the time. It’s from an era where the solid body electric guitar was gaining more popularity with musicians and Leo Fender was at the forefront at offering this style of guitar. The Telecasters were absolute workhorses that were a tad simpler in construction when compared to the Stratocaster that came out the year prior though that had gone through some evolution by this point. This is evident with the white blonde finish, steel saddles (included in the case), and 1-ply white pickguard. Any time we get pre-cbs fenders in, we like to think/imagine that Leo himself actually put his hands on them and this one has a good a chance as any! And that is pretty wild to think about. 

Condition: “Very Good to Excellent" Especially for it's age

Considering its age, this guitar is in pretty spectacular shape compared to many other examples from the era. This one has been passed through the hands of 2 owners who both took great care of it. It has still certainly been played and shows some signs of this. The finish on the edges has started to wear away and there is notable finish wear on the fretboard in the typical “cowboy chord” section. The hardware has some typical oxidation and signs of age. The pickguard has shrunk slightly with age. 

Notes

• Nut has been replaced (original included in the case)

• Saddled have been swapped (originals included in case) 

• The finish has expected wear and tear. This is mostly seen on the edges of the body. The most notable area exposing the ash below is on the horn. 

• 1st - 5th frets show signs of play wear. 

Specs / Features

• Model: Telecaster Solid Body

• Serial number: 09456

• Finish: Blonde Lacquer

• Body: Ash 

• Neck / Fretboard: Maple 1-piece (dates to October of 1955) 

• Neck profile: Round Chunky “C” shape

• 1st fret depth: 0.92”

• 12th fret depth: 0.99”

• Scale length: 25.5” 

• Radius: 7.25” 

• Nut Width: 1-5/8” 

• Pickups: Original Telecaster pickup set 

• Electronics layout: 1 volume, 1 tone, 3-way pickup selector - Original wiring configuration (assembled by Mary 10-21-1955. Tone pot is a Stockpole from 5th week on 1951 code: 304515.)

• Selector position 1: Neck pickup with heavy bass pass filter

• Selector position 2: Neck pickup with tone control

• Selector position 3: Bridge pickup with tone control 

• Bridge: Original Fender Ashtray bridge - Replaced saddles

• Tuners: Original single line Kluson 6-in-line tuners

• Weight: 8 lbs 11.5 oz

• Case: Includes the original tweed case, case candy, and photos of the original owner with the guitar. (the original included cloth cord is missing one end). 

• One case latch has lost its "springiness" but still functions.