Fender were always trying to improve their lines and develop better ways of production. When they revamped the Precision Bass in 1957 they moved the string anchor from the through body to the end of the bridge. This same technique was applied to the Telecaster and whilst its was accepted by the bass community, guitarists weren’t so enamored. As a result string through was reintroduced towards the middle of 1959.

The blonde refinish is great and captures the original shade very well. There are a few dinks and knocks as you’d expect but nothing too drastic. Interestingly the body date is December 1958.

Soon to be phased out in favor of rosewood fretboards, this one piece neck is from the last few months of their manufacture. Interestingly too is the slimmer, C profile which had replaced the soft v of the previous few years. The lacquer has retained some of its gloss and has really worn  comfortably along the neck. The fretboard shows signs of wear and has been refretted. The headstock and decal are in great shape too and free from any real wear, especially on that vulnerable decal.

The hardware is in great condition showing only some minor signs of corrosion. The pickguard is in good shape too.

Electrically there have been some changes. The pots are from the late 70s and have been wired as per the period with a treble-bleed cap. The switch looks to be newer still. Pickups are correct and don’t look to have been rewound.

The guitar comes with a hardshell case

Opinion is divided over the toploader bridge, claims made that the arrangement doesn’t yield as much twang as the bottom feeder option. As with many of these things its up to personal preference. With regards to this guitar its certainly not lacking in the twang department and in fact what the string arrangement does give us is a slightly slinkier feel making bends much easier. As you’d expect, the maple and ash combination gives this guitar a wonderful attack that sustains beautifully, the neck pickup providing a smooth tone with bite from the bridge.

A true classic, this is a must have for anyone looking for that elusive 50’s tele tone. Grab it before it gets away…