From the Bernie Marsden Collection we have this workhorse in its Sunday best, the 1961 Fender Custom Telecaster. This guitar is featured on page 225 of Bernie's hardback book 'Tales of Tone and Volume' a copy of which will be included with this sale.

This guitar is a killer example of Fender's early 60's three tone sunburst, the bound body really is the icing on the cake. The finish has faded and there is the right amount of wear but otherwise it's in remarkable condition. There has been quite a modification in the form of a neck humbucker route. This seems to have been done while ago and is a bit on the rough side.

The neck is in good shape. The lacquer has worn comfortably and it is dent free . The fretboard is in great shape and the reasonably new frets have plenty of life left in them. The headstock is in great shape too with the decal being undamaged. Neck date reads July 1961

The hardware shows some signs of use. The ashtray cover has certainly been on this guitar a lot as is evident by the lack of corrosion on the saddles. Elsewhere the chrome is in good shape.

The electronics have been modified at some stage to post ‘67 configuration. The pots are correct, dated week 23 of 1961. Neck pickup could be a later example.

The guitar comes with its correct brown Tolex hardshell case which is in very nice shape.

This guitar certainly delivers the classic tele tones, smoother neck pickup with a bitey bridge sound and nice blend when combined. The neck is comfortable and sleek.

At once simple and versatile, the telecaster should feature in everyone's guitar journey. This Custom just oozes cool. It won't be here long…