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Post subject: 1954 Telecaster Neck
Posted: Fri Jul 21, 2017 11:02 am
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My father left my brother and I his
well-used 1954 Tele with maple fretboard.
Our problem is that the fretboard has very deep playing grooves to the point that it is now nearly unplayable.
My question is, can the fretboard be restored or should we replace the neck?
Thanks for any advice.


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Post subject: Re: 1954 Telecaster Neck
Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 3:37 pm
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IF you're really talking about a 1954-made, vintage Telecaster, DON'T TOUCH IT.
Those things are valuable, and any wrong repair may seriously damage the value.

But if it's an AVRI54, Japanese TL54 etc; both methods could fit - it depends on the original instrument values vs repair/replace costs.

Some pics of the guitar would help us help you.


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Post subject: Re: 1954 Telecaster Neck
Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 3:55 pm
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Grooves in the fretboard doesn't make a guitar unplayable. If you squeeze down to the fretboard, or worse, below where the fretboard is on a new guitar, you push the strings way too hard, and probably play too far from the fret too. A much lighter touch, closer to the fret is called for.
Some guitarists like Ritchie Blackmore and Yngve Malmsteen remove fretboard material to get a "scalloped" neck, allowing easier bends and more up/down vibrato.

If it's the frets themselves that are worn, a refret is in order. But if the guitar really is from 1954, you want an expert to handle it; someone like Dan Erlewine. An average technician may well ruin the guitar and its value. A good example would be ripping out frets with pliers like for new guitars if the tang is directional and pushed in from the side like for many old ones. The damage that does can never be fully repaired.
If the guitar really is that old, ask for references for work they have done on old guitars, and actually check the references too.


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Post subject: Re: 1954 Telecaster Neck
Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2017 9:59 pm
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Thanks very much. It is indeed a 1954. My father replaced the neck in the 60's with a rosewood. I have the original worn maple neck. The Tele has been refinished a couple of times.
I would like to bring it back as original as possible.
It still sounds great through his original 1950's Bassman.
Thanks again.


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Post subject: Re: 1954 Telecaster Neck
Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 10:14 am
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Nevermind thanking, picspicspicspics please. The Bassman included. :lol:


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Post subject: Re: 1954 Telecaster Neck
Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 10:49 am
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We NEED to see it - Pics please!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!


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