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Post subject: Authentic Telecaster or Clone?
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 2:53 pm
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I recently bought a used guitar that was sold as a MIM Telecaster that had been refinished to look like a 1954. The guitar has what appears to be a Tele neck, complete with Fender MIM stencil on the head and SN MN2153153. I was told the guitar is a 1992 model. I have my doubts if this in an actual Fender. Other than reading the logo, are there other tell-tale signs to confirm its authenticity without having to take the entire guitar apart?

The guitar body is curved in the back, at the top, like a Strat. It looks like the tuners have been changed (these say Fender). The metal plate at the back of the guitar (where the neck is adjusted) is plain -- no writing at all. I'm concerned that the guitar doesn't have the punch that my stock Squire Tele has. Also, the neck feels fatter than other Teles I've played. It's a maple neck with a contrasting walnut wood inset running down the back. Any help out there? Suggestions?

dknopf
dknopf@kc.rr.com


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Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 3:04 pm
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The serial number comes back as being made in the Mexican plant year 92-93! Can't speak for the rest.


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Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2009 4:00 pm
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I agree about the serial number.

It's probably a genuine MIM Standard Telecaster neck - they are cheap and plentiful on eBay and elsewhere.

I'm not aware of any MIM Telecaster that ever came with a contoured body, but it could have been shaped during the refinishing, or it could be an aftermarket body. Neither of those, in my opinion, are reason for concern if you like the guitar.

A '92 MIM Standard isn't a rare or valuable instrument and a good aftermarket body would probably increase the value to knowledgeable Telecaster enthusiasts.

Is it a top loader or do the strings load through the body? A '92 MIM Standard would have been a top loader originally but anyone who could do a good job contouring the body could easily drill string-through holes, and if it's an aftermarket body then it probably came drilled that way anyway.

Can you post photos on photobucket or other free photo hosting website for us to see?

If possible, take off the pickguard so we can see the body routes and any labels, barcode stickers, etc.

Also take pictures of the bridge, tuning machines, and headstock decal if you can.


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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 5:56 am
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The neck sounds legit, I don't know about the body. Where'd you buy it from?

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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 9:27 am
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Pictures would definitely help some of the more knowledgeable people here


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Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 12:51 pm
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Does the bridge plate have a number stamped on it?

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1985 Telecaster (MIJ)
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Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 11:03 am
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Did you find out if it was legit?


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