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Post subject: 21 frets versus 22 frets - difference between Telecasters
Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 9:47 pm
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Aspiring Musician
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Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2007 4:04 pm
Posts: 388
Location: Lititz, PA
I see that Telecasters came with 21 frets or 22 frets. From what I've seen, these each appear to use the same 25.5" scale length. That suggests to me that, if you were to change necks from one to the other, you would also have to move the bridge for correct intonation.

Are certain bridges made for the 21 fret neck while others are made for the 22 fret neck?
And, if so, do the screw holes match up? i.e. Is it an easy change?
Or do they simply place the bridge in a different location?
Or do they do something else?

How does Fender accommodate the necks with different numbers of frets?


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Post subject: Re: 21 frets versus 22 frets - difference between Telecaster
Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 10:41 pm
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Rock Icon
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Joined: Thu Dec 31, 2009 10:34 pm
Posts: 10760
Location: Athens, Greece
The 21-fret neck is considered a "vintage" spec, where the fingerboard is flush with the neck heel. You may have one less fret to play on but you will find that taking off and putting on a pickguard is much easier without the the fingerboard overhang.

22-fret necks are considered the industry "standard" for the last few decades and sport the typical 1/4" overhang off the end of the heel.

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Post subject: Re: 21 frets versus 22 frets - difference between Telecaster
Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2013 10:42 pm
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Rock Star
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Joined: Mon Apr 05, 2010 2:37 pm
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Location: Natural Bridge, Virginia
No need to move the bridge. The 22 fret neck has an extension "lip" to accomodate the extra fret.

21 fret neck left/22 fret neck right:

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Post subject: Re: 21 frets versus 22 frets - difference between Telecaster
Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2013 8:00 am
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Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician

Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2007 4:04 pm
Posts: 388
Location: Lititz, PA
Very interesting.

Thanks guys!


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Post subject: Re: 21 frets versus 22 frets - difference between Telecaster
Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2013 1:16 am
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Rock Star
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Joined: Sun Mar 29, 2009 3:06 pm
Posts: 3545
Location: Brooklyn N.Y
My main Tele is an old 62 re-issue that has been with me 28 years but I can't stand the 21 frets. Through the years I have tricked this guitar out to where it would be considered my sig lol- stacked humbuckers-medium jumbo frets-locking tuners- as well as changing the steel saddle screws to Brass though I kept and prefer the vintage ashtray style bridge plate. I had not played the guitar seriously in two years as I have been playing Strats heavily which reminded me how much I miss that 22nd fret. Well I am back playing it the last 4 months and have been doing some Google searches and found out a good luthier can add a 22nd fret to the original neck, so I guess that is one more mod to have done. The guitar just has the -"it factor", "mojo" or whatever you want to call it and though at this point it is the least expensive guitar I own out of 20+ guitars I have ammassed over 35 years of playing it is hands down the most valuable in many ways. I can remember after my first two fret dressings guys telling me I was crazy to spend $300 on a re-fret on a guitar that cost me $490 back in 85. Something that irks me is when I see guys post just buy a new Warmoth neck on guitars that are some players #1 and not a very expensive guitar. The point they miss is that you play a guitar 7 -8 hours a day for 15 years and the neck will wear and fit your hand like a glove as well as a neck change may change the tone of the guitar.


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