The Tele Blackguard. Possibly the single most iconic and influential guitar in music history. The first of its kind – the guitar that gave rise to modern music. Played by everyone from Jimmy Bryant to Muddy Waters, James Burton to Keith Richards, Danny Gatton to Roy Buchanan, Jerry Donahue to Bruce Springsteen, and Clarence White to Brad Paisely, the Fender Telecaster was the sound and inspiration to the soundtrack of the second half of the 20th century and through to today. 

The first Fender Telecasters (including Broadcasters, NoCasters, and Esquires) were fitted with lacquered black Bakelite pickguards, which differentiated them visibly from later examples. Flat-pole pickups, slot-head screws, unique wiring, and deep U-carved necks are all features of Fender’s early Telecasters and closely tied to the ‘Blackguard’ moniker.

This guitar, built in 1952, is serial numbered in the mid 2000s and features a neck initialed by Tadeo Gomez. It is widely considered that Gomez carved Fender’s best-feeling necks, and set the benchmark standard in neck shape, feel, and look. The neck on this guitar is dated 11-6-52. It has its original frets and nut, tuners, and string tree.  The finish appears to be original, but with a light rub of sealer on its back side. 

The guitar’s body is original 1952 issue and is dated 8-17-52 in the neck pocket. The finish has been redone and the body’s edge profiles and thickness are to spec. Original pickguard and slot-head mounting screws, original control plate, knobs, switch, pots, and most of the wire. The bridge, saddles, screws and ferrules are original as well. The pickups are non-original Seymour Duncan STL1s that sound remarkably good. The guitar weighs in at 7lbs 4oz.

With a noticeably resonant acoustic ring, incredible neck carve, bevvy of original parts and a great look, this 1952 Telecaster is something of a player’s dream. Its original frets are fairly low but play well enough, and the set-up was just completed here at Folkway.

With 50s Fender tweed hardshell case