By the mid-sixties, the Fender Telecaster
had become one of the most visible and
audible guitars in pop music. It was an
especially important ingredient in the
sound of Bakersfield Country (Buck Owens,
Don Rich, Roy Nichols, James Burton),
and Memphis Soul (Steve Cropper, Jimmy
King). The Telecaster was also a strong
presence on blues and rock ‘n’ roll records
(Muddy Waters, Michael Bloomfield, Jimmy
Page). The Tele’s affordability, simplicity,
durability, and clear sound made it the
choice of many working pros.
This month’s featured Telecaster Custom
has details common to most Teles of 1966:
“double line” Kluson Tuners, “F” stamped
neck plate, three-ply white pickguard, “Pat.
No” bridge with threaded steel saddles
and gold “Transition” Fender logo. Just
being a 1966 Telecaster Custom makes
this a rare guitar, but adding the maple
cap fingerboard (rosewood was standard)
and the Candy Apple Red finish (Sunburst
was standard) makes it ultra-desirable. The
heavy fingerboard wear showcases the
shortcomings of the Nitrocellulose lacquer
finish used by Fender until 1968. The body
wear allows the undercoat of metallic gold
(silver was used from 1963 to 1965) to show
through. Finally, science fiction fans may be
interested to know that the stamped neck
date of September 1966 coincides with Star
Trek’s television debut.
More detailed information on Telecasters
can be found in The Fender Telecaster by
A.R. Duchossoir.
Dave's Guitar Shop
Daves Rogers’ Collection is tended to by
Laun Braithwaite & Tim Mullally
All photos credit Tim Mullally
Dave’s Collection is on display at:
Dave's Guitar Shop
1227 Third Street South
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-7704
davesguitar.com
