Blackguard Telecaster

[KRamone27]

The more I see on the internet it looks like the first Broadcaster did not have the neck pickup wire channel routed so I may leave it as is and go for the 1950 Broadcaster replica.

many of the real early broadcasters/ telecasters didn't have the channel it wasn't until later that Leo tried finding ways to save money on reducing the amount of wire used. I guess cloth covered wire cost a lot back then

[MWaldorf]

The pickguard material is called Garolite or Bakelite. I got the XX version. I read about it on another forum where a guy built a replica of a 53. This is the same basic material used in 1950 -53, It is a matt texture but was sprayed with clear lacquer. It wears and looks like crap. That's why Leo finally changed to white plastic them to nitrate. Also this material is great for making circuit board blanks. Maybe another amp on the horizon.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#garolite/=fmiblk


The more I see on the internet it looks like the first Broadcaster did not have the neck pickup wire channel routed so I may leave it as is and go for the 1950 Broadcaster replica. Problem is, I already have the early style Telecaster decal.

Wow, I didn't know about the bakelite guards, but then again I'm not that well versed on early Teles. Interesting how the wire channel wasn't the first solution to the neck pickup wiring as it seems the simplest way to handle it.

Maybe you could split the difference between a Broadcaster and a Telecaster by making a "No-caster"?

[JimPage]

Hey, All--

I posted Danny privately about how and why his new project here resonates so with me.

Leo Fender was so direct in his designs and approach. I really respect that.

The link to the Blackguard Tele site that KRamone17 posted is EXCELLENT! Thanks, Kevin, for posting that link. Nacho Baños is a fellow I had encountered on the Web before at the Tele TDPRI forum. I may purchase his Blackguard Tele book for my upcoming birthday.

A fellow also on that interesting TDPRI forum is Gil Yaron, who is devoted to building guitars Leo's way. Just as interesting as all get out.

Please show photos on this creation, Danny. I'd also be interested in the costs of this effort--

--Jim

[KRamone27]

Hey, All--

I posted Danny privately about how and why his new project here resonates so with me.

Leo Fender was so direct in his designs and approach. I really respect that.

The link to the Blackguard Tele site that KRamone17 posted is EXCELLENT! Thanks, Kevin, for posting that link. Nacho Baños is a fellow I had encountered on the Web before at the Tele TDPRI forum. I may purchase his Blackguard Tele book for my upcoming birthday.

A fellow also on that interesting TDPRI forum is Gil Yaron, who is devoted to building guitars Leo's way. Just as interesting as all get out.

Please show photos on this creation, Danny. I'd also be interested in the costs of this effort--

--Jim

You're welcome Jim, Gil Yaron does some amazing work especially the 1959 les paul build he did over at tdpri. I would like the blackguard book as well but I don't have the $85 to shell out for one.

[JimPage]

>>The link to the Blackguard Tele site . . .

That '52 Telecaster with the Bigsby is one of the weirdest-looking guitars I've ever seen. But still very cool!

--Jim

[KRamone27]

Agreed

[dubtrub]

I'd also be interested in the costs of this effort--

--Jim

It's not an inexpensive project. Using quality parts, so far I have just a little under $500 in it and I still need to buy the tuners and paint. I'll probably spend another $50-$60. But the end results should be comparable to the Fender Custom Shop No caster at around two grand.

I'd buy the book Blackguard in a heartbeat but I just can't justify paying the $35 price tag they place on the shipping for an $80 book. Heck, my 100 pound mini lathe didn't cost that much. I have quite a library on every thing Fender so no doubt sooner or later I'll get it.

[JimPage]

dubtrub wrote:
>>It's not an inexpensive project. . . .

Yes, but, like you say, it will be comparable to the Fender Custom Shop instruments.

Isn't it impressive how much Leo Fender got right in those early days? He not only was a good innovator, he also had to be a very good listener. He surely absorbed what his group of early pro users gave him as feedback and put that info to good use.

--Jim

[panther]

Dub;
I built a copy of a 52 Tele with all vintage parts. It was one of the most enjoyable projects I've done. I ordered the original single coil P-90 Pups. all slotted head screws and I purchased the Butterscotch and amber finish. I haven't done that yet. It's a 7.25" radius neck All-Parts. with vintage tuners I made the control plate, and the Pickguard is Bakelite. I got a real good deal on that for $19.95 from a guy that makes them part time. The selector is also 52 vintage a deal from a guy in Las Vegas for #19.95. I had to modify it to get 3 position control, it had a spring return to center. The pots are NOS 1953. The nut is handmade deer antler. The bridge is Fender without a serial number, so I searched for a range that falls withing the time period, and settled on serial number 1018, my birth date.
I hope to put the finish on this springs it's just too cold right now and my shop is not fully heated. Right now I have Phillips screws in it until final assembly then I'm putting in the slotted screws.
A very different sounding instrument, and the neck takes getting used to.
Enjoy. I have quite a few of the 1953 pots left, they are 500 k Audio taper NOS still in package.
The complete project cost me about $600.00, I got a good deal on the body $60.00. I also got the vintage decals on eBay for $10.95.
Dan

[dubtrub]

That's right on par with my project guitar. I've been sourcing parts for a couple of years and have just about everything to start the assembly. Half the fun is researching and trying to replicate as close as possible to the original. That's the way I did the 59 double neck Mosrite that I scratch built a couple years ago.

BTW, I broke down and ordered the book Blackguard from Elderly. It was $95 including shipping via FedEx. Much better than the actual distributor that charged $35 shipping.