As early as 1950, Fender became the first company to successfully market solidbody electric guitars. Since then, the two-pickup, single-cutaway Telecaster has remained a simple, yet effective design that delivers versatile tone. There's a reason why players of all genres gravitate towards the Telecaster—its tone is transparent, dynamic, and straightforward. It seems to do everything well.
This Telecaster is a bit of a chopper, but sometimes the right parts come together to create something cool and unique. The neck is dated September 11, 1990, and it features a Maple fingerboard with a 9.5" radius. The body appears to be from the same era, so it includes the Micro-Tilt adjustment. It has been refinished black, and it has a triple yin-yang gankyil "Wheel of Joy" sticker on the back.
For pickups, this 1990 Telecaster sports two active EMG pickups. The 9V battery is hidden underneath the pickguard, where the body is discreetly routed to fit it. The control plate has been reversed, which makes it easier to do volume swells. It also helps prevent you from changing positions by mistake with your strumming hand.
This 1990 Fender Telecaster is a bit of mongrel, so it shows some wear and tear and signs of use. There is a circular dab of glue on the peghead from some old sticker or decoration. The strap buttons are set up for Schaller strap locks. Interestingly, it looks like the neck isn't a solid piece of Maple—there are two Maple splines on the edges of the neck heel. Has anyone seen these before? Our guess is they are to reinforce the neck screws. Also worth noting that the three-ply pickguard doesn't quite match up the curve of the control plate (see photos).
This 1990 Fender Telecaster is set up to impress, and it includes a period Kramer-labeled rectangular hardshell case.