An older Mexican Standard tends to get people shopping for replacement pickups before they've even played it. Put the screwdriver down for a minute. This one deserves a fair hearing exactly as it is. I promise.

The Standard Telecaster appeared on Fender's first Mexican-guitar price list in 1991, putting this example near the beginning of the Ensenada story. Its age makes it interesting, but that's not what makes it worth taking home.

The white-to-light-cream finish and gorgeous maple fingerboard do a lot of the initial convincing. There are some dents, but the guitar still presents well: visibly used, not worn out.

If you're after your first Fender Tele—or another one you can actually put to work—start with how this guitar plays, then decide whether anything needs changing.

This is a USED guitar in GOOD condition. The body has dents, and both control knobs visibly wobble as they turn, though both controls function normally.

There's nothing wrong with making a Tele your own. But an upgrade ought to answer something you've found while playing, not something you've assumed from the model name.

Take this one home, give it some time, and let the guitar tell you whether the screwdriver needs to come out at all.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop by, shoot us a message or give us a call!

As always, this guitar has been meticulously and professionally set up by our skilled luthiers at The Upper Bout. 
Specs
Body / Construction
Body Style: Solidbody Telecaster
Color: White / light cream; exact factory finish name unconfirmed
Country of Origin: Mexico
Weight: 7.8 lbs
Neck
Neck Material: Maple
Fingerboard Material: Maple
Scale Length: 25.5"
Fret Count: 21
Radius: 9.5"
Hardware
Bridge: Six-saddle, top-loading
Electronics
Pickup Configuration: Two single-coils
Controls: Master volume, master tone
Switching: Three-way blade