1997 Made in Mexico Telecaster - Traditional Series
Artic White / Maple Neck
String-Through bridge with 2 3/16" spacing
SKB Hardshell Case included
This guitar has been gigged and has the nicks and scratches to prove it. All that aside the action is perfect and setup very well. Frets still have alot of life in them and I will dress the frets and install new strings before shipping.
When i got this one, it seemed like an odd duck so i did some digging...and more digging...and more. This is what i discovered. This model was only made for the 97-98 Model years. It was made in parallel with the regular MIM Tele and was referred to as a "Traditional" telecaster instead of a "Standard" telecaster. It has a top loader bridge and no string thru ferrules. They had a similar model in the 94-96 years that was referred to as a MIM "Squier Series" . They are supposed to be MIM neck, body, electronics with import tuners and bridge. While i will agree the tuners aren't the best it does stay in tune. The bridge is very interersting. It isn't the normal 2 1/8" import spacing. It is 2 3/16" just like the MIA tele's. I double checked it 5 times with my calipers and even compared it to my 98 ASAT Classic Custom and they match. The rumor on the internet was that the bodies and necks were "extras" that they made in the USA Plant and sent to Mexico for assembly. AFter seeing these specs i might agree with that but i can't prove it. I did ask Fender about it and they did confirm that sometimes during this time they did make bodies and necks in the US and send to mexico, but can't verify which ones.
I also confirmed with Fender that these used Alnico V Pickups instead of Ceramic. They definitely have that "chime" to them and sound very good. There is some scratchiness in the pots as you would expect from a 20 year old guitar. I am listing it as a 1997 because Fender says that the model years for this were 97-98. I am assuming that they sold it as a 97, but as you can see it was built in 3/1996. That is why i am calling it a 20 year old.
Build data from Fender:
The serial number MN412748 corresponds to the specifications listed below, manufactured 03/1996.
Model Name: Traditional Telecaster®
Model Number: 013-3202-(Color#)
Series: Traditional Series
Body: Poplar
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Maple (9.5” Radius/241 mm)
Frets: 21
Scale Length: 25.5” (648 mm)
Nut: 1.650 (42 mm)
Hardware: Chrome
Machine Heads: Standard
Bridge: Chrome Standard Tele
Pickguard: 1-Ply White
Pickups: 2 Single Coil Tele®
Pickup Switching: 3-Position Blade
Controls: Master Volume, Tone
Colors: (306) Black,
(358) Torino Red,
(380) Arctic White,
(Polyester Finish)
Strings: Fender Super 250L’s (.009 to .042) Nickel Plated Steel pn# 073-0250-003
Case:
Other Features: Black Fender Logo
Source: Mexico
Accessories: None
INTRODUCED: 1997
DISCONTINUED: 1/1998
DISCONTINUED COLORS:
WRENCH SIZES:
COMMENTS: (Formerly Squier, Standard Series) These were sold domestically and globally
As is / no returns
If you have any questions please ask. You won't hurt my feelings. I am not in a big hurry to sell her, but there is a Reverend I have my eye on so I will entertain offers.
