Monday 30 July 2012

Upgrading a Telecaster Standard bridge.

Although Mexican Fenders cam easily compete with US made instruments in terms of build quality, they also, strangely, tend to exhibit some pretty ugly hardware...
Fender Telecaster Mexico bridge change vintage upgrade headstock polish
This is a 2010 Mexican Standard Telecaster. Check it out: It has a single piece (Yes, single piece!) maple neck with a late 60's-70's D shape profile, a Alder body veneered in maple both sides (and they really went to town on this!), US made sealed machine heads and... the ugliest 6 saddles bridge imaginable!?
Let's take a closer look!
Fender Telecaster Mexico bridge change vintage upgrade headstock polish
There's nothing wrong with the bridge itself. It works the way it should and does quite a good job at that, it's just that I can't figure out why a £300 Squier has prettier hardware...

Another issue is the matt varnish on the neck.Thankfully, Peek is there for that!
Fender Telecaster Mexico bridge change vintage upgrade headstock polish
Thankfully, Peek is there for that!

Fender Telecaster Mexico bridge change vintage upgrade headstock polish
 Peek is sold as a metal polisher. In effect,it works wonders on most painted surfaces and is just the ticket to give your favourite guitar the correct Fender sheen! As for the bridge, I'm going for a 70's style 3 saddle type!
Fender Telecaster Mexico bridge change vintage upgrade headstock polish
 When removing the old bridge, be careful not to interfere or damage any of the wiring.
Fender Telecaster Mexico bridge change vintage upgrade headstock polish
 Once all the pickup has been properly affixed to the new bridge, it should fit on the body without any issues.
Fender Telecaster Mexico bridge change vintage upgrade headstock polish
 The new bridge is on and the guitar is ready to be re-strung.
Fender Telecaster Mexico bridge change vintage upgrade headstock polish
 My Tele is finally starting to look the way a Telecaster should!
Fender Telecaster Mexico bridge change vintage upgrade headstock polish
 A closeup of the new bridge. It fits perfectly and perfectly compliments the guitar!
Fender Telecaster Mexico bridge change vintage upgrade headstock polish
Thanks to Peek, the headstock and neck are looking an absolute treat too!

All texts and photos Fabrice Arfi/Kaiser Calavera ©2012. Reproduction by any means strictly forbidden.