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Topic: Fender Custom T8 circa late 40's early 50's |
Ryan Snyder
From:
West Virginia, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 4:25 am |
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Hey Steel Players,
I recently acquired an old Fender Custom T8 as a potential refurb project. I'm not a steel player and I think this project is a little outside of my comfort zone. I'm interested in knowing the value of this instrument "as is" and if anyone out there would be interested in taking it on as a project. I think it could still have some life in it.
Here's the deal: All the heads seem to be good (all of the tuners with string tension feel tight and smooth). The third pickup/bridge plate is missing. The other two pickups appear good but I don't know if they work. I plugged it in and got a lot of hum but no string sound. I wonder if it just needs a good cleaning and maybe some re-soldering?
If anyone out there has any input or interest in this instrument please let me know!
Thanks,
Ryan
http://snyderacousticworks.doodlekit.com/ |
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Ben Elder
From:
La Crescenta, California, USA
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Posted 19 Mar 2014 3:53 pm T "cxv"
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Here's one a little earlier than yours. This one has the Roman numeral fretboards. Rectangle and arrow markers came later. This one can't really be dated--it has no pencil markings in the cavities (the practice hadn't started) and the pots have been replaced over the years. I'd guess late '49 - early '50 for this, given its introduction timeline. It's serial number T115, presumably the 115th triple-neck. (I've seen very few--maybe none at all--accounts of Fender T- serial numbers.) That is the original case. (I have the legs, but they're not in the photos.)
Trapezoid pickups like these (never mind the predecessor "boxcars") are hard to come by, although damaged ones can be rehabbed. Tuner pans are probably even less available and pricey.
_________________
"Gopher, Everett?" |
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Ryan Snyder
From:
West Virginia, USA
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Posted 21 Mar 2014 5:29 am
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Wow Ben,
That thing is pretty! Thanks for the info. I've learned alot about this instrument. It looks like my case is original too.
Any idea on the year of this one?
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