The first 4 models of set neck Telecasters were first produced by Fender in the early 1990s until about 1995. Some blurb from a Frontline
Fender's custom shop patented a process that boasts two importat innovations. First necks can be created with
Fender's standard neck templates, which allows these necks to be custom shaped using the same methods as the standard
bolt on models. And second this process offers improved access to the upper frets due to the unique rounded neck joint
and the absence of a neck plate.
They then went on to talk about combining with various body woods etc. There were several initial models all had an RRP
of around $2000 compared to a standard US tele of the time at $840 so a pretty expensive set of guitars.
These are custom shop models but as well as the production models there are frequent one offs or special runs, I may
feature some of those if I come across them.
This guitar was a spectacular looking guitar but no more expensive than the other set necks
Specifications
Body Honduran Mahogany Iveroid binding with a Highly Figured Maple top
Neck Honduran Mahogany 12" radius
Fretboard 22 Jumbo Frets see below
Headstock See pictures
Tuners Gold Fender Branded Schallers sealed Diecast
Pickups Both Black Coverless; Di Marzio Custom Humbucker at Neck Fender Custom Wound Single coil at bridge
Controls 1 Volume 1 TBX Tone both gold knurled; Black Tipped 3 way selector coil tap mini toggles
Nut approx 43mm
Neckplate None
Hardware Gold
Bridge 6 saddle flat with through body stringing gold
Pickguard 5 screw laminated tortoiseshell
Colours Natural, Sunset Orange Transparent, Silver Sparkle and Gold Sparkle
Fretboard is described in the 1992 and 1994 Frontlines as Ebony in the 1992 Picelist as Brazilian Rosewood and in in the 1993,94 and 95
price lists as Pao Ferro,, could be different ones had different boards.
There are three models just described as Set Neck, the 10-3600 is the standard model, there is a Floyd Rose Version
10-3800 and one sometimes described as Tele plus 10-3700. Main specs are the same as the Country artist so
Body Honduran Mahogany Iveroid binding with a Highly Figured Maple top
Neck Honduran Mahogany 12" radius
Fretboard 22 Jumbo Frets again described usually as Pao Ferro but in some places as Ebony and sometimes Brazilian Rosewood
Headstock similar to Country Artist
Tuners Chrome sealed diecast on 3600 and 3700
Controls 1 Volume 1 TBX Tone both chrome knurled; Black Tipped 3 way selector (5 way on Floyd Rose model) coil tap mini toggles
Nut approx 43mm
Neckplate None
Hardware Black on the Floyd Rose model Chrome on the other two, occasional gold
Bridge 6 saddle flat with through body stringing gold
Pickguard None
Colours for all three models are Sapphire Blue Transparent, Autumn Gold, Antique Burst, Crimson Transparent and Ebony Transparent.
Variations
Pickups 2 DiMarzio HBs the FR model has an additional Fender Single coil in the middle and some appear not to have the coil tap mini toggle.
Bridge 3600 Standard 6 saddle chrome strat style hardtail bridge
3700 deluxe trem plus a roller nut and locking tuners
3800 Floyd Rose Pro Double locking trem locking nut
Comment from PeeGoo on the Tele forum
The adjustable metal roller nut on the 10-3700 Plus model was a standard feature on several models at the time, including the Strat Plus,
American Deluxe HSS, and Jeff Beck Stratocaster. It's called the LSR; an alternative to a locking nut. It's also available in kit form with
a shim set as a retrofit, and requires knocking off the end of the fingerboard. Some players love 'em, and most don't like 'em.
This was first made around 1994 and is said to have started with 2 runs comprising a 100 Vintage Blonde models and 150 Sunburst
along with a possible less number of Shoreline gold ones those being for a specific shop (Washington music centre). Then moved to
normal production with the specs below. There are a lot of special runs, limited edition and masterbuilt guitars about.
Published Specs
Body Honduran Mahogany 11 chambers
Neck Honduran Mahogany
Fretboard 22 Medium Jumbo Frets 9.5" radius Pao Ferro
Pickups Duncan Hot Soapbar SP90-2 at Neck Custom Soapbar SP90-3 at bridge
Headstock matching 1 round string tree and Fender Telecaster JR written on
Tuners Chrome sealed diecast
Controls 1 Volume 1 TBX Tone both chrome knurled; 3 way selector
Nut approx 43mm
Neckplate None
Hardware Chrome
Bridge 6 saddle flat with through body stringing strat hardtail style
Pickguard varies with coloure
Colours Crimson Transparent with Black white pickguard, Vintage White with Brown Shell Guard Surf Green with White shell guard
