Inside Clarence White's Telecaster by James V. Roy (original) (raw)

Fender Custom Shop Sr. Master Builder Mark Kendrick disassembles Clarence White's Telecaster, now owned and played by Marty Stuart, as a demonstration on how he spec a guitar at the Summer NAMM show in Nashville, TN July 19, 2001

Sr. Master Builder Mark Kendrick displays Clarence Whites original TelecasterSr. Master Builder Mark Kendrick displays Clarence Whites original Telecaster Clarence White and Gene Parsons developed the first BenderClarence White and Gene Parsons developed the first Bender The guitar is now owned by Marty Stuart.The guitar is now owned by Marty Stuart. Why are you taking it apart Mark? Because I can! (Hey, we're guys)"Why are you taking it apart Mark?" "Because I can!" (Hey, we're guys)
A second Tele body was routed and added to house the mechanism.A second Tele body was routed and added to house the mechanism. Removing the neck reveals a neck date of 10/56Removing the neck reveals a neck date of 10/56 Mark takes a measurement of the nut width...Mark takes a measurement of the nut width... a measurent at the heel...a measurent at the heel...
and the neck thickness at several positions.and the neck thickness at several positions. He uses solder to make a casting and then traces the profile for record along with the measurements.He uses solder to make a casting and then traces the profile for record along with the measurements. the cast is taken, traced and a template made which would later be lacquerd to preserve and then kept as record.the cast is taken, traced and a template made which would later be lacquerd to preserve and then kept as record. Now lets have a look inside.Now lets have a look inside.
A strat pickup (a 54 I believe) has been put in the neck position.A strat pickup (a 54 I believe) has been put in the neck position. Mark takes a reading of the pick ups resistance.Mark takes a reading of the pick ups resistance. looking at the control plate we see that the volume pot has been replaced and a few mods have been made.looking at the control plate we see that the volume pot has been replaced and a few mods have been made. Heres a shot of the backside with the masonite removed. The second body is attached with lag screws.Heres a shot of the backside with the masonite removed. The second body is attached with lag screws.
Banjo (Scruggs-Keith) tuners have replaced the two E string tuners.Banjo (Scruggs-Keith) tuners have replaced the two E string tuners. A closer look at the bender mechanism.A closer look at the bender mechanism. Even with the double thick body mods had to be made to cover the bender. A thicker body would've probably added more weight.Even with the double thick body mods had to be made to cover the bender. A thicker body would've probably added more weight. One bender is activated by applying pressure to the strap button, the other by pushing that knob.One bender is activated by applying pressure to the strap button, the other by pushing that knob.
All back together, Marty will never know the difference (unless he looks here).All back together, Marty will never know the difference (unless he looks here). Naturally I have to get in on this.Naturally I have to get in on this.