USED Fender Custom Shop / MBS 1957 Telecaster NOS 2-Color Sunburst by Todd Krause [3.37 kg / Manufactured in 2002]

A 1957 Telecaster by Todd Kraus of the Fender Custom Shop (MBS), built in 2002.

A Master-Built (MBS) Telecaster by Todd Kraus, who crafts guitars for top artists such as Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, David Gilmour, Robbie Robertson, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Robin Trower, and Roger Waters.

It faithfully follows the 1957 specifications, featuring a beautifully cut 1957 Soft “V” maple neck that is substantial yet offers a superb fit, a 7.25R fingerboard, a carefully selected ash body, a rear pickup (presumably original, though not specified) with chamfered edges from the Tele-SET series, and a 5-point-mounted single-ply pickguard.

This is a masterpiece that reflects the expertise of Todd Kraus, a leading Master Builder at the Custom Shop who has crafted numerous instruments for the world’s top artists.

Although the certificate of authenticity lists the instrument as “NOS,” it has been played extensively, and the bridge saddles, knobs, and pots have been replaced, and the wiring has been modified. It features a distinguished appearance with signs of wear, including sun fading, scuffs and paint chipping along the body’s outer edges, partial peeling of the logo, paint chipping on the fingerboard surface and the side of the fingerboard near the first string, warping of the pickguard, and tarnish and pitting on the metal parts.It comes with a molded case.

It was set up upon arrival (cleaning, string replacement, truss rod adjustment, octave adjustment, action adjustment, and fret leveling). While the fret tops are slightly lower due to the leveling, they are still at a height suitable for playing, and the truss rod has been tested up to 60° in both directions and is in good working order.

Condition Grade: B+: Some minor scratches, but no issues for normal use

Serial Number: TK144
Year of Manufacture: 2002
Country of Manufacture: USA
Case: Hard Case (Molded)
Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity, Bridge Cover
Weight: 3.37 kg
Truss Rod: No issues; checked up to 60 degrees to the left and right with no problems
Remaining Fret Height: Note: While the frets can still be filed down, they are on the low side
String Height (Low-String Side): 2.0 mm at the 12th fret
String Action (Treble Side): 1.5 mm at the 12th fret
Nut width: 42.1 mm
Neck thickness near the 1st fret: 25.4 mm
Neck thickness near the 12th fret: 26.1 mm
Scale: 648 mm (25.5")
RADIUS: 184 mm (7.25")
Strings at setup: ERNIE BALL 2223 / .009-.042 set
Modifications: Bridge saddles, potentiometers, knobs
Repairs and Maintenance: Cleaning, string replacement, truss rod adjustment, octave adjustment, action adjustment, fret leveling

* As this is a used item, there may be scratches, dents, and other imperfections that are not clearly visible in the photos or not listed here. Please be aware of this in advance.

* Any listed measurements for the truss rod, remaining fret height, string action, etc., were taken by our staff during setup. These measurements are subject to change due to environmental factors such as climate and humidity.
These measurements are intended as a reference at the time of purchase; we cannot guarantee that the measurements will be identical when the item arrives.

* This item is a one-of-a-kind piece, and we are listing it simultaneously on multiple marketplaces, including our in-store display. We strive to promptly remove product listings once an item is sold, but updates may not always be in real time.
We sincerely apologize in the unlikely event that the item is sold out after you place your order, and we ask for your understanding.