Fender American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster Question

[Ozopart]

I have several Warmoth Tele's, but wanted one Fender also. I just purchased the AVII 51 Tele and have an issue which I don't know if it is a problem or not. The dealer says it is normal, doesn't seem right to me, especially on a brand new guitar.

The issue is the low e side of the pickguard has a noticeable bulge/gap where you can look from the side and see the side of the neck pickup. I tried, and the dealer tried to unscrew it and screw it back on with the same bulge happening. Again, they say it is completely normal. Does this seem right? Thanks!

 

[mayfly]

Weeeeel, that all depends. Do you have a 5 hole pickguard, or an 8 hole version? It's kinda (sorta, maybe) normal for the 5 holer, but not at all for the 8 hole version.

If you have the 8 hole version, then it means that whoever made it mis-aligned the pickguard holes when drilling it. If it's a 5 holer, you might get rid of it by messing with the neck pickup (looks like there's perhaps a piece of foam under it pushing it up and the pickguard with it). If it were a customer's guitar, I'd personally work hard to get rid of it. But as others have noted, I'm insane .

 

[Ozopart]

Weeeeel, that all depends. Do you have a 5 hole pickguard, or an 8 hole version? It's kinda (sorta, maybe) normal for the 5 holer, but not at all for the 8 hole version.

If you have the 8 hole version, then it means that whoever made it mis-aligned the pickguard holes when drilling it. If it's a 5 holer, you might get rid of it by messing with the neck pickup (looks like there's perhaps a piece of foam under it pushing it up and the pickguard with it). If it were a customer's guitar, I'd personally work hard to get rid of it. But as others have noted, I'm insane .

It is a 5 hole. Both myself and the dealer removed the pickguard and there was nothing pushing up on it. I am thinking it is just a bad pickguard. I called Fender. Hopefully they will just send me a replacement. I though it also might have heen the screws were slightly off, but I don't think that is the problem. I think I am out of step with the world, and too particular. But to me, a new guitar should have no flaws. Again, I am probably being unrealistic.
All that being said, it sounds awesome. Just the twangy, vintage Tele sound I have been after. And paired with my FM3, ane my tube amp with Mayfly pedals it seems great!

 

[teleme01]

If you discount a musicians by the dings of battle, then how to score willie? But I agree that paying for details $$$, should be perfect. And for it to be vintage it had to be 5hole

 

[Scab Pickens]

The dealer says it is normal, doesn't seem right to me, especially on a brand new guitar.

If that "dealer" says this is "normal", you should probably try to find a different dealer.

I guess you didn't actually play and inspect the guitar before purchase?

What I'm seeing would be completely unacceptable to me.

I have never purchased a guitar from a "dealer". Other items in the past have been purchased from dealers, but never a guitar .

 

[Ozopart]

If that "dealer" says this is "normal", you should probably try to find a different dealer.

I guess you didn't actually play and inspect the guitar before purchase?

What I'm seeing would be completely unacceptable to me.

I have never purchased a guitar from a "dealer". Other items in the past have been purchased from dealers, but never a guitar .

I guess people don't use the word dealer to refer to a guitar shop? I did play and inspect it, just missed this issue. Didn't notice it until I brought it home and played it at home. Waiting on Fender to give their input but I believe Fender or the shop I bought it at should replace the pickguard with an authentic Fender 5 Hole Bakelite 51 pickguard. Other than that the guitar plays great.