1954 Tele & The Story of Tadeo Gomez

Tadeo Gomez was a Mexican immigrant who walked over 1,000 miles to the United States in search of work and opportunity. His journey eventually led him to Leo Fender’s small factory in Fullerton, California, in the early 1950s, where he became one of Fender’s most skilled craftsmen. Gomez’s precision and artistry made him an integral part of the team that shaped the future of electric guitars.

Working as a neck shaper, Gomez left his mark—literally—on countless early Fender instruments. His “TG” pencil initials, found on the heels of 1950s Telecaster, Stratocaster, and Precision Bass necks, are now legendary among collectors. He is especially associated with the development of the coveted Soft V neck profile of the early ’50s, which became a hallmark of Fender’s golden era.

We’re incredibly fortunate to have an example of his work here in our shop—one that highlights the intricate detail and craftsmanship Tadeo put into hand-carving and shaping these early Fender necks.

This guitar carries a unique history and blend of vintage parts. The neck comes from a 1954 Fender Telecaster, saved after its original body was carved into a double-cut SG-style guitar that once hung in a shop in Des Moines, IA. The neck itself was crafted by Tadeo Gomez, one of Fender’s most revered craftsmen of the 1950s. Gomez worked closely with Leo Fender and is credited with shaping the highly sought-after Soft V profile found on early Telecasters and Stratocasters.

The body is a 1955 Telecaster body, sourced at the Dallas Vintage Guitar Show. It’s fitted with a 1965 bridge pickup and bridge plate, bringing out that mid-60s sparkle and bite, and features an original 1955 neck pickup. The electronics include vintage Stackpole potentiometers dated to 1951 (code 304515), completing a fascinating mix of Fender history.

This instrument is a true player’s vintage hybrid—built from authentic golden-era Fender parts, with the soulful feel of a Gomez-crafted ’54 neck and the tonal character of mid-60s pickups. This guitar is truly remarkable to play, and we are looking for the right home for it!

For more information, please visit our listing!