vintage tele...what have we got here ?

[StrummersOfThunder]

So im investigating an odd ball tele that I have been tempted by in a potential trade.
Wonder if the experts can shed some light...
I suspect its a partscaster masquerading as an original

Neck plate serial = 1971
Pot codes appear to be 35th week 1975
Neck pocket shows a green faded stamp with name ? E Pena
Neck heel no obious markings other than a pencil squiggle ? 8
Case appears to fit with ages of wither 1971 or 75
Pickups: Lindy fralin neck - bridge??

So... do we have a partscaster made up of some vintage parts ?

Either way its a pretty cool tele. In DIRE need of a refrett.

[NippleWrestler]

If it helps any F Pena was working at Fender in the late 60s.

[JustMatt]

1 Meg pots. How does it sound? Extremely bright?

[StrummersOfThunder]

If it helps any F Pena was working at Fender in the late 60s.

Ah yes F not E
I had just found that on TDP ....

[StrummersOfThunder]

1 Meg pots. How does it sound? Extremely bright?

Only when you plug it in

[GrantB]

Back of the tuners shot please my good man.

Def looking like many bits changed, but the body, neck and bridge could be orig.

[Reg18]

Looks very similar to my 72, although mine has 2 string trees which was standard in 72 not sure when it was introduced though. Could help verify the necks age.

[StrummersOfThunder]

Back of the tuners shot please my good man.

Def looking like many bits changed, but the body, neck and bridge could be orig.

As requested

[StrummersOfThunder]

Looks very similar to my 72, although mine has 2 string trees which was standard in 72 not sure when it was introduced though. Could help verify the necks age.

TDP says around 1971 they started using 2 string trees

[StrummersOfThunder]

Tuners looking a bit off...

[NippleWrestler]

Interesting how even without a 'full length shim' the neck didn't warp like the proverbial pretzel after all this time.

[bender]

Tuners looking a bit off...

They’re replacements, but the footprint is right for that era- would be interesting to see if there are any extra screw holes under those.

[bender]

Lovely checking on the body!

[Reg18]

What’s the trade value range? If it’s realistic could be a good opportunity. Honestly my 72 is right up there in terms of quality, perhaps comes in a close second to a Nocaster Molly brought to a gearfest once but still better than most others I’ve played.

[StrummersOfThunder]

I've heard that up to and including 72 were still very good transitional cbs instruments so it's definitely still of interest