An impressively built and rather rare Saul Koll Guitars Blackguard Tele reproduction. This instrument was handmade by Saul Koll in Portland Oregon. While Saul is mostly known for his original designs such as the Duo Glide and Super Glide, every once in a while given the opportunity he will craft a one-off Tele Style instrument. This guitar is one of them and was built in the early 2000's between 2001 and 2003. It features a 2-piece swamp ash body and 1-piece maple neck. The pickups are Lollars Vintage T set with a flat pole-piece bridge pickup that fit the bill just right.

Like with all Koll guitars that we've had the opportunity to play, the workmanship is up there with the best. Only the finest hardware was selected for this build including Kluson tuners and Glendale bridge, knobs, intonated saddles (Brass E, B, G, D & Aluminum A and Low E) and control plate. As far as the neck goes Saul went with slightly taller than vintage fret-wire, which is very easy to bend on and a 9.5" radius.

This Tele is one of the most balanced that we have played with neither body or neck dive. It weighs in at a comfortable 7lbs 6.5oz. The guitar features a recent pro-setup with 10-46 gauge D'Addario NYXL strings. The neck is slightly figured and features a Med-C neck carve that will feel right at home in most any players hands. There are a few dings on the body here and there as you can see in the photos but nothing crazy.

Saul Koll used a period-correct headstock with a faint Koll waterslide decal that is clear surrounded by a gold boarder. Overall this is a very well taken care of instrument (especially considering its age) and is ready to play right out of its case.

Specs

·2-piece swamp ash body
·1-piece maple neck w/ subtle flame figure. 1st & 12th fret measurements read 0.83” & 0.95”
·1.67" nut width
·9.5” Radius
·Med height fret-wire, slightly wider than vintage
·Hand-cut bone nut
·25.5” Radius
·Butterscotch Blonde body finish
·Natural neck finish (light tint)
·Nitro body and neck finish (low-shine gloss body / med-shine gloss neck)
·Glendale control plate, knobs, saddles & bridge plate
·Kluson tuners
·Lollar Vintage-T pickups
·Koll headstock decal (Gold)
·Vintage-type single-action truss rod with adjustment point at heel
·Alligator tolex Hard Shell Case
·Weight: 7lbs 6.5oz