Fender Custom Telecaster, Sunburst (1968)
T-Style · SS (2 Single Coils) Pickups · Vintage
We're nicknaming this incredible 1968 Fender Custom Telecaster "Mr. Clean" for obvious reasons. We dare you to find a cleaner one from this period... period!
If you asked the latest, greatest AI software to create a photo of a mint condition Custom Telecaster from the late 60s, we don't even think it would get it quite as accurate as this real life example before you.This early '68 Custom Telecaster features the classic double bound stylings that debuted in 1959, but with a CBS-Era twist- a beautiful Maple Cap neck! While most Customs featured Rosewood fingerboards of the slab and veneer variety, this '68 rocks one of the most highly regarded necks Fender produced.
This guitar was purchased by its longtime second owner on July 11, 1969 from Bob's Music Store in North Canton, Ohio. From the looks of it, they liked the idea of owning the guitar more than they did actually playing it. So why was it left to just hang out in a close for half a century? "Oh it must not be a good guitar then". Some people are probably thinking that, but none of us here would agree with you. Not even a little.
Some '68s (like this one) seem to combine the best of a Tele in one guitar. For starters, it's a light build, weighing in just over 7lbs on our scale. Second, it has a fantastic playing Maple Cap neck with a Medium C carve a lean/moderate taper. Third, the pickups are just fabulous sounding in every way, even with the untouched factory dark circuit!
We gotta circle back to the condition on this one more time. It's pretty mindblowing to encounter guitars from this era that make it this far in this kind of shape. There's maybe one other Fender we've sold here that approaches the condition of this '68, and we've had our hands on some of the most impressive vintage inventory out there!
The guitar includes its original black hardshell case, original owner's manual (complete with matching serial number), original ashtray bridge cover, and the previously mentioned receipt from its last sale in the Summer of '69. A total package for the collector, and a total tone machine for the player.
| Style | Solidbody |
| Body | Alder |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose |
| Color | 3-Tone Sunburst |
| Pickups | Original | 6.73k Neck / 6.08k Bridge |
| Electronics | Original 'Dark Circuit' Harness | 137 6642 pot codes |
| Controls | Volume / Tone / 3-Way Switch |
| Bridge | Original Pat # |
| Tuners | Original F Stamp |
| Pickguard | Original 3-Ply |
| Neck | Maple | 3FEB68B Stamp |
| Binding | None |
| Carve | Medium C | .86-.92" |
| Fingerboard | Maple Cap |
| Radius | 7.25" |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Frets | Original |
| Nut | Original |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Serial # | 217321 |
| Weight | 7lb 2oz |
| Case | OHSC |
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
Pricing
We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.
Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
Accurate Listings
Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.
Shipping
With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.