Fender Telecaster, Blonde (USED, 1971)

Don't judge a book by its...birthday??

We do it, and we're pretty sure you do it.

However, savvy guitar collectors and (mostly) players have long found tremendous value in first full decade of post-CBS Fender guitar offerings. It usually takes a bit more ambition and effort to wade through a see of "boat anchor" Strats and Teles before finding an example that won't tear a hole in your shoulder. But when you hit the one, you quickly realize that sharing manufacturing dates with chart-topping Disco hits doesn't mean a thing.

In what might be one of the lightest Telecasters we've ever had our hands on, this guitar would be considered a featherweight by 70s standards. Lively and resonant, we're instantly reminded of that feeling of those 50s and 60s standouts. Super comfortable weight combined with a wonderful medium C neck makes playability a breeze, even with some lean and low frets. The original pickups feel great as well - the neck pickup has a bit of a Strat-like quality to it, and the bridge pickup delivers all the Tele twang we love with a little more attitude. The earliest of the 70s Teles often share a lot of the desired features that make late 60s Teles so lauded, which continues to enhance their value. This one crossed the production line before the 3-bolt micro-tilt neck and addition of a second string tree, and some say that you end up with what is essentially a 67-69 spec Tele (without the maple cap neck of course). 

Tone is on the brighter side thanks to an original wiring harness consisting of 1966 1 MEG pots, but that's easily tamed with a quick turn of the tone knob. Wide open, it's Bakersfield twang all day long, but once you get used to the feel and response of the higher value pots, you find those sweet spots where you can coax a fatter, rounder tone out of the guitar. A great Tele will always find a way to get you what you want if you let it, and this one does just that. It's just a total joy to play, plain and simple.

Condition: Very Good+. Original Blonde finish is in excellent condition with some shrinkage on the top and some straight finish checking. The original frets are low but clean and playable.

Non-original hardshell case included.

• Ash Body
• 4-Bolt Maple neck w/ single string tree
• F Stamp neck plate
• 25.5" scale length
  
• Original pickups: 6.42k Neck / 5.93k Bridge
• Medium C neck profile - .89" @ 1st fret / .94" @ 12th fret
• Original 1 MEG CTS pots dated 1966
• Weight: 6lb 15oz