Fender Telecaster Custom, Sunburst (1978)
Tele-Style · Vintage
The combination of the original Wide Range humbucker and the traditional single coil bridge pickup is remarkably versatile, allowing for classic Tele tones and so much more. There's something particularly great about the WRHB in this guitar, too. It has the perfect mixture of warmth and clarity with nice harmonic bloom that makes you just want to park the switch permanently in that pickup position. Despite being on the lighter side for a late 70s Fender, and registered noticeably high on the resonance scale, it appears as though it wasn't played all that much over the years. The original 3-Tone Sunburst finish is very clean and vibrant, with little to show in the way of wear. The neck finish follows suit, and the original frets - while of a smaller profile - still have lots of life left in them.
The plastics and hardware are also quite clean, and it even has its original ashtray bridge cover! All of the electronics are original, sporting CTS pots from the 40th week of the year. The original case is just as clean as the guitar, inside and out.
Approaching its 50th birthday, this Telecaster Custom is far and away one of the best versions of this model we've had our hands on.
| Style | Solidbody |
| Body | Ash |
| Finish | Polyurethane |
| Color | 3-Tone Sunburst |
| Pickups | Original Wide Range humbucker (10.41k) | Original bridge pickup (5.94k) |
| Electronics | Original CTS | 137 7840 code |
| Controls | Volume (x2) / Tone (x2) / 3-Way Toggle |
| Bridge | Original |
| Tuners | F Stamp |
| Pickguard | Original |
| Neck | Maple |
| Binding | None |
| Carve | Chunky C .88-.93" |
| Fingerboard | Maple |
| Radius | 7.25" |
| Inlays | Dots |
| Frets | Original |
| Nut | Original |
| Scale Length | 25 1/2" |
| Serial # | S814681 |
| Weight | 8lb 11oz |
| Case | Original Fender hardshell |
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.