Fender American Original '50s Telecaster Maple Fingerboard Electric Guitar Butterscotch Blonde

I am a long time Telecaster player. I purchased this plus the '60s model when they came out. I love the '60s model, but the '50s model is my all time favorite guitar. I've toured all over the world with it. I plan on keeping it forever. It's such a great guitar!

Due to COVID-19, I've been forced to sell off a bunch of my gear in order to pay bills. I've sold 11 of my guitars, but held onto this one. It is a keeper.

If you Are not a fan of the paying extra for someone else to beat up your guitar for you, then this is the best telecaster available at the moment. Keeps all of the great vintage specs, but has a friendlier more modern fretboard radius. I liked this guitar so much that I bought two!

Fender hit one out of the park on this one! They actually listened to what players wanted, and they delivered! I own seven American made Telecasters (including two Custom Shop models), and this is hands down my favorite. The very best of both vintage and modern worlds. It's like they just corrected the mistakes/quirks of the 50's models, and vastly improved the play ability of the guitar.

I gave fours stars because for most people, this Tele is fine. There a are a couple things on this guitar or design that makes it not quite a 5 Star. My Strat is a 5 Star without doubt. I should have played one before making the order. I went against my standard policy. Trusted reviews and marketing content. This guitar is quite nice looking. Has some finish flaws. Not a big deal. The bridge plate cover is useless. Pops off easily and not practical for some playing technique. BIGGEST ISSUES: #1 & #2 strings are much too close to the fret ends and will roll off if I am not careful. Low action was not a possibility as even a medium attack will buzz so I had the action raised above the Fender suggested starting setup. Had to get an under-warranty nut adjustment. Slots just too tight and too low. Wanted a flatter relief in the neck; buzzing got worse so it's a little high there too. The pickups are not balanced. G string is loud. A & E is boomy sounding. It took a lot of adjusting on the guitar and amplifier. Pickups very low and just slight lower on 6 string side (bottomed out there). Even changed tubes and did a mod with the Deluxe Hot Rod - basically a G. Benson amp now). I can play this instrument but I must say I have to fight so much more than with my AS 1992 Stratocaster. My first Strat was brand new off the floor 1972 AS Strat. Loved it. Long story how that one got away. This AO 50's Telecaster may grow on me we'll see. I bought it specifically for my going towards Jazz these days as many of my favorite players use a Telecaster. One more year. May have to sell and this time try before I buy or build one. That's the way it is with guitars.

I love old Tele sound. I owned a several Teles now and then. I only have a couple now. I owned Vintage 52 Reissue, 64 Vintage Reissue, 58 Vintage Reissue and a few Custom Shop Teles. I must say I like them all because of the sound - each one has a distinct sounds / feels of their own. But I play all genre from R&B, Soul, Disco, Pops, Rock and Jazz for my gigs. For that reason, the play-ability is very important. I like all classic features with 9.5 radius neck! (the reason I buy Fender CS is this!!!) Now you don't have to pay extra $2K to get Fender CS. I might buy another one if Fender decided to make one with Jumbo Fret!