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Exploring the Raphael Saadiq Telecaster

Exploring the Raphael Saadiq Telecaster

Description

The limited-edition Fender Raphael Saadiq Telecaster seamlessly blends inspiration from an iconic model with customizations by the Grammy Award-winning producer and artist. Built to Saadiq’s specifications, this Tele struts distinctive appointments and premium components for playing comfort, robust tone and a one-of-a-kind appearance. Go all the way with the Raphael Saadiq Telecaster, and bring your soul, funk, R&B, jazz and hip-hop ideas to life.

Fender Raphael Saadiq Telecaster

Customized by a Prolific Artist

With your hands on the Raphael Saadiq Telecaster, you’ll feel the multi-platinum artist’s influential style in every detail. From the clay dot inlays to the custom pickguard graphic and shape, this Telecaster reflects Saadiq's keen eye for fusing vintage style with contemporary touches. The black headstock and body binding offset its vibrant red finish, adding a tasteful touch of class to an otherwise “flashy” guitar. There's even a custom-etched neck plate cover as another signature touch that makes this guitar feel equal parts familiar and refreshing.  

Fender Raphael Saadiq Telecaster Pickups

Powered by Custom Pickups

The Telecaster’s tone is defined by its pickups, and Raphael Saadiq’s custom single-coil Tele transducers are tailored to produce the warm, punchy sound he’s known for. Roll back the tone knob for a smooth, rounded character or open it up for articulate clarity. However you set them, these pickups will expand your tonal palette with the musicality and nuance people love about Raphael Saadiq’s own playing. Far from a one-trick pony, these custom pickups are voiced to match Saadiq’s preferences, but the instrument’s sound appeals to a wide range of Telecaster enthusiasts.

Fender Raphael Saadiq Telecaster Neck

Smooth-Playing Satin Neck

This Telecaster’s maple neck and rosewood fingerboard provide a comfortable playing feel with a flatter 9.5" radius and 21 vintage-tall frets. The ’59 C-shape neck has a satin urethane back finish to enhance playability, allowing your hand to glide smoothly across the fretboard. It’s easy to lay down soulful stylings on the Fender Raphael Saadiq Tele, thanks to its carefully chosen specs that facilitate the legendary musician’s own songwriting.

Fender Raphael Saadiq Telecaster Hardware

Premium Appointments for Robust Tone

Beneath its stylish exterior, the Raphael Saadiq Telecaster is built for performance. An ash body and maple neck provide a rigid foundation for sustain and clarity. Vintage-tall frets make bending and vibrato easy, while a meticulously slotted bone nut enhances sustain and prevents the strings from sticking. Plus, the Pure Vintage bridge saddles are adjustable for precise intonation, so you can dial in just the right setup with dead-on tuning stability. From its premium components to its comfortable ’59 C-shape neck, this Telecaster is engineered for inspiring playability and sonics—it even comes with a deluxe hardshell case featuring a “red poodle” interior.

Whether you’re captivated by its unique style or moved by its profound tonal characteristics, the Fender limited-edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster is a visionary take on a timeless classic. Designed by an influential artist, this model seamlessly blends vintage-inspired tones and playability with contemporary customizations for an unforgettable playing experience.

Features

  • Custom Raphael Saadiq single-coil Tele pickups
  • Slab rosewood fingerboard with clay dots and vintage-tall frets
  • '59 C-shape neck
  • Vintage-spec hardware
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

Body
  • Body Shape: Telecaster
  • Body wood: Ash
  • Body finish: Gloss Polyurethane
Neck
  • Neck Construction: 4-bolt standard
  • Scale length: 25.5"
  • Truss rod: Head adjust
  • Neck finish: Satin Urethane
Fingerboard
  • Material: Slab rosewood
  • Fret size: Vintage tall
  • Number of frets: 21
  • Inlays: Clay dot
  • Nut width/material: 1.65"/bone
Electronics
  • Configuration: SS
  • Neck: Custom Raphael Saadiq single-coil Tele
  • Bridge: Custom Raphael Saadiq single-coil Tele
  • Control layout: Master volume, master tone
  • Switching: 3-position
Hardware
  • Control Knobs: Knurled flat-top
  • Hardware Finish: Nickel/chrome
  • Strings: Fender USA 250R nickel-plated steel

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Q&A

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  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byMike

    fromNaperville, IL

    Is this made in the USA?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes it is.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byThe CAPTAIN

    fromNY, NY

    Is guitar American made?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes it is.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byCircuskimo

    fromundisclosed

    What is country of origin

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The Fender Limited Edition Raphael Saadiq Telecaster is US made.