the guitarstyle
1971 Fender Telecaster
1971 Fender Telecaster
This 1971 Fender Telecaster is an wonderful example of both a custom colour Fender guitar and a rare factory fitted Fender vibrato Telecaster, both of which make it a rather unique find. This Telecaster features an Alder body and Maple neck with a comfortable 'C' shaped profile that is very comfortable in the hand. The heel features an ink stamp that dates to '71. The body is of course not drilled for a string-through orientation, with the strings top loading from the vibrato. The original single coil pickups feature all the clarity and top end you would expect from a telecaster bridge, with the traditional mellow sound from the neck position.
This guitar is in very good cosmetic condition. The custom colour finish is original and in good condition, with some signs of play wear and patina that help to show the finishing process with this custom colour, with the red lacquer applied over a metallic gold base coat that gives Candy Apple Red its signature metallic sparkle.
The original pickups are correct, and the original Stackpole pots date to the end of 1967. All external hardware is original, including the 'F' stamped vibrato tailpiece and tuners. This guitar has benefitted from a refret, and the back of the neck and fingerboard have been over sprayed, presumably as part fo the refret process. At some point, the original holes for the bridge posts have been re-drilled and moved about a 1/4" back towards the vibrato, perhaps to help with intonation. The bridge posts and bridge pickup plate are original, although the bridge itself is a newer replacement.
This guitar has been given a full service and appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty. Please enquire for any internal pictures.