Fender Telecaster Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1968), made in Fullerton, California, blonde finish, ash body, maple cap neck, original black tolex hard shell case.
This is a fine example of a "transitional' Fender Telecaster from the latter part of 1968, with a mix of features particular to that early-CBS era. The neck is built with a separate maple "cap" fingerboard; the original 1950s-style one piece maple neck would be re-introduced within months, but when this guitar was built the maple fingerboard was still a special-order option.
The Fender logo is in the newer style which had been introduced earlier in the year, while the neck is finished in the very earliest poly style with the decal underneath and without the separate lacquer overcoat on the headstock. The body is in the transitional style lacquer finish with the ash grain visible. These sorts of details have become of ever greater interest as the collectible value of old Fender instruments has soared!
This is a great-sounding and perfect-playing Telecaster with the crackling tone typical of later '60s guitars. Apart from some light play wear and the traditional Tele edgewear, it's a well-preserved "maple cap" guitar.
Overall length is 39 3/4 in. (101 cm.), 12 5/8 in. (32.1 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.).
Condition is extremely nice overall with typical small dings around the perimeter of the guitar but a very clean face. There is some shrinkage to the pickguard and a small chip out of one corner.
This guitar is 100% original, including all wiring and internal components, and even has the 'ashtray' bridge cover intact. A very fine '60s Tele for playing or collecting. Excellent + Condition.
