Fender Telecaster Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1968), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 216116, blonde finish, ash body, maple neck with maple fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case.
This is a fine example of a 'transitional' Fender Telecaster from the middle 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 1950's style one piece maple neck would be re-introduced within months but when this guitar was assembled 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, for better visibility on TV according to CBS theory. The neck is still finished in the older style lacquer, with the decal underneath the top clearcoat on the headstock. The body is in the transitional style lacquer finish, blonde with the ash grain visible. The pickups are still wired with the old-style cloth leads, and the pots date to 1966, when a huge quantity were bought in by the CBS purchasing department. This guitar has the classic Tele sound and character, soon to be buried under the dreaded thick-skin CBS polyester� just around the corner when this one was assembled!
Overall length is 38 3/4 in. (98.4 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.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.). This is a great sounding and perfect playing Telecaster with the crackling tone typical of later 60's guitars. Apart from some average light play wear to the fingerboard and the traditional Tele body edgewear it a very well preserved 'maple cap' guitar. It appears to always have been played with the "ashtray" bridge cover on as, the cover itself shows wear from contact while the bridge hardware underneath looks practically new. It remains a superbly original guitar which appears to have had a very careful refret some time ago with period style wire, but no other alterations. Includes a nice OHSC. Excellent Condition.
