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Average Price: $44,253
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Description
The 1960 Fender Telecaster in White is more than just a guitar; it's a piece of musical history. Revered for its minimalist design and unparalleled versatility, this Telecaster embodies the essence of rock and country music's evolution. Its string-thru body construction enhances sustain and resonance, making each note ring out with clarity and depth. Crafted with an Ash body and a Maple neck, it offers a balanced mix of warmth and brightness that has captivated legendary musicians for decades.
The Telecaster's dual single-coil pickups deliver the signature twang that has defined countless classic tracks. A smooth slab Rosewood fingerboard provides a comfortable playability, allowing musicians to effortlessly explore everything from intricate solos to driving rhythms. With a 25 1/2-inch scale length, this guitar offers a familiar feel and a broad range of tonal possibilities. The iconic white plastic pickguard not only protects the body but adds to its timeless aesthetic appeal.
Whether you're drawn to its rich heritage or its robust sound, the 1960 Fender Telecaster is a must-have for any guitarist seeking to channel the spirit of rock legends like Keith Richards and Merle Haggard.
Key Features:
- Single cutaway solid-body style
- Ash body with Maple neck
- Slab Rosewood fingerboard
- Two single-coil pickups
- 25 1/2-inch scale length
- White plastic pickguard
- String-thru body construction
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Telecaster |
| Finish | Blonde, Fiesta Red, Sunburst |
| Year | 1960 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Alder, Ash |
| Body Shape | T-Style |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | String-Through |
| Color Family | Brown, Red, Yellow |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fretboard Radius | 7.25" |
| Model Family | Fender Telecaster |
| Neck Construction | Bolt-On |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Offset Body | Non-Offset Body |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 25.5" |
| Series | Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era |
| Wood Top Style | Opaque, Plain |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the 1960 Fender Telecaster?
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The 1960 Fender Telecaster is known for its bright and cutting tone, with a strong midrange and clear high-end. Its single-coil pickups deliver a classic twang, making it ideal for genres like country, rock, and blues.
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What is the neck profile of the 1960 Fender Telecaster?
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The 1960 Fender Telecaster typically features a slim C-shaped neck profile, which provides comfortable playability for a range of hand sizes and playing styles.
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Is the 1960 Fender Telecaster suitable for beginners?
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While the 1960 Fender Telecaster offers excellent playability and sound, its vintage nature and historical value may make it more suitable for experienced players and collectors rather than beginners.
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What woods are used in the construction of the 1960 Fender Telecaster?
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The 1960 Fender Telecaster is constructed with either an alder or ash body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its distinct sound and resonance.
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Does the 1960 Fender Telecaster have a bolt-on neck?
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Yes, the 1960 Fender Telecaster features a bolt-on neck construction, which is typical of Fender guitars and allows for easier maintenance and neck adjustments.
Videos
Guitarist
Robben Ford on his blonde 1960 Telecaster
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Telecaster 1960.
Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
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Replacing the stock pickup selector cap with a knurled nickel one from Rutters, secured by a set screw, enhances durability and aesthetics.
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Features and functionality
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The thick poly finish on Mexican Telecasters can develop finish cracks over time; early detection and gluing can prevent further damage.
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Early 60s Telecasters used nitrate pickguards that turn mint green over time due to material reactions and environmental exposure.
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The American Original 60s Telecaster features a fat neck that balances well with the body, allowing thumb wrapping, which some players prefer for comfort and playability.
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Comparisons
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The American Performer Telecaster, with its coil-tapping neck pickup, offers versatility and a unique feel compared to Mexican Strat models.
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Owners often prefer the American Original 60s Telecaster over some Custom Shop models, citing superior build quality and a more authentic vintage feel.
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Some users prefer the 9.5" radius and larger frets on the American Original 60s Telecaster over true vintage specs, despite the departure from traditional design.
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Value and pricing
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A 2020 Player Series Telecaster was available for $600 plus tax, noted as $100 off the usual price at Guitar Center.
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Build quality
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Real 1960s Telecasters have vulcanized fiberboard fretboard dots that age to a reddish-brown, unlike modern materials that stay white.
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Authentic 1960s models feature a 30° bevel on the pickguard, exposing more of the black middle layer compared to modern 45° bevels.
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The double white binding and tortoise shell pickguard on the American Original 60s Telecaster enhance its aesthetic appeal, making it stand out visually.
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User experience
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Owners of vintage Telecasters highlight weight variations and recommend verifying this when purchasing or inheriting such guitars.
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The pickups in the American Original 60s Telecaster have a higher output than 50s models, offering smoother tone control without the typical Fender neck muddiness.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
At 16:30 in the "Rob McNelley Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour" video by Premier Guitar on YouTube, guitarist Rob McNelley is seen discussing his 1960 Fender Telecaster (White).
It's just so I love this thing it's new to me and and I use it all the time.
In this Dec 2008 Vintage Guitar Magazine interview, Brent discusses his 1960 slab-bard Telecaster:
Q: What’s the story with the slab-board Tele?
A: Steve Henning found it for me. He and his dad have Heart of Texas Music in Austin. I have a couple of older Teles, but was looking for a nice rosewood-board. This one came through, and they sent it to me. Michael Stevens flattened the radius of the fingerboard and put slightly bigger frets in it – made it a much better player. So many early-’60s Teles are hard to bend on because of the overly curved fingerboard.
Q: What are some notable songs you used it on?
A: Joe Nichols’ “Brokenheartsville” and all the Tele stuff with Mark Chesnutt like “Going Through The Big D,” and “Bubba Shot The Jukebox.” I also used it for all the Tele stuff on Josh Turner’s records.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Telecaster 1960, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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