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Average Price: $44,253

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$1001+

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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

What are the tonal characteristics of the 1960 Fender Telecaster?

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.

What is the neck profile of the 1960 Fender Telecaster?

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.

Is the 1960 Fender Telecaster suitable for beginners?

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.

What woods are used in the construction of the 1960 Fender Telecaster?

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.

Does the 1960 Fender Telecaster have a bolt-on neck?

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.

Guitarist

Guitarist

Robben Ford on his blonde 1960 Telecaster

Video thumbnail for Robben Ford on his blonde 1960 Telecaster by Guitarist

Robben Ford on his blonde 1960 Telecaster

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Telecaster Slab Board | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Telecaster Slab Board | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Fender Telecaster - Atoyboy Guitars by ATB Guitars

1960 Fender Telecaster - Atoyboy Guitars

ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars

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

  • Electrical tape around the pickup switch can prevent the cap from falling off, providing resistance without being invasive.

    Source
  • Vintage style tuners require string ends to be pushed inside the hole in the tuner shaft for clean winding, avoiding loose ends.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the stock pickup selector cap with a knurled nickel one from Rutters, secured by a set screw, enhances durability and aesthetics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source

Other

  • The presence of a small notch near the neck heel on the pickguard is characteristic of genuine 60s models to allow truss rod adjustments.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Incredible Journey of a 1960 Custom Telecaster - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

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Artist usage

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See how Rick Parfitt uses Fender Telecaster 1960

Rick Parfitt

Guitarist

Status Quo

...
Verified via YouTube

2:00 "This is my stage Tele which I've had for most of my life..."

See how Rob McNelley uses Fender Telecaster 1960

Rob McNelley

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Brent Rowan uses Fender Telecaster 1960

Brent Rowan

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Rambos

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine
Color/Finish: Blonde Year: 1960

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

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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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