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Average Price: $8,099

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step into the world of iconic sound with the 1965 Fender Telecaster, a quintessential piece of music history that has defined genres and inspired countless artists. Revered for its simplicity and versatility, this classic electric guitar continues to capture the hearts of musicians and collectors alike. The 1965 model boasts two single-coil pickups that deliver the signature bright twang and warm resonance that Telecasters are celebrated for. This year's edition also features the distinctive "transition" headstock logo, a three-ply white pickguard, and newly introduced pearloid inlays, offering a blend of style and nostalgia.

Crafted from a solid Ash body with a Maple neck, the Telecaster delivers a balanced, rich tone that's perfect for everything from country to rock. The string-through-body design enhances sustain and resonance, while the 25 1/2-inch scale length offers a comfortable playing experience. Despite its vintage roots, the 1965 Fender Telecaster remains a relevant and sought-after instrument, favored by legendary players like Keith Richards and Merle Haggard.

Whether you're a seasoned musician or an avid collector, the Fender 1965 Telecaster promises to enrich your musical journey with its timeless craftsmanship and unmatched sound quality.

Key Features:

  • Year of Production: 1965
  • Body Style: Single cutaway solid-body
  • Wood Composition: Ash body, Maple neck, Maple fingerboard
  • Design Elements: Two single-coil pickups, white three-ply pickguard, volume and tone controls
  • Scale Length: 25 1/2 inches
  • Unique to this Year: Pearloid inlays, transition headstock logo, glued-on Maple fingerboard option

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Telecaster
Finish Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue, Shoreline Gold
Year 1965
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Blue, Gold, Red, Yellow
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
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 CBS Era
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the 1965 Fender Telecaster?

The 1965 Fender Telecaster typically features a "C" shaped neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip suitable for a range of playing styles, from rhythm to lead.

What kind of tones can I expect from the 1965 Fender Telecaster pickups?

The 1965 Fender Telecaster is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver a bright and cutting tone, perfect for genres like country, rock, and blues.

Is the 1965 Fender Telecaster suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the 1965 Fender Telecaster is a classic instrument, its vintage status and price may make it more suitable for experienced players or collectors rather than beginners.

How does the 1965 Fender Telecaster differ from modern Telecasters?

The 1965 Fender Telecaster has a vintage construction with period-specific features like a bolt-on maple neck and single-coil pickups, offering a distinctively vintage tone and feel compared to modern iterations.

What type of fretboard does the 1965 Fender Telecaster have?

The 1965 Fender Telecaster can feature either a maple or rosewood fretboard, each offering a unique feel and tonal character.

The Twelfth Fret

The Twelfth Fret

Ed Bickert’s Blonde Fender Telecaster, 1965 at The Twelfth Fret

Video thumbnail for Ed Bickert’s Blonde Fender Telecaster, 1965 at The Twelfth Fret by The Twelfth Fret

Ed Bickert’s Blonde Fender Telecaster, 1965 at The Twelfth Fret

The Twelfth Fret

The Twelfth Fret

Video thumbnail for 1965 Fender Telecaster Maple Cap / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1965 Fender Telecaster Maple Cap / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: 1965 Fender Telecaster

guitar.com

A beautifully restored 1965 Fender Telecaster with a sympathetic refinish and original hardware, this guitar is a vintage gem for players. The neck feels tailor-made, balancing slimness with substance, offering a classic 60s Tele tone. Its vibrant treble and iconic jangle make it a versatile choice that can cut through any mix. While the refinish and filled routing might deter some purists, it results in a more affordable and less daunting player’s grade classic. Despite minor alterations, the guitar retains its charm and playability, making it a stellar choice for those seeking vintage vibes without museum-piece anxiety.

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Artist usage

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See how Eric Clapton uses Fender 1965 Fender Telecaster

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

Used in the studio during the seventies by Eric Clapton. Sold at the Crossroads roads benefit in 2013.

See how Jason Isbell uses Fender 1965 Fender Telecaster

Jason Isbell

Singer, Guitarist

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

...
Verified via Photo

On Jason's official Instagram, you can see him playing a 1965 Fender Telecaster. He is quoted saying: "Test run for a life of chime. 1961 Vox AC15 + 1965 Fender Telecaster (touch o’verb)".

See how Robbie Robertson uses Fender 1965 Fender Telecaster

Robbie Robertson

Guitarist

The Band

...
Verified via Robbie-robertson

"This is the Telecaster from “Rock OF Ages” with The Band. Heavily modified since with an added Bigsby."

See how Curt Kirkwood uses Fender 1965 Fender Telecaster

Curt Kirkwood

Singer, Guitarist

Meat Puppets

...
Verified via Premierguitar

I used my ’65 Telecaster on almost all of Huevos.

See how Chrissie Hynde uses Fender 1965 Fender Telecaster

Chrissie Hynde

Singer, Guitarist

Pretenders

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In an interview with Premier Guitar, Chrissie Hynde discusses her use of a 1965 Fender Telecaster, highlighting it as a key instrument in her collection.

See how Billy Bragg uses Fender 1965 Fender Telecaster

Billy Bragg

Singer, Guitarist

Billy Bragg and the Blokes

...
Verified via Facebook

On his Facebook page he talks about his Fender Telecaster "A 1965 Fender Telecaster serial number L70580. I don't seem to have any record of where or when I bought this beauty, but it was likely I picked it up on tour in the USA during late 1987. It provided the defining sound of the 'Workers Playtime' album - it's the guitar that I'm playing on 'Must I Paint You A Picture', Valentine's Day Is Over', 'The Price I Pay', 'The Only One' and 'Waiting for the Great Leap Forwards'. It was one of those guitars that are very easy to find tunes on and the songs that emerged had a more soulful sound, moving away from the chop and clang of my previous albums. I was in a reflective mood after the Red Wedge campaign and the break-up of a tumultuous relationship and the Telecaster seemed to fit that sensibility in a way that the Burns and the Arbiter could not. Suffice to say that 'Workers Playtime' would have been a completely different album without this guitar."

J

Jonathan Svec

Guitarist

Splender

...
Verified via Photo

In the September 2000 issue of Guitar Player magazine, it is documented on page 25 that guitarist Jonathan Svec used a 1965 Fender Telecaster during the recording of “I Think God Can Explain" by Splender.

Album Usage

The Fender 1965 Fender Telecaster has been featured on the following albums:

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 1965 Fender Telecaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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