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Description

Step back in time with the Fender 1965 Telecaster (Maple Cap), a quintessential piece that blends vintage allure with enduring craftsmanship. This solid body electric guitar represents the epitome of Fender's iconic design, renowned for its clear tone and smooth playability. Crafted with a maple cap neck, this Telecaster is celebrated for its bright sound and excellent sustain, making it a favorite among discerning guitarists and collectors alike.

The 1965 Telecaster is distinguished by its classic single-cutaway body, designed for ultimate access to all frets. It features two single-coil pickups that deliver that legendary Tele twang and sparkle, perfect for genres ranging from country to rock and beyond. The guitar's durable construction is complemented by a three-saddle bridge, which ensures precise intonation and tuning stability. The control layout is simple yet effective, with a volume knob, tone knob, and a three-way pickup selector switch, allowing for seamless tonal variations on stage or in the studio.

Whether you're a professional musician or a vintage guitar enthusiast, the Fender 1965 Telecaster (Maple Cap) is a timeless instrument that embodies the essence of Fender's legacy. Its combination of historical significance and practical functionality makes it a worthy addition to any collection.

Key Features:

  • Solid body design with classic single-cutaway
  • Maple cap neck for bright sound and sustain
  • Two vintage-style single-coil pickups
  • Three-saddle bridge for enhanced intonation
  • Simple control layout: volume, tone, and three-way pickup selector
  • Renowned for its twangy tone and versatility across genres
GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

1965 Fender Telecaster Maple Cap / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

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

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 1965 Telecaster (Maple Cap).

Features and functionality

  • The ashtray bridge cover, often removed for playability, can be used for aesthetic purposes and enhances harmonics and twang when left on for specific techniques.

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  • A maple cap neck is preferred by some for its smooth, glossy feel, especially among those who favor a slippery surface during play.

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  • The Nashville Deluxe Telecaster includes two Vintage Noiseless Tele pickups and a Vintage Noiseless Strat pickup, providing versatility across rock and blues genres.

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  • The Classic Series 1972 Custom Telecaster combines a humbucker and a single coil, offering expanded tonal possibilities while maintaining a vintage aesthetic.

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User experience

  • Despite being a vintage piece, some owners choose to gig heavily with their 1965 Telecasters, viewing them as robust instruments rather than solely studio guitars.

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  • Players with aggressive technique may experience fret buzz and metallic scraping on smaller radius necks, reportedly due to gripping rather than the maple cap itself.

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  • Nashville Deluxe Telecasters are praised for their locking tuners and 5-way pickup switching, enhancing tuning stability and tonal options.

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Comparisons

  • A user transitioned from a '65 Jazzmaster to the '68 Maple cap Telecaster, noting the Tele's superior sound as a reason for not missing the Jazzmaster.

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  • The feel of a maple cap neck, similar to late '60s Hendrix Strats, is often favored for its tactile sensation over one-piece maple necks.

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  • Made in Japan Fender guitars are rated highly, often placed between American and Mexican models in terms of quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners highlight the versatility of the Telecaster, offering a range of sounds and tones for different musical applications, with the ability to enhance twang with the ashtray cover.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Players with improper technique may notice increased string noise and high jangle when using a maple neck if they tend to press hard on the guitar neck.

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  • Modern six-saddle bridges are noted for better intonation compared to vintage three-saddle designs, though preferences vary based on play style.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Lindy Fralin pickups are recommended for those seeking a richer tone, preferred by some over standard Fender pickups.

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Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: 1965 Fender Telecaster

guitar.com

This 1965 Fender Telecaster shines as a player’s dream, showcasing a superb neck that feels custom-carved for comfort. While its refinished body and filled routing may raise eyebrows, they don't detract from its authentic tone and playability. The guitar delivers a classic 60s Tele sound—bright and cutting without the harshness, making it versatile across genres. However, the non-standard wiring could confuse traditionalists seeking vintage specs. Still, for gigging musicians, this vintage piece is a playable gem that balances nostalgia with practical use, proving that a little wear can enhance character without sacrificing sound quality.

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Artist usage

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See how Marcus King uses Fender 1965 Telecaster (Maple Cap)

Marcus King

Guitarist

The Marcus King Band

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Verified via MusicRadar

“I actually picked up this 1965 original maple-cap on this tour. ... This guitar really spoke to me, it’s the kind of Tele I’ve had my eye on since I was a kid, that blonde Tele from the mid-60s."

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 Telecaster (Maple Cap), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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