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Description

Step back in time and embrace the classic allure of the 1969 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar, a true icon in the world of solid body electric guitars. Known for its distinctive single-cutaway body design, this guitar continues to captivate musicians with its timeless simplicity and versatile sound. First introduced in the early '50s, the Telecaster has remained a staple in rock, blues, and country music due to its robust build and signature twang.

The 1969 version features a maple neck and fretboard, providing a bright tonal quality that complements its dual single-coil pickups. These pickups produce a wide range of tones, from warm, mellow sounds to sharp, biting leads, making it an ideal companion for both rhythm and lead guitarists. The three-way pickup selector switch allows players to easily toggle between different tonal options, ensuring that this Telecaster can adapt to various musical settings.

Crafted with Fender's renowned attention to detail, this guitar delivers exceptional playability and durability, promising to withstand the rigors of both studio and live performance. Its durable hardware, including vintage-style tuners and a three-saddle bridge, contributes to its reliable tuning stability and intonation, while the comfortable "C" shaped neck profile ensures a smooth playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction with a single-cutaway design
  • Maple neck and fretboard for bright tonal clarity
  • Dual single-coil pickups for versatile sound options
  • Three-way pickup selector switch
  • Vintage-style tuners and three-saddle bridge for tuning stability
  • Comfortable "C" shaped neck profile for easy playability

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Telecaster
Finish Black, Blonde, Blue Flower, Candy Apple Red, Firemist Gold, Firemist Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Ocean Turquoise, Olympic White, Pink Paisley, Sonic Blue, Sunburst
Year 1967 - 1969
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 Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Pink, Red, Silver, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
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

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the 1969 Fender Telecaster?

The 1969 Fender Telecaster is known for its bright, cutting tone with a pronounced midrange. Its single-coil pickups deliver a classic twang, making it suitable for genres like country, rock, and blues.

What neck profile does the 1969 Fender Telecaster have?

The 1969 Fender Telecaster typically features a "C" shaped neck profile, which offers a comfortable and familiar feel for most players, suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

Is the 1969 Fender Telecaster suitable for beginners?

While the 1969 Fender Telecaster is a vintage model primarily sought after by collectors and experienced players, its straightforward design and playability can also be appreciated by dedicated beginners.

What materials are used in the body of the 1969 Fender Telecaster?

The body of the 1969 Fender Telecaster is made from either alder or ash, contributing to its bright and resonant sound with a strong midrange presence.

How does the 1969 Fender Telecaster perform in different music genres?

The 1969 Fender Telecaster excels in genres like country, rock, and blues due to its twangy, bright sound. Its versatility also allows it to perform well in other styles, depending on the player's technique and setup.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1969 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique maple cap provides distinctive sound with killer top end and glassy bottom end

  • Comfortable 60's C neck carve enhances playability and feel

  • Vintage tone even in transitional models with CBS parts

  • Beautiful aging process, such as Olympic white turning Butterscotch yellow

  • Strong fundamental tone in the neck, almost banjo-like

  • Earlier models maintain vintage features and sound, appealing to collectors

CONS

  • Original, unmodified examples are rare and expensive

  • Many part-casters or pieced-together guitars falsely advertised as original

  • Polyurethane finish and CBS parts from late '67 can compromise sound quality

  • Hit or miss quality in 1967 models due to inconsistent parts and materials

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1969 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar.

Mods and upgrades

  • A popular mod is keeping a 1972 Gibson humbucker in the neck for a unique tonal combination, despite its deviation from traditional setups.

    Source
  • For restoration, Ohio Valley Nitro offers accurate old Fender colors for repainting, recommended by users for their quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 1969 Telecaster originally used a thick poly finish, which some owners suggest replacing with a thinner nitro finish for enhanced tone.

    Source
  • The absence of a walnut plug in the neck suggests it might be from 1968 or earlier, indicating potential variations in manufacturing details.

    Source
  • The gloss polyurethane finish on production models from 1969 contrasts with the matte finish found on early prototypes and some reissues, affecting both weight and aesthetic.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The setup with a Gibson bridge pickup in the neck, as seen in some vintage Teles, is favored by players seeking a versatile sound.

    Source

Other

  • There's interest in the guitar having an original pink paisley finish, as many from this year had been refinished due to initial unpopularity.

    Source

Build quality

  • A 1969 Telecaster with a factory-installed Bigsby is considered rare, highlighting its unique collector's value.

    Source
  • The 1969 Rosewood Telecaster is notably heavy, with some owners indicating a weight around 14 pounds, which can be cumbersome for extended play while standing.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note the guitar's excellent playability, even when kept in storage for years, suggesting its resilience and lasting quality.

    Source
  • Despite its weight, many owners find the Rosewood Telecaster to be their favorite guitar, often preferred for home use due to its substantial build.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners report the high e-string saddle appearing misaligned, but this does not seem to affect playability or sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Modern reissues of the Rosewood Telecaster are chambered, which reduces weight compared to the original heavy solid bodies.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Eric Clapton uses 1969 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via guitarworld

Used live. And on some songs in the studio. Originally Bob Dylan's black 1966 Telecaster. Given to Robbie Robertson. Sanded natural and pickup added. Clapton played it once, sitting in with The Band in 1974.

See how Phil X uses 1969 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar

Phil X

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via YouTube

"I think this guitar sounds amazing even with this thing (points to bigsby), which is saying a lot" - Phil X at 3:15 of this #product-demo.

See how Martin Barre uses 1969 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar

Martin Barre

Guitarist

Jethro Tull

...
Verified via Martin Barre Band

"Every guitarist needs a few Fenders and here are a few of mine!

A 1969 Telecaster; I've owned several over the years and this is the best Ive ever played."

See how Angus Stone uses 1969 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar

Angus Stone

Guitarist, Singer

Angus & Julia Stone

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Stone is seen playing 1969 Fender Telecaster, which has the Fender Bigsby on it. It is slightly different than other 1969 Teles - this one has a black pickguard, which was probably changed.

See how Matthew Caws uses 1969 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar

Matthew Caws

Guitarist

Nada Surf

...
Verified via Guitar Player

I tracked the whole record on my ’69 Tele, which I’ve owned about as long as I’ve owned the Les Paul Custom. I’ve kind of arrived at that as my main guitar now. I’ve switched over from the Les Paul. It’s great, and I have a Seymour Duncan Little ’59 humbucker in it. I had a Hot Rails in it, and it was too hot, but the Little ’59 is just right. It breathes a little bit, and it can get very clean if you want it. It’s really responsive.

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 1969 Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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