1983 Fender Telecaster Elite

$1,103.73 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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Price

$1,103.73 20 available Used

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Average Price: $1,104

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step into the world of vintage excellence with the 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite, a guitar known for its innovative spirit and classic tone. Released during an era of experimentation, this solid body electric guitar was crafted to redefine the Telecaster lineage with modern enhancements. Designed with an eye for precision, it features a unique active circuit system that allows dynamic control over your sound, offering a breadth of tonal possibilities that Telecaster enthusiasts crave. The guitar’s craftsmanship is unmistakable, maintaining the iconic Telecaster silhouette while integrating advanced electronics and hardware that were ahead of their time.

The 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite comes equipped with two specially designed pickups that deliver a distinct, articulate sound. The bridge pickup ensures a bright, punchy tone perfect for lead performances, while the neck pickup offers a warm, mellow character. With a comfortable maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard, this guitar promises a smooth playing experience, whether you're on stage or in the studio. Its active tone control, a standout feature for its time, enables players to sculpt their sound with unprecedented flexibility, making it a cherished piece for collectors and players alike.

Key Features:

Solid body electric guitar with classic Telecaster design
Active circuit system for versatile tone control
Two specially designed pickups for varied sound profiles
Maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
Introduced in 1983, combining vintage charm with modern innovation

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Elite Telecaster
Finish	Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, Black Stratoburst, Blue Stratoburst, Bronze Stratoburst, Brown Sunburst, Candy Apple Green, Candy Apple Red, Emerald Green, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Pewter, Sienna Sunburst, Wild Cherry
Year	1983 - 1984
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	T-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Red, Silver, Tan, White
Finish Pattern	Fade, 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 Elite

FAQs

What makes the 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite different from a standard Telecaster?: The 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite features active electronics, a unique pickup configuration, and a modern bridge design, providing enhanced tonal versatility and sustain compared to standard Telecasters.
What type of pickups are used in the 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite?: The 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite uses specially designed active pickups, which offer a broader range of tones and greater output than traditional passive pickups.
Is the 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite suitable for professional use?: Yes, the 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite is designed for professional musicians, offering high-quality construction, advanced electronics, and versatile sound options suitable for various musical genres.
What are the available finish options for the 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite?: The 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite is available in a range of finishes, including Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, Blue Stratoburst, Bronze Stratoburst, and several others, offering diverse aesthetic choices.
Does the 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite have a bolt-on neck?: Yes, the 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite features a bolt-on neck construction, which is typical for Fender guitars, allowing for easy neck adjustments and replacements.

Videos

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Ollie Abamp

Fender Telecaster Elite (Clean Demo)

Ollie Abamp

Fender Telecaster Elite (Distorted Demo)

Ollie Abamp

1983 Fender Elite Telecaster

williesguitars

1983 Fender Tele Elite BLK #E316160 RED HOT GUITARS!!

James Hood Guitar

1983 Fender Elite Telecaster Aztec Gold Top Dan Smith Design Tele Guitar

Essex Recording Studios

1983 Fender Telecaster Elite: fret level + pickup fix...

Fret Friend Guitar Workshop and Luthiery

【販売中】Fender 1983 Elite Telecaster / Arctic White on Lake Placid Blue(Multi Layer) #kaminariguitars

KAMINARI GUITARS

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite.

Features and functionality

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The Telecaster Elite includes a unique TBX and MDX tone control system, allowing for both fat humbucking and sharp single-coil sounds.
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These models have heavy cast 6-saddle top-loading bridges, which facilitate easy string changes.
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The guitar is equipped with mini humbucking, noise-cancelling pickups that use Alnico 2 magnets, contributing to its rich tonal palette.
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The active circuit requires a 9-volt battery and should not be left plugged in to avoid battery drain.
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Build quality

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The necks feature a Bi-flex truss rod, jumbo frets, and a 12" radius fretboard, providing a fast and comfortable playing experience.
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Some owners note slight buckle rash on the back and cream-colored binding due to aging, enhancing its vintage appeal.
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The thick poly finish can be brittle, and less grain detail in the wood finish has been reported.
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Use cases and applications

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Known for producing great burning blues tones, this model is favored by blues guitarists for its distinctive sound.
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The pickups are noted to be loud and slightly janky, suitable for energetic playing styles.
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Value and pricing

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The "Gold" distinction significantly affects value, starting at $3,000 due to its rarity and collector interest.
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Comparisons

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Compared to other Elite models, the Walnut finish with matching neck is less common and more collectible.
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Critic Reviews

Feature – 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite

craveguitars.co.uk

The 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite is a polarizing piece, celebrated for its unique features and adaptability but criticized for deviating from the classic Telecaster formula. Its modern aesthetics, innovative electronics, and smooth playability make it a fascinating alternative for adventurous players. However, traditionalists may be deterred by its lack of vintage tone and unconventional design. While not for everyone, it stands as a bold reimagining of a classic, offering a fresh perspective for those seeking something different.

neutral

Full Review

1983 Fender Elite Telecaster - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The 1983 Fender Telecaster Elite is a bold departure from traditional Telecasters, introducing noise-cancelling pickups and active tone controls, which were innovative for the era. Its heavy cast 6-saddle top-loading bridge and Bi-flex truss rod are notable upgrades, offering modern playability. However, the design choices may not appeal to purists who favor classic Tele aesthetics and sound. While its original price was $895, it now holds a vintage value of around $1,500, indicating its collectible nature. The review acknowledges the guitar's advancements but hints at divisive opinions regarding its departure from tradition.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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1 star

racherry

almost 10 years ago

Tele Elite

Bought it new. Very heavy, great sound. More bottom that the traditional Tele sound. Active electronics. Plays very well

Artist usage

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Justin Vernon

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Bon Iver

Verified via YouTube

In this concert, and other recent concerts (Madison WI) we can see Justin playing a 1983-1985 Fender Telecaster Elite. Jusin has a painted headstock and Gold hardware on his. There are images of a red elite telecaster from 1985 with a black headstock and black hardware, which leaves me to believe Fender produced a black/ gold hardware version, though I can't find any other information on it.

Roland Orzabal

Singer, Guitarist

Tears for Fears

Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video of Tears for Fears performing a mimed version of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” on BBC Wogan in 1985, Roland Orzabal can be seen using a Walnut Elite Fender Telecaster. Orzabal also mentioned this guitar in a 1984 interview with Tony Bacon, stating, "I've had a red Telecaster for a while, and I've just bought one of these new Elite Telecasters, a walnut and gold one. I've got what's called The Strat, too, another walnut and gold one, that's a classy looking instrument."