Fender 1983 Telecaster

$1,857.46 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (3)

Find out who is using Fender 1983 Telecaster

2 wishlisted

4 saved

Page last updated Jun 27, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 27, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (3)

$1,857.46 13 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $1,857

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

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

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Step back in time with the Fender 1983 Telecaster, a classic instrument that embodies the elegance and innovation of early '80s guitar craftsmanship. Known for its distinctive Telecaster sound, this model captures the essence of vintage tone with a modern touch, making it a versatile addition to any musician's collection. The Fender 1983 Telecaster features a solid body design, ensuring durability and sustaining resonance for every performance.

Equipped with single-coil pickups, this Telecaster delivers a bright, punchy sound that cuts through the mix, perfect for genres ranging from country to rock. Its maple neck provides smooth playability, allowing for effortless transitions between chords and solos. The 21 frets on the fingerboard offer a wide range of notes, making it a reliable partner for both studio sessions and live gigs.

For those who appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity, the Fender 1983 Telecaster offers both vintage aesthetics and contemporary performance capabilities. The guitar's hardware is designed to withstand the test of time, ensuring you have a reliable instrument that grows with your musical journey. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring guitarist, this Telecaster promises to be a faithful companion in your creative endeavors.

Key Features:

Solid body electric guitar design
Single-coil pickups for bright, punchy sound
Maple neck for smooth playability
21-fret fingerboard for extended note range
Vintage aesthetics with modern performance capabilities

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Telecaster with Maple Fretboard, Telecaster with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish	Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, Black Stratoburst, Blue Stratoburst, Bronze Stratoburst, Brown Sunburst, Candy Apple Green, Cherry Sunburst, Emerald Green, Mocha Brown, Natural, Pewter, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue, Wine
Year	1980 - 1983
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, 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 Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender 1983 Telecaster like?: The Fender 1983 Telecaster features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for various styles, from rhythm to lead playing.
What kind of pickups does the Fender 1983 Telecaster have, and how do they sound?: The Fender 1983 Telecaster is equipped with single-coil pickups, delivering a bright and crisp tone typical of the classic Telecaster sound, perfect for genres like country, rock, and blues.
Is the Fender 1983 Telecaster suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Fender 1983 Telecaster is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design, comfortable neck, and versatile sound, making it an excellent choice for those starting their guitar journey.
What are the finish options available for the Fender 1983 Telecaster?: The Fender 1983 Telecaster is available in various finishes, including Arctic White, Aztec Gold, Black, and several Stratoburst and Sunburst patterns, offering a range of aesthetic choices.
How does the body material of the Fender 1983 Telecaster affect its tone?: The Fender 1983 Telecaster is made from alder or ash, which contribute to its balanced tone with pronounced mids and clear highs, enhancing its versatility across different music styles.

Videos

Add video

VintageandRare

Jeff Buckley´s Fender Telecaster 1983 / THE ONE!!! / Chelsea Guitars / VintageandRare.com

VintageandRare

1983 Fender Telecaster Who Knew ?

Dave's World of Fun Stuff

Fender Telecaster Dan Smith Olympic White 1983 USA

Loud Lemon Demo

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Owners recommend seeking out a chrome pickguard by ABM, made in Germany, although the 5-hole version is no longer produced.
Source
0 0

Some users have successfully installed Lace Sensor bridge pickups with a chrome dome for a distinctive look and sound.
Source
0 0

One owner upgraded with Seymour Duncan bridge pickups, praising the enhanced sound quality it provided.
Source
0 0

Pure Vintage 1964 Fender pickups are recommended for a fuller, warmer sound suitable for classic rock, jam rock, and funk genres.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The 1983-1984 Telecaster bridge, a precursor to modern designs, features symmetrical offsets and is noted for its functional, sparse appearance.
Source
0 0

The original hardware's "road worn" appearance is valued by some, suggesting the vintage look adds character despite functional wear.
Source

User experience

0 0

Multiple owners appreciate the slightly V-shaped neck with a 12” fretboard radius, describing it as exceptionally comfortable and playable.
Source
0 0

One owner expresses satisfaction after a luthier recommended fret leveling, neck adjustment, and potential replacement of saddle screws and nut for improved playability.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The Elite Telecaster from the same era shares the same saddles but uses a different bridge design, providing unique tonal options.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The 1983 Telecaster is noted for its weight, which can be cumbersome for some users, especially with additional mods like a solid brass pickguard.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Owners indicate that rusted saddle height screws may require replacement if oil doesn't resolve the issue, and the nut might need replacement if it's off-center or stuck.
Source

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Photo

Eric Clapton played a turquoise Fender 1983 Telecaster for a song on his album "August." He later auctioned this guitar at his 2013 Crossroads benefit. A user-uploaded photo serves as the source for this information.

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

Verified via Photo

Matthew Bellamy, the guitarist from Muse, has acquired the legendary 1983 Fender Telecaster once owned by Jeff Buckley. According to an Instagram post by mattsguitarshop, Bellamy plans to extensively use this iconic guitar, known for its role in Buckley's performances of songs like "Grace" and "Hallelujah," on Muse's upcoming album.

Jeff Buckley

Singer, Guitarist

Jeff Buckley(band)

Verified via YouTube

Jeff Buckley frequently used his 1983 Fender Telecaster during performances and recordings, as seen in the live performance of "Last Goodbye" on MTV in 1995. After his passing, this iconic guitar was sold to a private dealer in New York for $50,000.