Fender 2012 Select Telecaster

$1,599.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

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Page last updated May 13, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated May 13, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (10)

$1,599.00 6 available Used

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Average Price: $1,599

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender 2012 Select 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

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Description

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Introducing the Fender 2012 Select Telecaster—an exceptional blend of classic craftsmanship and modern innovation. This guitar is not just an instrument; it’s a statement of style and sound. Designed for discerning guitarists, the Select Telecaster features a stunning, highly figured Maple top that sits elegantly on a chambered Ash body. This combination not only delivers striking visual appeal but also enhances resonance and tonal richness, making every note you play shimmer with clarity.

Underneath its elegant exterior lies the heart of a traditional Telecaster, but with a contemporary twist. The modern "C" shaped neck is crafted from birdseye Maple, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience, whether you're rhythmically strumming or blazing through solos. The compound-radius fretboard ensures effortless playability across all registers, giving you the freedom to explore new musical horizons.

Equipped with specially designed Fender Select pickups, this Telecaster delivers a versatile sound palette, from twangy cleans to warm overdrives. Whether you’re playing jazz, rock, country, or blues, this guitar can handle it all with grace and style, making it a beloved choice amongst professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Key Features:

Highly figured Maple top with a chambered Ash body
Modern "C" shaped birdseye Maple neck
Compound-radius fretboard for enhanced playability
Fender Select pickups for versatile tonal options
Single cutaway solid body design

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	American Select Telecaster with Maple Fretboard
Finish	Violin Burst
Year	2012
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	T-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Brown
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Maple
Model Family	Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender American Select

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Fender 2012 Select Telecaster have?: The Fender 2012 Select Telecaster features a pair of Fender Select Telecaster single-coil pickups, known for delivering crisp, clear tones with plenty of twang and articulation, making it ideal for a variety of music genres.
How does the neck profile of the Fender 2012 Select Telecaster affect playability?: The Fender 2012 Select Telecaster has a modern "C" shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that suits both rhythm and lead playing, making it versatile for different playing styles.
Is the Fender 2012 Select Telecaster suitable for advanced players?: Yes, the Fender 2012 Select Telecaster is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it suitable for advanced players seeking professional-level performance and tone.
What is the finish on the Fender 2012 Select Telecaster?: The Fender 2012 Select Telecaster features a Violin Burst finish, which is a part of its premium aesthetic appeal, highlighting the natural wood grain with a sunburst pattern.
Does the Fender 2012 Select Telecaster have a bolt-on neck?: Yes, the Fender 2012 Select Telecaster features a bolt-on neck construction, which is common in Fender guitars and allows for easier neck adjustments and replacements.

Videos

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GregsGuitars

2012 Fender Telecaster USA "Select" Part1

GregsGuitars

Guitar of the Day: 2012 Fender Select Telecaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

2012 Fender Telecaster USA "Select" Part2

GregsGuitars

Reviews

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PROS

Light chambered body, comfortable for extended playing
Gorgeous flamed top and birdseye maple neck
Versatile sound without typical Telecaster shrillness
Solid, simple controls and reliable tuners
Comfortable C-shaped neck with softened edges
No-load tone control offers flexible tone options
Contoured back for enhanced comfort
High-quality finishes rival Custom Shop models
Locking tuners improve tuning stability

CONS

Original pickups might be too bright for some players
Action may require adjustments for optimal playability
Heavy case might be cumbersome for frequent transport

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender 2012 Select Telecaster.

Build quality

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The Koa top is a substantial 1/4" thick, not a veneer, offering a premium look and feel.
Source
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The carved maple top, without a pickguard, offers an unobstructed view of the wood grain, which is often hidden in other models with standard guard placements.
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The Birdseye maple neck is frequently praised for its visual appeal and craftsmanship, contributing to the guitar's premium feel.
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Features and functionality

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The 2012 model features a unique combination of a rosewood fingerboard and a skunk stripe, which is less common for Telecasters.
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The absence of a scratchplate highlights the carved top, enhancing the guitar's visual appeal and making it a standout feature for aesthetic-focused players.
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Comparisons

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Owners with experience in Koa guitars highlight this model as the fanciest compared to others like the EVH Wolfgang Koa and ESP LTD 1000.
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Owners compare the Fender Select series to custom shop guitars, suggesting it offers similar quality at a more accessible price.
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User experience

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Enthusiasts from regions like Hawaii, where Koa is significant, appreciate the guitar's premium construction and aesthetic appeal.
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Some collectors find this model in brand-new condition, even years after its release, due to its collector appeal.
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Mods and upgrades

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One owner replaced the standard silver volume knob with an amp knob as a tribute to Muddy Waters, indicating customization potential.
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Critic Reviews

Fender Select Telecaster Electric Guitar Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender 2012 Select Telecaster shines with luxurious looks and refined sound, offering a rich, full tone without harshness, thanks to its special-design pickups. Its ergonomic design, featuring medium-jumbo frets and a compound-radius fretboard, enhances playability. While its polished aesthetics might deter purists who prefer the Telecaster's traditional rugged charm, it excels in versatility, adept at handling various genres with ease. The no-load tone control adds clarity in complex settings, making it a versatile choice for diverse musical styles. At a street price of $2,150, it offers boutique quality without the boutique price tag.

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5.0 out of 5

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funghoul182

2961

almost 8 years ago

BEAUTIFUL guitar

I stayed with my uncle recently, and he has this guitar. It is absolutely beautiful and it plays SO WELL. The violin burst looks absolutely AMAZING. Used it to write a new song and I fell in love instantly. Really wish I had this guitar.