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Average Price: $650

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Bringing the best of vintage charm and modern craftsmanship, the Fender '72 Telecaster Custom is a harmonious blend of classic style and contemporary sound. This iconic guitar maintains the beloved structure of the original Telecaster while introducing a Wide Range Fender humbucker in the neck position, offering a richer, more robust tonal palette. Perfect for musicians who crave versatility, it seamlessly shifts from the crisp twang of the classic Tele bridge pickup to the warm, gain-rich tones of the humbucker.

The '72 Telecaster Custom is not just about sound; it also offers an authentic vintage aesthetic, featuring skirted knobs and a three-way pickup switch that echo its rich heritage. The solid body design ensures durability and resonant sound quality, making this guitar a reliable companion for gigs, studio sessions, and everything in between. Whether you're chasing the nostalgic tones of the past or exploring new sonic frontiers, this guitar stands ready to deliver.

Key Features:

  • Wide Range Fender humbucker in neck position
  • Single-coil bridge pickup for classic Tele twang
  • Skirted knobs and three-way pickup switch for vintage appeal
  • Solid body design for enhanced durability and resonance
  • Versatile tonal range, perfect for various music styles

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Walnut Stain
Year 2000 - 2018
Made In Mexico
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Pau Ferro, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Model Sub-Family Fender Telecaster Custom
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Classic Series, Fender FSR Limited Edition

FAQs

What is the pickup configuration on the Fender '72 Telecaster Custom?

The Fender '72 Telecaster Custom features a unique SH pickup configuration, with a wide-range humbucker in the neck position and a standard single-coil pickup in the bridge position, offering a versatile range of tones.

Is the Fender '72 Telecaster Custom suitable for playing rock music?

Yes, the Fender '72 Telecaster Custom is well-suited for rock music. Its wide-range humbucker provides a thick, powerful sound, while the single-coil bridge pickup delivers classic Telecaster twang, making it versatile for various rock styles.

What type of neck does the Fender '72 Telecaster Custom have?

The Fender '72 Telecaster Custom features a C-shaped neck made from maple, offering a comfortable and familiar feel for players, especially those accustomed to vintage-style necks.

Does the Fender '72 Telecaster Custom come with a case?

The Fender '72 Telecaster Custom comes with a gig bag, providing basic protection for transport and storage.

What is the fretboard radius of the Fender '72 Telecaster Custom, and how does it affect playability?

The fretboard radius of the Fender '72 Telecaster Custom is 7.25 inches, which is typical for vintage-style guitars and offers a comfortable feel for chord playing and smooth bending.

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Fender Scandinavia

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Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '72 telecaster Custom by Fender Scandinavia

Fender American Vintage '72 telecaster Custom

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Fender Scandinavia

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '72 Telecaster Custom by N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage '72 Telecaster Custom

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N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage “Thin Skin” ’72 Telecaster Custom  •  Wildwood Guitars by Wildwood Guitars

Fender American Vintage “Thin Skin” ’72 Telecaster Custom • Wildwood Guitars

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Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series ‘72 Telecaster Custom 3-Colour Sunburst | Ex-Display | Bolton Store by Rimmers Music

Fender Classic Series ‘72 Telecaster Custom 3-Colour Sunburst | Ex-Display | Bolton Store

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Limited '72 Telecaster Custom gear demo by Max Guitar B.V.

Fender Limited '72 Telecaster Custom gear demo

Max Guitar B.V.

Max Guitar B.V.

Video thumbnail for Fender Telecaster 72 Custom - Mod Project (Sound demo) by ValtteriL Guitar

Fender Telecaster 72 Custom - Mod Project (Sound demo)

ValtteriL Guitar

ValtteriL Guitar

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile tone with both single coil and humbucker pickups

  • Thin neck fits comfortably for players preferring slimmer profiles

  • High-quality neck and tonal range praised by experienced players

  • Excellent value for the price compared to US-made models

  • Separate tone and volume knobs allow for personalized sound adjustment

  • Hybrid pickup system offers a wide range of tonal options

  • Good string spacing provides comfortable playability akin to a Les Paul

  • Customizable with numerous aftermarket options for personal tweaks

  • Robust and reliable build quality consistent with Mexican-made models

CONS

  • Neck pickup lacks depth compared to other models in the same series

  • Toggle switch and tone knob may have durability issues

  • Single coil pickup can produce noticeable buzz

  • Dual volume knobs may be inconvenient for some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender '72 Telecaster Custom.

Features and functionality

  • The '72 Custom has separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, allowing easier balancing between the humbucker and single coil.

    Source
  • Checking serial numbers via Fender's site or email provides accurate manufacturing details, adding to the guitar's provenance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The '72 Custom excels at overdriven tones, offering versatility beyond clean sounds, unlike traditional Telecaster configurations.

    Source
  • Owners with black on black Telecasters often pair them with white on white Strats, highlighting aesthetic synergy between these models.

    Source
  • A Vintera Custom owner expresses strong attachment, suggesting high satisfaction and potential comparison for those considering different Telecaster models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used '72 Custom models are priced around $760, compared to new Player II models at $887, offering a cost-effective alternative with vintage appeal.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of MIJ '72 Custom models report exceptional sound quality, recommending them over MIM versions for better overall performance.

    Source
  • A user expressed a preference for the black finish over other options, suggesting aesthetic choices can impact satisfaction with the guitar.

    Source
  • Owners find the 2000 reissue series likely began in August, offering a near-original experience with early models.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A 2000 or 2001 MIM model was upgraded with black locking tuners and a Lace Sensor Blue pickup in the bridge for near noiseless performance while retaining Tele twang.

    Source
  • One owner customized their partscaster in the style of a '72 Telecaster Custom but noted they haven't acquired the tophats for the controls yet, indicating popular aftermarket options.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Vintage-style tuners require pre-cutting strings; inserting string ends into the hole ensures a tidy look and easier tuning.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jeremy_trotter

My #1 Guitar

My has been modified (Seymour Quarter Pound in the bridge, master volume/tone wiring, sanded neck), but it has been my number one guitar since the day I bought it. When in doubt, I grab this guitar before my others, and it will always get the job done.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Gerard Way uses Fender '72 Telecaster Custom

Gerard Way

Guitarist, Singer

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

this is a correction on funghoul187's 72 telecaster post, the one gerard uses is an HH rather than an HS

See how Simon Neil uses Fender '72 Telecaster Custom

Simon Neil

Singer, Guitarist

Biffy Clyro

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for Biffy Clyro's single "Mountains," Simon Neil is visibly playing a Fender '72 Telecaster Custom, as documented in the video uploaded by Biffy Clyro on YouTube.

See how Alex Gates uses Fender '72 Telecaster Custom

Alex Gates

Guitarist

Wavves

...
Verified via YouTube

He used this live during 2013-2015, at some point removing the stock humbucker and putting in a different one.

See how Domhnaill Corrigan uses Fender '72 Telecaster Custom

Domhnaill Corrigan

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance of "I'm So Blue" by Groove Killer at The Bowery in Rathmines, Domhnaill Corrigan is seen playing a Fender '72 Telecaster Custom. He mentioned acquiring this guitar second-hand from an elderly gentleman in the countryside for a very low price, and it is now his main instrument.

Album Usage

The Fender '72 Telecaster Custom has been featured on the following albums:

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 '72 Telecaster Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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neilrichardmurray

neilrichardmurray

Gear IQ 173

neilrichardmurray

neilrichardmurray

Gear IQ 173

deanince

deanince

Gear IQ 207

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