Fender American 1973 Telecaster

$2,599.99 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

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

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5.0 (18)

$2,599.99 106 available Used

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Average Price: $2,600

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender American 1973 Telecaster 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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High-end

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Description

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Step into the world of vintage charm with the Fender American 1973 Telecaster, a guitar that embodies the classic sound and aesthetic of its era. Known for its distinctive tone and straightforward design, this solid-body electric guitar has earned its place in the annals of rock history. The 1973 Telecaster's single-coil pickups deliver a crisp, clear sound that cuts through the mix, making it a favorite among musicians who crave authenticity in their sound. With its comfortable "C" shaped neck and iconic body shape, it provides a smooth playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Whether you're a collector looking to add a piece of history to your arsenal or a musician who appreciates the legendary Tele twang, this instrument offers a genuine connection to the past with the reliability of modern craftsmanship. The blend of ash body and maple neck not only contributes to its visual appeal but also enhances its natural resonance and sustain. This guitar is more than just an instrument; it's a testament to the timeless appeal and enduring quality that Fender is known for.

Key Features:

Solid ash body for enhanced resonance and sustain
Maple neck with "C" shape for comfortable playing
Vintage-style single-coil pickups for classic Telecaster tone
3-saddle string-thru-body bridge for improved intonation
21 vintage-style frets offering a traditional feel
Chrome hardware for a sleek, polished look

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Telecaster with Maple Fretboard, Telecaster with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish	Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Firemist Gold, Firemist Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Ocean Turquoise, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst, Walnut (Mocha)
Year	1970 - 1975
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, Red, Silver, Tan, 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 type of wood is used for the body of the Fender American 1973 Telecaster?: The Fender American 1973 Telecaster is made from either alder or ash wood, contributing to its distinctive tonal qualities and resonance.
What is the neck profile like on the Fender American 1973 Telecaster?: The neck of the Fender American 1973 Telecaster is constructed from maple with a bolt-on design, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for players accustomed to vintage-style necks.
How does the pickup configuration of the Fender American 1973 Telecaster affect its sound?: The Fender American 1973 Telecaster features a single-coil pickup configuration (SS), known for producing bright, clear tones ideal for genres like country, rock, and blues.
Is the Fender American 1973 Telecaster suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Fender American 1973 Telecaster's solid body and reliable electronics make it a great choice for live performances, offering consistent sound and durability.
What are the finish options available for the Fender American 1973 Telecaster?: The Fender American 1973 Telecaster is available in a variety of finishes, including Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, and Sunburst, among others, allowing for personal aesthetic preference.

Videos

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Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1973 Fender Telecaster | Special Guest: Angela Petrilli at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1973 Fender Telecaster Natural | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1973 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Fender Telecaster from 1973 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann.

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

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PROS

Delicate feel with powerful pickups reminiscent of Keith Richards' tone
Perfect action and nostalgic patina on the faded blonde body
Superior sound quality with incredible Lollar Vintage Tele pick-ups
Transitional year with unique Nitro headstock countering logo blistering
Great tone and sound, ideal for jamming
Includes original hang tags and case, adding vintage authenticity
Ash body provides a solid feel and weight
Dead-on intonation enhances playability and sound consistency

CONS

Bridge pickup has more bite than neck pickup; lacks high treble of '60s models
Requires refretting for optimal playability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American 1973 Telecaster.

User experience

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Owners appreciate the distinct grain patterns in the wood, often associated with ash, though some debate whether it's actually alder.
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Owners suggest the guitar is a great player despite CBS-era quality control issues, and many appreciate the authentic playwear and tonal quality.
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Owners express love for the natural relic and wear on vintage models, indicating a preference for authentic playwear over pristine condition.
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Use cases and applications

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The guitar's unique tonal qualities are enhanced by the original pickups and pots, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
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The guitar pairs effectively with a Fender Blues Junior amp and a tube screamer for achieving classic rock tones.
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The guitar's heavy sound and unique patina contribute to a distinct vibe, appreciated in genres requiring a robust tone.
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Comparisons

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The '73 Telecaster is compared to other CBS-era instruments, highlighting issues like the 3-bolt neck design and poly finish durability concerns.
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One owner compares the '75 Gibson Marauder to the Telecaster Custom, praising the neck humbucker and bridge single coil layout as optimal.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners often replace non-original tuners with vintage sets to maintain authenticity, and some replace saddles with popular 1980s models.
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Build quality

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Some '73 Telecasters feature non-standard, factory custom colors with Fullerplast visible, indicating possible unique refinishing practices of the era.
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It's noted that the 1973 Telecaster Deluxe features a "notchless" body design, with less pronounced curvature where the upper bout meets the neck.
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Features and functionality

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The Wide Range Humbuckers use CuNiFe magnets and 1 meg pots, offering a sound distinct from reissues which use 250k pots and different magnet styles.
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The original CuNiFe wide range humbucker is noted for its creamy tone, distinct from Gibson's humbuckers of the same era.
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The neck pickup offers a smoother, less bright sound akin to a Les Paul, while the middle position delivers unique honky funk tones.
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The original electronics are highly valued, with the guitar's mocha finish receiving specific praise for its aesthetic appeal.
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Setup and maintenance

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The guitar may require refretting over time, as indicated by an owner who underwent this maintenance a few years back.
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Some owners suggest replacing missing saddles with new American standard ones for consistency, although mismatched saddles can add character.
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Artist usage

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Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

Verified via Photo

Used for studio work by Eric Clapton. Soldat the Crossroads benefit in 2013.

Batuhan Mutlugil

Guitarist

Duman

Verified via Photo

-sorry , when is the date of made your telecaster ? (guy asking) - mine is 73 .. nothing changed on it from then to now , completely original . (batuhan says)

from this interview ---> https://youtu.be/-H4sciSeQOE?t=14m7s