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Fender American Elite Telecaster

$1,200.00 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (5)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 5, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (91)

$1,200.00 15 available Used

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Average Price: $1,200

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender American Elite 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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The Fender American Elite Telecaster is a modern marvel that honors its legendary roots while propelling forward with cutting-edge innovations. Designed for the contemporary guitarist seeking both classic tone and modern versatility, this instrument is a testament to Fender's commitment to excellence. The heart of this Telecaster beats with a pair of fourth-generation noiseless single-coil pickups, delivering that iconic Tele twang without the unwanted hum.

The guitar's ergonomic design includes a compound profile neck that seamlessly transitions from a modern "C" shape at the nut to a "D" shape at the neck joint, providing unmatched comfort and playability. Whether you're shredding on stage or crafting new melodies in the studio, the S-1 switching system offers a diverse tonal palette, allowing for quick and easy sound customization. Lockable short-post tuning machines ensure your performance stays pitch-perfect, even during the most intense jam sessions.

Crafted with precision and care, the Fender American Elite Telecaster is not just a guitar; it's an invitation to explore new musical horizons.

Key Features:

Fourth-generation noiseless single-coil pickups
S-1 switching system for versatile tonal options
Compound profile neck (modern "C" to "D")
Lockable short-post tuning machines for enhanced stability
Alder body with a maple neck
22 medium jumbo frets with a 9.5"-14" compound radius fingerboard

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	American Elite Telecaster
Finish	3-Color Sunburst, Aged Cherry Burst, Autumn Blaze Metallic, Butterscotch Blonde, Champagne, Mystic Black, Ocean Turquoise, Satin Ice Blue Metallic, Satin Jade Pearl Metallic, Tobacco Sunburst
Year	2016 - 2019
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, Orange, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material	Ebony, Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	14", 9.5"
Frets	Medium Jumbo
Model Family	Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	22
Number of Strings	6-String
Nut Width	1.6875"
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender American Elite

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Elite Telecaster?: The Fender American Elite Telecaster features a modern "C" to "D" compound neck profile, providing comfort for both chord playing and soloing.
What kind of pickups does the Fender American Elite Telecaster have?: The Fender American Elite Telecaster is equipped with 4th Generation Noiseless single-coil pickups, offering classic Telecaster tones without the hum.
Is the Fender American Elite Telecaster suitable for beginners?: While the Fender American Elite Telecaster is a high-end model designed for professional players, its playability and versatile tones can also make it a rewarding choice for dedicated beginners.
Does the Fender American Elite Telecaster come with a case?: Yes, the Fender American Elite Telecaster comes with a hardshell case for protection and easy transport.
What is the fretboard radius of the Fender American Elite Telecaster?: The Fender American Elite Telecaster features a compound fretboard radius of 9.5" to 14" for enhanced playability across the neck.
How does the S-1 switching system on the Fender American Elite Telecaster work?: The S-1 switching system on the Fender American Elite Telecaster allows for additional tonal options by engaging a series or parallel pickup configuration, expanding its sonic versatility.

Videos

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Fender

John 5 Demos the Fender American Elite Telecaster | American Elite | Fender

Fender

Review Demo - Fender American Elite Telecaster

Premier Guitar

Fender American Elite Telecaster - Butterscotch Blonde | N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Fender American Elite Telecaster • Wildwood Guitars Overview

Wildwood Guitars

New From NAMM 2016: Fender American Elite Telecaster

Guitar Center

Fender American Elite Telecaster - Tobacco Sunburst

N Stuff Music

AVW demos Fender American Elite Telecaster Guitar

Allen Van Wert

Demo Fender American Elite Telecaster Demo

Cutaway Magazine

Review - Fender American Elite Telecaster Aged Cherry Burst MN

Bax Music UK

Fender American Elite Telecaster Aged Cherry Burst

Guitariran

Reviews

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PROS

Beautiful design and comfortable to hold and play
Compound neck offers a smooth playing experience
Versatile tone, from metal to jazz with ease
Noiseless pickups retain classic Tele sound
Contoured body shape for improved comfort
Locking tuners enhance tuning stability
High playability up to the 22nd fret due to curved heel
Lightweight, making it easy to handle for extended periods
Offers excellent tonal variety and control options
Superior acoustic sustain compared to other electrics

CONS

Neck pickup reliability issues reported by some users
Sharp fret ends, not expected at this price point
Chunky neck feel below the 4th fret may be uncomfortable for some
Pickguard produces static noise, may require anti-static spray
Not completely noiseless, slight hum might be noticeable

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

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The satin finish on the Deluxe neck contrasts with the gloss finish on the Elite, though this difference is subtle and may not be immediately noticeable.
Source
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The noiseless pickups in the 2016 Elite Telecaster are noted for superior top-end sparkle compared to first and second-generation models.
Source

Value and pricing

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Financing options like Sweetwater's three-year no interest plan are popular among buyers, making the higher price more manageable.
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The Elite Telecaster, while superior in some aspects, may not justify a $600 price difference over the Deluxe unless specific features like the N4 pickups are a priority.
Source

User experience

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Owners report the Elite Telecaster's setup is spot-on out of the box, requiring no immediate adjustments.
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An owner expressed dissatisfaction with the Elite's rectangular T-shaped string tree, preferring the round string tree on the Deluxe for aesthetic consistency.
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An owner with extensive guitar experience appreciated the Telecaster after previously favoring Stratocasters, noting it met all their expectations in a guitar.
Source

Use cases and applications

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Jazz musicians often favor the Telecaster for its versatile tonal qualities, with several players in this genre recommending the Elite model.
Source

Mods and upgrades

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One owner replaced the stock pickups with DiMarzio Chopper T and Area T for higher output and fuller sound, catering to high-gain preferences.
Source

Features and functionality

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The Elite Telecaster's S-1 switch changes the middle pickup position from parallel to series, offering a thicker, more humbucker-like sound.
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The truss rod adjustment on the Elite is at the heel instead of the headstock, eliminating the walnut spot, resulting in a cleaner, all-maple headstock appearance.
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The Elite Telecaster includes Fourth Generation Noiseless Pickups ("N4"), noted for superior sparkle, twang, and crispness, especially in the bridge pickup, compared to the previous N3 models.
Source
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The Elite Telecaster features a compound neck shape transitioning from a C-shape to a D-shape, offering a more consistent feel compared to the Deluxe's varied profile.
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The contoured heel on the Elite Telecaster significantly improves access to higher frets, making it effortless to play above the 17th fret without obstruction.
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The Elite model's color can appear different under various lighting conditions, with some users noting it looks more orange online than in person.
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The guitar's binding is praised for its classy appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the instrument.
Source

Build quality

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The rosewood neck on the Fender American Elite Telecaster provides a darker tone quality and a different feel compared to maple necks.
Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Elite Telecaster Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Fender's American Elite Telecaster is a modern twist on a classic, offering an updated design that appeals to players craving sleek and fast playability. With noise-free pickups and a compound radius neck, it excels in comfort and versatility, perfect for contemporary styles. While purists may miss the vintage twang, the added beefiness and sustain make it a powerhouse for lead tones. Its $1,799 price tag reflects its quality build and innovative features. A must-try for those ready to embrace a bold Telecaster evolution.

positive

Full Review

Fender American Elite Telecaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Elite Telecaster is a modern twist on a classic, offering impressive playability and Noiseless pickups with expanded sound options. While it may not satisfy vintage purists, its sleek design, updated neck shape, and practical features like locking tuners and a wheel truss-rod adjustment make it a standout. The S-1 switch enhances tonal versatility, though the sonic changes aren't groundbreaking. Despite minor hum at high gains, it delivers a bright, open sound with a Strat-like neck voice. Overall, it's a well-crafted, contemporary Tele appealing to those seeking modern enhancements.

positive

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

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ryanleu

1229

about 4 years ago

Beautiful Tele

Great guitar for the price. This is my first tele and I have not been disappointed. Light and sounds clean.

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Rock New Wave Alternative rock

Artist usage

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Tash Sultana

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Google

In a photo from a Google search, Tash Sultana is seen using a Fender American Elite Telecaster in Aged Cherry Burst. Although the guitar might appear different online, Tash often customizes her instruments with a tortoise shell pickguard, showcasing her unique style.

Phoebe Bridgers

Singer, Guitarist

boygenius

Verified via YouTube

At 0:13 in this interview from The Late Late Show with James Corden, you can see a Fender Telecaster American Elite Rosewood in a black finish (with some stickers on) hanging on Phoebe Bridgers' wall in the background.