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Description

The Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline is where classic craftsmanship meets modern innovation. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is a masterful blend of vintage style and cutting-edge technology, offering a versatile soundscape for musicians who crave both tradition and progress. At the heart of this beauty lie the fourth generation noiseless pickups, which deliver a pristine tone without sacrificing the Telecaster's iconic twang. The seamless S-1 switching system further expands your sonic palette, allowing for smooth transitions between tones with a simple push.

The lightweight semi-hollow ash body is not just about visual appeal; it's designed for comfort and resonant sound, making long gigs a breeze. Paired with a maple neck and a modern "C" to "D" compound profile, this guitar ensures playability and finesse for any style—whether you're finger-picking blues or shredding rock solos. The addition of brass saddles enhances sustain and tuning stability, ensuring your performance remains pitch-perfect.

Available in stunning finishes like Mystic Blue, this guitar is as much a visual masterpiece as it is an auditory one. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a bedroom enthusiast, the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline is engineered to inspire creativity and elevate your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow ash body
  • Fourth generation noiseless pickups
  • S-1 switching system for tonal versatility
  • Maple neck with modern "C" to "D" compound profile
  • Brass saddles for improved sustain and tuning stability
  • Available in multiple finish options, including Mystic Blue

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Elite Telecaster Thinline
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Champagne, Mystic Ice Blue, Natural, Satin Jade Pearl Metallic
Year 2016 - 2019
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Blue, Brown, Gold, Green, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Model Sub-Family Fender Telecaster Thinline
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 Elite

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline?

The neck of the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline features a modern C to D profile, providing enhanced comfort and playability for a wide range of playing styles.

How does the semi-hollow body of the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline affect its sound?

The semi-hollow body design adds a warm, resonant quality to the guitar's tone, offering a unique blend of clarity and depth that suits various music genres.

Are the pickups on the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline noiseless?

Yes, the guitar is equipped with 4th Generation Noiseless pickups, which deliver a classic Telecaster sound without the unwanted hum typically associated with single-coil pickups.

What is the purpose of the S-1 switching system on the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline?

The S-1 switching system provides additional tonal versatility by allowing players to access a wider range of pickup combinations, enhancing the guitar's flexibility for different musical styles.

Is the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its lightweight semi-hollow body, locking tuners, and versatile sound options, the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline is well-suited for live performances, offering reliability and rich tonal options on stage.

Does the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline come with a case?

Yes, the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline comes with a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the instrument.

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 2017 Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster and Morgan PR12

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 2017 Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster and Morgan PR12 by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 2017 Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster and Morgan PR12

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster - Telecaster Tuesday by Bailey Brothers

Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster - Telecaster Tuesday

Bailey Brothers

Bailey Brothers

Video thumbnail for 2016 Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

2016 Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster | Swing City Music by Swing CIty Music

Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster | Swing City Music

Swing CIty Music

Swing CIty Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster Demo by Gear4music Guitars

Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster Demo

Gear4music Guitars

Gear4music Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline MN Mystic Ice Blue elektromos gitár by HangszerPláza

Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline MN Mystic Ice Blue elektromos gitár

HangszerPláza

HangszerPláza

Video thumbnail for Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster Demo | Review by MooreMusicGuitars

Fender American Elite Thinline Telecaster Demo | Review

MooreMusicGuitars

MooreMusicGuitars

Video thumbnail for Fender® American Elite Telecaster Thinline Mystic Ice Blue | The Music Gallery by musicglryinc

Fender® American Elite Telecaster Thinline Mystic Ice Blue | The Music Gallery

musicglryinc

musicglryinc

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning visual appeal with natural and tortoiseshell binding

  • Noiseless pickups deliver classic Fender tone with no hum

  • Versatile S-1 switching for a range of tones

  • Excellent fit and finish; high-quality construction

  • Lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended play

  • Maple neck with minimal finish feels smooth and comfortable

  • Compensated brass saddles ensure perfect intonation

  • Great acoustic resonance even when unplugged

CONS

  • Neck dive due to heavier neck compared to the body

  • Unique sound may require tweaking to match with other instruments

  • "Suspension" bridge complicates restringing process

  • Truss rod adjustment location may be inconvenient for some

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The American Elite Thinline Telecaster includes a series/parallel toggle button in the volume pot for a humbucker-like tone in the middle-parallel position.

    Source
  • The Thinline design is said to offer more sustain, attributed to its toploader bridge configuration, enhancing its performance for sustained notes.

    Source

Build quality

  • The natural wood finish is highly appreciated for its aesthetic appeal on the Thinline, fitting the semi-hollow body design better than on a solid body.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have expressed satisfaction with the guitar's resonance when played acoustically, highlighting its ability to sing even without amplification.

    Source
  • Some users report a noticeable depth in the Thinline's sound, particularly when heard alongside other Telecaster models in a band setting, enhancing its appeal.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Thinline Telecaster is noted to have a slightly warmer tone with more low mids compared to the standard Elite, making it potentially better suited for jazz styles.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Thinline's tonal characteristics are described as subtly different, yet potentially more complementary in ensemble settings compared to the standard Elite.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Reviewed: Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

Fender's American Elite Telecaster Thinline is a striking blend of classic charm and modern versatility, making it a standout in the Telecaster lineup. The guitar's feather-light body, innovative "Champagne" finish, and pearloid pickguard offer both aesthetic appeal and comfort. Its fourth-generation noiseless pickups deliver warmth and clarity, retaining the Tele's iconic twang without unwanted hum. The new suspension bridge enhances sustain and response, though some may miss the traditional ashtray design. With flawless build quality and impressive tonal range, this guitar is built to endure and excel, setting a high bar for Fender's consumer-grade offerings.

positive

Review: Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline is a triumph of modern guitar innovation, blending classic aesthetics with advanced features. It boasts a lightweight ash body and a satin-finish maple neck that's both comfortable and stylish. The compound neck shape and radius provide exceptional playability, while the upgraded hardware enhances sustain and tone clarity. Notably, the Noiseless pickups deliver clear, twangy tones without unwanted hum, making them perfect for various styles. While the price is on the higher side, the versatile and high-quality build make it a worthy investment for serious guitarists.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how FINNEAS uses Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline

FINNEAS

Singer, Guitarist

The Favors

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Natural

In the Rolling Stone YouTube video titled "Billie Eilish and Finneas Break Down Her Hit Song 'Bad Guy'," a Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline can be seen hanging on the studio wall of FINNEAS, confirming his use of this specific guitar.

See how Tash Sultana uses Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline

Tash Sultana

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this image you see the Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline in the middle of the shot.

See how Lauv uses Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline

Lauv

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Timbocracy

Lauv has been seen performing with a Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline in Mystic Ice Blue on multiple occasions, as documented by Timbocracy. Known for his affinity with the color blue, this guitar complements his artistic identity. Additionally, Lauv owns several Fender Telecasters.

See how Steve Sladkowski uses Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline

Steve Sladkowski

Singer, Guitarist

Pup

...
Verified via YouTube

Sladkowski uses a Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline during a live session with cbc music, and used one on the "The Nightmare Begins" tour.

See how Shutoku Mukai uses Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline

Shutoku Mukai

Singer, Guitarist

Number Girl

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Mystic Ice Blue Year: 2016

In this video you can see Mukai uses his Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline Mystic Ice blue Number Girl issue of Guitar Player magazine lists this as Mukai's guitar

See how sign crushes motorist uses Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline

sign crushes motorist

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post, and some of the videos from the shows, Liam (sign crushes motorist) is seen playing this guitar live.

See how Jack B. Anderson uses Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline

Jack B. Anderson

Bassist, Keyboardist

Calpurnia

...
Verified via Photo

Jack B. Anderson showcases his Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline in Mystic Ice Blue on Instagram, with a playful nod to its approval from Oscar.

See how Cassadee Pope uses Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline

Cassadee Pope

Guitarist, Singer

Hey Monday

...
Verified via Photo

"Thank you @fender & @fenderbilly for this beauty!"

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLWQyLAD_8Q/

G

Gregory Dunn

Guitarist

Moving Mountains

...
Verified via Premierguitar

In the Premier Guitar interview titled "Moving Mountains - Making Waves," Gregory Dunn is seen using a Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline.

See how Brock Vandenberg uses Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline

Brock Vandenberg

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via For Tonight | Official Band Page | Music

The main guitar I use for live shows is the Fender Tele American Elite, in the studio I like to use the tele and my gibson Es 335

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 American Elite Telecaster Thinline, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Telecaster American Elite
Fender Telecaster American Elite Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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