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Fender American Original '50s Telecaster

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Fender American Original '50s Telecaster

$1,300.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (2)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Fender American Original '50s Telecaster

2 community setups

6 wishlisted

17 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (22)

$1,300.00 11 available Used

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Average Price: $1,300

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender American Original '50s 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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Step into the iconic era of rock 'n' roll with the Fender American Original '50s Telecaster, a guitar that beautifully marries vintage aesthetics with modern playability. Modeled after the legendary 1952 Telecaster, this instrument is a nod to the pioneers of blues, country, and rock. Its Pure Vintage '52 pickups are meticulously crafted to deliver the authentic twang and dynamic tones that defined a generation, offering you that classic sound with every strum.

The Telecaster's body is carved from period-correct ash, finished with a nitrocellulose lacquer that not only looks stunning but also ages gracefully, revealing the guitar's unique character over time. Whether you're a thumb-behind player or prefer a more modern grip, the chunky "U" neck profile and a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius provide an incredibly comfortable playing experience, minimizing the risk of fretting out during those high-register solos.

This guitar is more than just a piece of nostalgia; it's a versatile tool for the modern musician. With features like the bone nut and brass barrel saddles, you can expect optimal sustain and tuning stability, making it perfect for both studio sessions and live performances. Whether you're channeling the vintage vibes of the '50s or crafting new sounds, the Fender American Original '50s Telecaster is your ticket to a timeless musical journey.

Key Features:

Pure Vintage '52 single-coil pickups for classic tone
Period-correct ash body with nitrocellulose lacquer finish
Chunky '50s-era "U" neck profile
Modern 9.5-inch fingerboard radius
Classic 3-saddle bridge with brass barrel saddles
Spanky, articulate maple fingerboard
Authentic 1-ply phenolic pickguard
Kluson-style vintage tuning machines

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	American Original '50s Telecaster with Maple Fretboard
Finish	Butterscotch Blonde
Year	2018 - 2022
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material	Ash
Body Shape	T-Style
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Yellow
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple
Fretboard Radius	9.5"
Model Family	Fender Telecaster
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	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender American Original

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Original '50s Telecaster?: The neck features a '52-U shape, providing a substantial feel that's comfortable for players who prefer a thicker neck profile, reminiscent of vintage Telecasters from the 1950s.
What type of pickups are used in the Fender American Original '50s Telecaster?: This guitar is equipped with Pure Vintage '52 single-coil pickups, which deliver the classic Telecaster twang and clarity, ideal for genres like country, rock, and blues.
Is the Fender American Original '50s Telecaster suitable for beginners?: While playable by beginners, the Fender American Original '50s Telecaster is designed with vintage enthusiasts and experienced players in mind, offering period-correct features and high-quality craftsmanship.
How does the nitrocellulose finish affect the sound of the Fender American Original '50s Telecaster?: The gloss nitrocellulose finish allows the ash body to resonate more freely, enhancing the guitar's natural tone and sustain, while also aging gracefully over time.
What is the fretboard radius of the Fender American Original '50s Telecaster?: The fretboard has a 9.5" radius, providing a comfortable balance between vintage feel and modern playability, suitable for both chord playing and soloing.

Equipboard's Expert Review

Equipboard tested this

Classic Tone, Modern Feel, Few Quirks

The Fender American Original '50s Telecaster is a nostalgic nod to the golden era of electric guitars, and it certainly lived up to its reputation for high-quality craftsmanship. From the moment we opened the case, we were struck by its vintage look and feel, but there were a few surprises along the way.

The build quality is what you’d expect from a Fender of this caliber—solid and reliable. The nitrocellulose finish enhances the resonance and response, making it feel very much alive in your hands. That said, we did find that during extended sessions, the neck finish could get a bit sticky. The chunky U-shaped neck is a standout feature; while some of us appreciated its substantial feel and the sustain it provides, others found it a bit too fat for comfort.

Feature-wise, the guitar offers a lot. The tall vintage frets and 9.5" radius make bends and chords equally comfortable. We were fans of the versatile tone controls and switch positions, which allowed us to dial in a wide range of tones.

Sonically, the guitar shines with clear, punchy, and articulate tones that are sweet and airy at the bridge, and warm and rich at the neck. However, the low-output pickups might not satisfy those looking for a beefier sound or more top-end sparkle right out of the box. Still, with a bit of tweaking, we found the pickups to be quite usable.

Overall, this guitar is an excellent choice for players who value vintage aesthetics and a versatile tonal palette. However, if you're looking for high-output pickups or have smaller hands, you might want to look elsewhere. For us, the American Original '50s Telecaster is a worthy tribute to a classic era.

Rated 4

Videos

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional build quality with a responsive nitrocellulose finish
Vintage look and feel with a nostalgic nod to the golden era
Versatile tone controls and switch positions for a wide range of sounds
Chunky U-shaped neck provides excellent sustain and resonance
Light weight enhances playability and comfort
Bridge pickup delivers a sweet, airy sound not found in Stratocasters
Neck pickup offers warm, rich tones ideal for rhythm or leads
Stays in tune remarkably well, even during extended play
Excellent interaction with effects, particularly modulation pedals
Tall vintage frets and 9.5" radius make bends and chords comfortable

CONS

Neck finish can become sticky during extended sessions
Low-output pickups may lack beef and top-end sparkle
Neck may feel too fat for players with smaller hands
Some units have minor neck joint alignment issues
Heavier models can be cumbersome for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Original '50s Telecaster.

Features and functionality

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The American Original '50s Telecaster features a standard 3-way switch wiring, differing from the original early Tele wiring, which some owners find preferable for modern use.
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The nitro finish is described as having a urethane base coat, which some believe affects the resonance and aging characteristics compared to pure nitro finishes.
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Setup and maintenance

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Owners mention the truss rod adjuster is located at the bottom of the neck, requiring a vintage-style tool for adjustments without detaching the neck.
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Comparisons

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The neck profile is described as a thick U shape with a 9.5" radius, considered chunkier than the Pro2 but less thick than the Vintera '50s model.
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The nitro finish on the American Original '50s Telecaster is reportedly thicker than the 2012 Pure Vintage Tele, impacting its aging process.
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The finish on the American Original series is perceived as less favorable compared to the Road Worn MIM series, which some consider to have a superior finish quality.
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The neck profile of the American Original '50s Telecaster is compared to the Richie Kotzen model, described as being closer to the RK than a modern C due to its U shape.
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Use cases and applications

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The guitar is praised for its simplicity and iconic design, making it a preferred choice for those seeking an authentic vintage Telecaster experience.
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Value and pricing

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The 'Originals' line is discontinued, with the American Vintage II being the closest current model, featuring minor differences.
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Build quality

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The nitro finish is layered over a poly sealer, resulting in a more chip-prone surface, unlike vintage nitro finishes that tend to age with graceful checking.
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User experience

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A user reported significant cracking on their 2019 model due to rapid temperature changes during a winter gig, indicating the finish's sensitivity to environmental conditions.
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One owner reports that the neck, although not as wide as the Richie Kotzen model, still feels substantial and may not suit those preferring slimmer profiles.
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Mods and upgrades

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Refinishing the neck with Tru Oil is suggested to address playability issues caused by the thick poly gloss finish.
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Critic Reviews

Fender American Original '50s Telecaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

A solid homage to classic Telecasters, the Fender American Original '50s Telecaster brings vintage charm with modern playability. Players will appreciate the well-constructed body and versatile sound that captures the essence of rock 'n' roll. However, be prepared for a heavier weight and a neck that might not suit everyone’s taste. While the updates offer some welcome fixes, they may detract from the original vibe for purists. If you’re a fan of the Tele’s raw sound and don’t mind the weight, this guitar is a worthy addition to your collection.

positive

Full Review

Reviewed: Fender American Original '50s Telecaster - Mixdown Magazine

mixdownmag.com.au

Fender's American Original '50s Telecaster is a stunning homage to its iconic predecessor, boasting a thick one-piece maple neck and a truly authentic sound that resonates with clarity and depth. While the craftsmanship and nostalgic appeal are undeniable, the review hints at a potential lack of innovation compared to competitors, which may leave some players wanting more. Overall, this Telecaster remains a gold standard in its class, celebrating classic tones while perhaps sticking too closely to tradition.

positive

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Emma Proulx

Singer, Guitarist

Men I Trust

Verified via Photo

The photo shows Emma Proulx playing a Fender American Original '50s Telecaster.

Jaleel Bunton

Bassist

TV on the Radio

Verified via YouTube

In this video from Fender, Jaleel Bunton reviews and demonstrates the American Original 50s Telecaster. He says:

So one of the first things I noticed about this guitar is that the pickups sound really great. They're 1952 vintage style pickups, and they sound really warm but they also cut through. It still has a nice warm body which for me, I really love vintage sound, I grew up on a lot of vintage music. I try to capture the heart and the warmth of the vintage sound that I grew up on, and became addicted to music through. But also tried to take that and put it in a modern context, and this guitar seems pretty capable of doing that too.

Another thing I really love about this guitar is that it has a U shape neck which is great. I really love guitars that have thicker necks because they just fit into my hand better. This also has a more modern 9.5 inch radius, which means it's a little bit flatter. Which means that you don't fret out as much when you're like bending notes, which I like to do. So it's a nice mix of vintage and modern, it's good. Good vibe.

Another really awesome thing about this guitar is the vintage-correct hardware and body. It's all ash and the hardware is all the same hardware they used in the '50s, which is funny because it's actually more functional. Like the tuning pegs are the slotted ones, which it's so much easier to string a guitar this way, I think, love them. And then the domed volume control knobs, the knobs are great. They have the rounded knobs rather than the flat ones, which is super cool. And then the last thing is the brass barrel settles, which, its a real subtle difference, brass as opposed to steel. But it really has an effect on the sound and it looks really cool, it plays great, because all these subtle of things build up to make this guitar special.

Another really cool feature of this guitar is that Fender used the original nitro lacquer finish. It's that same finish that they used in the 50s, and so when you see those really beautiful guitars that have the wear of your body and playing on them. You don't get that with polyurethane, but you do get that with nitro lacquer. And that's great, it means it can be a generational heirloom kind of thing, it's awesome.