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Average Price: $1,838

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time while stepping up your game with the Fender American Original '60s Telecaster. This isn't just a guitar; it's a portal to the past, bringing the unmistakable vibe and tone of the 1960s into the hands of the modern musician. With its authentic sound and style, this Telecaster pays homage to a revolutionary era in music while offering enhancements that meet today's playing demands.

From the glossy finishes to the double-bound body and 3-ply pickguard, every aspect of this instrument screams vintage elegance. However, it's not just about looks. The Pure Vintage '64 single-coil Telecaster pickups provide a sound that's as close to the original '60s models as you can get, ensuring that every note you play is infused with a piece of musical history. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, a rock 'n' roller, or anywhere in between, the versatility of this guitar will allow you to explore a wide array of genres with ease.

The smooth, mid-'60s "C"-shaped neck and 9.5"-radius round-lam rosewood fingerboard offer unparalleled comfort for your fretting hand, making it easier to play for longer periods. This guitar doesn't just sound good; it feels good too. Dive into the rich sonic palette of the '60s and discover why the Telecaster has stood the test of time. The Fender American Original '60s Telecaster is more than an instrument—it's a testament to the enduring power of music.

Key Features:

  • Pure Vintage '64 single-coil Telecaster pickups for authentic '60s sound
  • Double-bound body and 3-ply pickguard for classic aesthetics
  • Mid-'60s "C"-shaped neck profile for comfortable playability
  • 9.5"-radius round-lam rosewood fingerboard familiar to modern players
  • Vintage-tall frets and original-era body radii for authentic playing experience
  • Vintage-style hardware including three steel saddles for classic tone
  • Lacquer finish allowing the wood to "breathe" for resonant tone

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Original '60s Telecaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Burgundy Mist Metallic, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, Surf Green
Year 2018 - 2022
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Blue, Brown, Green, Red
Finish Features Matching Headstock
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
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
Wood Top Style Opaque

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Fender American Original '60s Telecaster have?

The Fender American Original '60s Telecaster is equipped with Pure Vintage '64 single-coil Telecaster pickups, known for delivering a classic, bright, and articulate tone characteristic of 1960s Telecasters.

Is the neck profile of the Fender American Original '60s Telecaster comfortable for vintage-style playing?

Yes, the neck features a mid-'60s "C" shape profile, which is designed to offer a comfortable grip reminiscent of vintage Telecasters, making it suitable for players who appreciate a classic feel.

How does the rosewood fretboard affect the sound of the Fender American Original '60s Telecaster?

The rosewood fretboard adds warmth and depth to the guitar's tone, complementing the bright and twangy sound of the single-coil pickups, making it versatile for various music styles.

What is the finish style of the Fender American Original '60s Telecaster, and how does it contribute to its appearance?

The guitar features a gloss and metallic finish with options like 3-Color Sunburst and Lake Placid Blue, giving it a vintage aesthetic with a modern shine that stands out on stage.

Is the Fender American Original '60s Telecaster suitable for gigging musicians?

Yes, with its durable construction, classic tone, and reliable performance, the Fender American Original '60s Telecaster is well-suited for live performances and professional use.

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Fender American Original '60s Telecaster Demo | No Talking

Video thumbnail for TONE CHECK: Fender American Original '60s Telecaster Demo | No Talking by Cream City Music

TONE CHECK: Fender American Original '60s Telecaster Demo | No Talking

Cream City Music

Cream City Music

Video thumbnail for Fender 2018 American Original '60s Telecaster | Guitar Demo by Guitar

Fender 2018 American Original '60s Telecaster | Guitar Demo

Guitar

Guitar

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original 60's Telecaster by Jack Fossett

Fender American Original 60's Telecaster

Jack Fossett

Jack Fossett

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '60s Telecaster - Lake Placid Blue by N Stuff Music

Fender American Original '60s Telecaster - Lake Placid Blue

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '60s Telecaster - Review & Demo by PMTVUK

Fender American Original '60s Telecaster - Review & Demo

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '60s Telecaster Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Fender American Original '60s Telecaster Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '60s Telecaster by Guitar Center

Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original 60s Telecaster RW Fiesta Red played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ TFOA by TFOA Demos

Fender American Original 60s Telecaster RW Fiesta Red played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ TFOA

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Original '60s Telecaster | Rosewood - 3-Colour Sunburst by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Original '60s Telecaster | Rosewood - 3-Colour Sunburst

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for TeleTuesday | Fender American Original 60's Telecaster DEMO by Bailey Brothers

TeleTuesday | Fender American Original 60's Telecaster DEMO

Bailey Brothers

Bailey Brothers

Video thumbnail for FENDER AMERICAN ORIGINAL '60s TELECASTER - FIESTA RED /// WALT GRACE VINTAGE by Walt Grace Vintage

FENDER AMERICAN ORIGINAL '60s TELECASTER - FIESTA RED /// WALT GRACE VINTAGE

Walt Grace Vintage

Walt Grace Vintage

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Original '60s Telecaster | Rosewood - Lake Placid Blue by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Original '60s Telecaster | Rosewood - Lake Placid Blue

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Video thumbnail for Snacks 070: American Original '60's Telecaster, 3 Color Sunburst by Russo Music

Snacks 070: American Original '60's Telecaster, 3 Color Sunburst

Russo Music

Russo Music

Video thumbnail for LONG REVIEW: Fender American Original 60s Telecaster by rollysguitars

LONG REVIEW: Fender American Original 60s Telecaster

rollysguitars

rollysguitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone and playability described as a "religious experience"

  • High-quality nitrocellulose finish with unique vintage appeal

  • Rosewood fretboard preferred for its darker, richer tone

  • Versatile sound range suitable for various music genres

  • Comfortable neck with a substantial feel preferred over other models

  • Vintage tall frets enhance playability and maintain classic vibe

  • Eye-catching retro colors like Fiesta Red and Lake Placid Blue

  • Classic Telecaster design without unnecessary modern alterations

  • Pickups praised for delivering clear, well-balanced sound

  • Considered a lifelong keeper by several experienced musicians

CONS

  • Nitrocellulose finish prone to flaking and showing wear easily

  • Strap locks may damage the finish without additional buttons

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Original '60s Telecaster.

Build quality

  • Owners praise the Lake Placid Blue finish, noting minor dings and checking that add character.

    Source
  • The double white binding on the body enhances its visual appeal, making it stand out among other Telecasters that typically lack this feature.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to the MIJ TL-62, users find the American Original '60s Telecaster offers similar playability and aesthetics.

    Source
  • Owners often prefer the American Original '60s Telecaster over some Custom Shop models, citing superior build quality and vintage feel despite the price difference.

    Source
  • The AO60s model in burgundy mist is considered the rarest, produced only during two years of the pandemic, making it a coveted collector's item.

    Source
  • The AO50s has a noticeably thicker neck than the AO60s, which may influence playability for complex chords.

    Source
  • Despite some imperfections, the AO60s is favored for its character over the AO50s, which is regarded as an objectively better-built instrument.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report the guitar holds tune exceptionally well and the pickups, especially the bridge, deliver a magical tone.

    Source
  • The guitar feels heavy for a Telecaster due to its vintage spec, but maintains a nice balance between neck and body weight, adding to its charm.

    Source
  • The 9.5" radius and larger frets deviate from true vintage specs, yet many owners appreciate these for enhanced playability over the traditional 7.25" radius.

    Source
  • The AO60s is praised for its neck pickup, described as having exceptionally singing qualities that stand out in comparison to other guitars.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck profile is slightly larger than a Strat's modern C shape, appealing to those who prefer smaller necks over larger LP styles.

    Source
  • The pickups have a higher output compared to the '50s variant, providing a balanced tone without the common issue of a muddy neck or ice-picky bridge.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for players seeking a classic American-made Telecaster sound and aesthetic.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners have enhanced their AO60s by installing a CS51 bridge pickup with a PV64 neck pickup, resulting in a standout tonal combination.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Original '60s Telecaster & '50s Stratocaster

guitar.com

The Fender American Original '60s Telecaster is a nostalgic yet modernized ode to classic guitar design. It cherry-picks the best features from the era, maintaining vintage aesthetics while introducing player-friendly updates like a 9.5-inch fretboard radius and vintage-tall frets for better playability. The Pure Vintage pickups deliver authentic tones, appealing to fans of classic rock and R&B. While some purists may lament deviations from exact vintage specs, the changes make for a more versatile and comfortable instrument. Overall, it offers a compelling blend of retro style and modern convenience, making it a strong choice for players seeking a vintage vibe without the vintage drawbacks.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
ziga_janezic

Almost as good as custom shop

I have this guitar in fiesta red colour and it is amazing. 64' tele is all you ever want from telcaster.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Graham Coxon uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Graham Coxon

Guitarist

Blur

...
Verified via MusicRadar

“Fender just gave me a Lake Placid Blue 60s Telecaster from their new American Original series that I’ll take with me. It’s beautiful. It’s bound like an old Custom and it’s got a slightly deeper neck [profile]. I got used to the 60s necks on Teles, although I did play the ’52 reissue [American Vintage series] throughout Blur, which had quite a big neck and was really heavy.”

See how Blaster Silonga uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Blaster Silonga

Singer, Guitarist

IV of Spades

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Fiesta Red Year: 2022

Blaster Silonga is confirmed to use the Fender American Original '60s Telecaster, as evidenced by a photo shared by IV OF SPADES on Facebook. The image shows him performing with this guitar at the Systems Plus College Foundation upRISING concert.

See how Rex Orange County uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Rex Orange County

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Here, you can see that, Alexander use the Tele' for Pluto and Sunflower.

See how Shane Gann uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Shane Gann

Guitarist

Hail The Sun

...
Verified via YouTube

Shane plays a Fiesta Red Fender American Original '60s Telecaster in this music video for Hail The Sun called "1109". You can see it throughout the video but there is a clear shot at 2:06.

See how JD McPherson uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

JD McPherson

Guitarist

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen promoting the Fender American Original 60's Telecaster Lake Placid Blue

See how Jess Carson uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Jess Carson

Singer, Guitarist

Midland

...
Verified via Fender

According to an article by Mike Duffy on the official Fender website, Jess Carson used the Fender American Original '60s Telecaster during a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

See how Danny Louis uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Danny Louis

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Gov't Mule

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Danny Louis has used a Fender American Original Telecaster with Gov’t Mule.

See how Jon Pardi uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Jon Pardi

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

On Jon's official Instagram, he is playing what appears to be a blue Fender American Original 60's telecaster. It is double bound, has vintage style tuners, and appears to be in pretty new condition, indicating it is newer and not vintage.

See how Jorge Ben uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Jorge Ben

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At this live presentation in "Domigão do Faustão", Jorge plays this guitar. 1990.

See how Dennis Mikula uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Dennis Mikula

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Ghost Bath

...
Verified via Facebook

In a post by Ghost Bath on Facebook, Dennis Mikula is shown using a Fender American Original '60s Telecaster in Lake Placid Blue with a black pickguard. Additionally, studio photos and videos showcase this guitar being used during recording sessions.

See how Danilo Vicari uses Fender American Original '60s Telecaster

Danilo Vicari

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In Danilo’s 2021 guitar collection video, he talks about his Fender Telecaster with an upgrade bridge because the stock one had intonation issues

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 Original '60s Telecaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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ziga_janezic

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Gear IQ 388

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