Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $895

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Dive into the era of innovation with the Fender American Series Telecaster (2000 - 2007), a guitar that redefined the classic Tele's legacy. With its refined aesthetics and upgraded components, it captures the essence of what makes a Telecaster iconic, while offering a smoother, more personalized playing experience. This series introduces subtle yet impactful changes, including newly-designed pickups and a neck that feels like an old friend from the first play. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this Telecaster promises to be a versatile companion on your musical journey, blending tradition with modern tweaks for an unparalleled playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Newly-designed pickups providing a versatile sound palette
  • Choice between alder and ash bodies, catering to tonal preferences
  • Maple or rosewood fingerboards, offering distinct feel and sound options
  • Slightly rolled neck edges for a comfortable, "broken-in" feel
  • Wide range of finish options, allowing for personal expression

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Series Telecaster
Finish 2-Color Sunburst, 3-Color Sunburst, Aqua Marine Metallic, Black, Candy Cola, Chrome Red, Hot Rod Red, Natural, Olympic White, Vintage White, White Blonde
Year 2000 - 2007
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Telecaster
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 Series

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender American Series Telecaster 2000 - 2007?

The Fender American Series Telecaster from 2000 to 2007 is known for its bright and crisp tone with a strong midrange, making it versatile for genres like rock, country, and blues. Its single-coil pickups provide a classic Tele twang and clarity.

Is the Fender American Series Telecaster 2000 - 2007 suitable for beginners?

While the Fender American Series Telecaster offers professional quality and features, its straightforward design and playability make it accessible for beginners who are serious about learning and investing in a high-quality instrument.

What neck profile does the Fender American Series Telecaster 2000 - 2007 have?

The Fender American Series Telecaster from 2000 to 2007 typically features a modern C-shaped neck profile, providing a comfortable and familiar feel that suits a wide range of playing styles and hand sizes.

How does the Fender American Series Telecaster 2000 - 2007 compare to other Telecasters?

This series offers high-quality American craftsmanship with features like a bolt-on maple neck and string-through body design, distinguishing it from other Telecaster models that may use different woods or pickup configurations.

What types of finishes are available for the Fender American Series Telecaster 2000 - 2007?

The Fender American Series Telecaster from 2000 to 2007 is available in a variety of finishes, including 2-Color Sunburst, 3-Color Sunburst, Aqua Marine Metallic, Black, Candy Cola, Chrome Red, Hot Rod Red, Natural, Olympic White, Vintage White, and White Blonde.

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique chrome red finish, produced for a limited time

  • Classic Telecaster with modern versatility and smooth playability

  • Perfect neck feel and action, comfortable for extended playing

  • Distinctive, tight, and percussive pick attack with classic chime

  • Versatile sound, suitable for Blues, Rock, Country, and more

  • Thicker tone preferred over Stratocaster for some players

  • High-quality construction, retains new condition over many years

  • Comes with a superb Fender flight case

  • Rounded fret edges and individual saddles for precise intonation

CONS

  • Playability is decent but not exceptional for some players

  • Pickups are decent, but not the best available

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Series Telecaster 2000 - 2007.

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners suggest replacing stock SCN pickups with alternatives like Kinman or Fishman Fluence for a more traditional or enhanced vintage sound.

    Source
  • Consider replacing bridge humbucker for traditional Tele chime, as original may sound muddy.

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  • Some owners suggest using clear nail polish or superglue to prevent further chipping on the fretboard.

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Other

  • A faded skunk stripe is unusual and suggests extensive use and potentially unique character.

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  • The problematic finish was produced by the now-defunct Lawrence McFadden company, impacting many Fender guitars from this era.

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User experience

  • Heavy playwear is common for well-used guitars, but signs of poor storage, such as rust and warping, are concerning.

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  • The Swamp Ash body is particularly prized due to its rarity stemming from the emerald ash borer beetle's impact on availability, adding historical value to the guitar.

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  • The finish issues are more common in American Series Teles from the early 2000s, with many owners deciding to leave the flaking as it adds "character."

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Value and pricing

  • Despite its worn appearance, $950 is deemed overpriced without included refret or setup.

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  • Owners have observed the 8502 model reaching up to $1500 in the used market, highlighting its desirability and potential value retention.

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Setup and maintenance

  • High E string action issues may indicate a warped neck or improper saddle height, affecting playability.

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  • Removing the finish from a maple fretboard can be done with a plastic scraper and 400-grit sandpaper, though it requires careful handling to avoid damaging frets.

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  • Finish issues are primarily cosmetic and don't affect playability, but refretting may be needed if significant fret wear is present.

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Comparisons

  • The 8502 Tele is often favored over the American Deluxe for its classic Tele feel and sound, despite lacking features like locking tuners and body contours.

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Build quality

  • The thick poly finish is prone to chipping, especially at the edges of the fingerboard, due to a flawed chemical curing process.

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  • The 8502 model features a steel bridge with chrome-plated brass saddles, which is unique to this model and influences its tonal characteristics.

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Features and functionality

  • The U-shaped neck profile on the 8502 Telecaster is noted for its comfort and playability, offering a distinctive feel compared to other Tele necks.

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