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Fender American Special Telecaster

$810.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

3 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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6 saved

Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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5.0 (74)

$810.00 33 available Used

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Average Price: $810

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender American Special Telecaster is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Crafted for the discerning musician, the Fender American Special Telecaster delivers both classic design and modern performance. Rooted in tradition but pushing the boundaries of innovation, this guitar is made in the USA, offering an authentic Fender experience without the hefty price tag. Unlike its American Standard sibling, the Special Telecaster features distinctive electronics that deliver a bright, articulate sound, and a sleek 21-fret fingerboard that promises smooth playability.

The Telecaster's iconic shape is accentuated by its '70s-style headstock logo, harkening back to its legendary past, while the two single-coil pickups ensure that signature twang and bite that have made the Tele a staple among guitarists. Whether you're aiming for the raw riffs of Keith Richards or the textured tones of Jonny Greenwood, this instrument provides the versatility to explore a wide sonic palette. Its aesthetic simplicity with dot inlays and a pair of control knobs makes it as easy on the eyes as it is in your hands.

Perfect for both stage and studio, the Fender American Special Telecaster is the choice for musicians who demand reliable performance and an authentic sound.

Key Features:

21-fret fingerboard for smooth playability
Two single-coil pickups for bright, articulate sound
'70s-style headstock logo for a classic look
Dot inlays and two control knobs for minimalist design
Made in the USA, offering quality craftsmanship at an accessible price

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	American Special Telecaster
Finish	3-Color Sunburst, Autumn Blaze Metallic, Charcoal Frost Metallic, Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, Lake Placid Blue, Olympic White, Shell Pink, Sherwood Green Metallic, Surf Green, Vintage Blonde
Year	2010 - 2018
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, Grey, Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material	Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius	9.5"
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 Special

FAQs

What kind of pickups does the Fender American Special Telecaster have?: The Fender American Special Telecaster is equipped with Texas Special single-coil pickups, known for their high output and distinctive, bright tone, making them ideal for blues and rock genres.
How does the Greasebucket tone circuit on the American Special Telecaster work?: The Greasebucket tone circuit allows you to roll off high frequencies without adding bass, maintaining clarity and definition in your tone as you adjust the tone control.
What is the neck profile of the Fender American Special Telecaster?: The neck of the Fender American Special Telecaster features a modern C shape, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for most players, suitable for various playing styles.
Is the Fender American Special Telecaster suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Fender American Special Telecaster is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile, quality build, and versatile sound, providing a solid foundation for learning and growth.
Does the Fender American Special Telecaster come with a case?: The Fender American Special Telecaster comes with a gig bag, offering basic protection and portability for your guitar.
What is the fretboard radius of the American Special Telecaster?: The fretboard radius of the Fender American Special Telecaster is 9.5 inches, offering a balance between comfort for chord playing and ease for soloing.

Videos

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Reviews

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PROS

Comfortable 9.5” radius neck with well-finished, larger frets
Unique Autumn Blaze Metallic finish stands out
Texas Special pickups offer a thick, recognizable Tele sound
Vintage bridge with brass saddles enhances sound quality
Excellent playability with good tone versatility for effects
Quality electronic components, no weird cracking or issues
Affordable entry-level American-made Fender with high-end features
Great for drop D tuning, inspiring creativity
Smooth tuners that effectively keep the guitar in tune
Strong price-to-quality ratio, often favored over more expensive models

CONS

Greasebucket wiring can muddy the tone
Perceived cheaper manufacturing compared to other American Fenders
Occasional quality control issues, such as neck rattling
Some dissatisfaction with the plain neck finish
Possible need for modifications to achieve desired intonation
Concerns about the "Made in USA" authenticity due to branding changes

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

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The American Special Telecaster is often favored over the Performer series due to its inclusion of Fender Custom Shop Texas Special pickups.
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Some prefer the Vintera or certain signature models over the American Special unless upgrades are planned, highlighting the importance of personal setup and preferences.
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The American Special has a slimmer neck profile compared to the American Professional, offering a slightly different playing feel.
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Features and functionality

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Post-2011 models have a maple fingerboard paired with Texas Special pickups, offering a distinct tone.
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The American Professional features compensated saddles, which improve intonation over the non-compensated saddles of the American Special.
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Selecting both pickups can help reduce buzz by forming a humbucker-like effect, although this may not apply to all Telecaster models.
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Value and pricing

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In 2018, a new open box American Special Telecaster was purchased for $950, providing a reference point for pricing.
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Use cases and applications

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Owners highlight the Texas Special bridge pickup for classic Tele sounds, while V-Mods are praised for versatility in genres like jazz and prog rock.
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Telecasters, despite their reputation, can achieve heavy rock tones similar to those used by Tom Morello, Jimmy Page, and punk bands like The Pretenders.
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Telecasters are versatile enough for hard rock and punk, as shown by their use in bands like Rage Against the Machine and Cage the Elephant.
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User experience

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Some owners find the Texas Special neck pickup underwhelming, suggesting it may not suit all players' tonal preferences.
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Setup and maintenance

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Adjusting the amp and using the guitar's volume and tone knobs can help mitigate feedback and achieve desired dirtiness in sound.
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Mods and upgrades

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The TC Electronic Spark Booster's "fat" setting can help single coils produce a tone closer to humbuckers, addressing the need for heavier sound.
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Critic Reviews

American Special Telecaster Review

jamplay.com

The Fender American Special Telecaster strikes a harmonious balance between affordability and classic Tele charm. Priced at around $800, it features Texas Special pickups for a beefy, versatile sound, though they can hum under high gain. Its vintage bridge and "Greasebucket" tone circuit offer distinct tonal opportunities, keeping highs clear without muddying the lows. While the traditional 3-saddle bridge may challenge intonation, the guitar's playability remains solid with a comfortable 9.5" neck radius. It competes closely with higher-end models without the steep price tag, making it a standout choice for those seeking quality and versatility.

positive

Full Review

Fender American Special Telecaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Special Telecaster impresses with its exceptional value and tonal versatility, bridging the gap between the American Standard and Highway One ranges. It boasts a superb neck, excellent sound quality, and a reasonable price. While the glossy headstock fascia and "cheapo" gig bags are minor drawbacks, the guitar's build quality, featuring a three-piece alder body and Texas Special pickups, is commendable. With its clarity and snarl, the Telecaster offers a buttery playing experience, making it an excellent choice for musicians seeking a classic Fender tone at an accessible price.

positive

Full Review

Fender American Special Strat & Tele: Expert Reviews - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Fender American Special Telecaster strikes a balance between affordability and US-made quality, offering a solid playability and classic tones with its Texas Special pickups and vintage-style bridge. While it doesn't radically depart from other Fender models, it provides a compelling option for those seeking American craftsmanship at a lower price. However, the limited finish options and similar quality to Mexican-made counterparts might leave some wanting more. Overall, it delivers good value for those set on the "Made in the U.S.A." label without breaking the bank.

positive

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