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Average Price: $875

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$1001+

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Description

Introducing the Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar, a modern-day rendition of the classic vintage Telecasters, admired and utilized by musicians worldwide for almost four decades. This guitar is a testament to polished American craftsmanship, blending the soul of the past with the innovations of the present. With its modern "C-shaped" neck profile and innovative tone control, it retains the undeniable Tele twang, making it the true embodiment of a "workhorse". Fitted with either alder or ash bodies and maple or rosewood fretboards, it comes in a variety of finishes, making it a versatile choice for all music genres and styles.

Key Features:

  • Modern "C-shaped" neck profile for comfortable and easy playability
  • Innovative tone control for a wide range of sound production
  • Alder or ash body options, providing a choice of tonal characteristics
  • Maple or rosewood fretboard options catering to various playing styles
  • Variety of finishes allowing for personal aesthetic expression
  • Crafted with American craftsmanship, ensuring durability and quality
  • Retains the iconic Telecaster twang, suitable for a range of music genres
  • Holds value even after decades of use, making it a great investment for musicians.

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Standard Telecaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Aqua Marine Metallic, Black, Brown Sunburst, Candy Apple Red, Caribbean Mist, Crimson Burst, Crimson Metallic, Electric Blue, Frost Red, Gun Metal Blue, Inca Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Lipstick Red, Midnight Blue, Midnight Wine, Natural, Olympic White, Purple Metallic, Sonic Blue, Vintage White, White Blonde
Year 1988 - 2000
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Purple, Red, Silver, Tan, Teal, White
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 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender American Standard Telecaster?

The Fender American Standard Telecaster features a modern C-shaped maple neck, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for most players, suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of pickups does the Fender American Standard Telecaster have?

The guitar is equipped with Alnico V pickups, known for delivering a classic Telecaster sound with a balanced mix of brightness and warmth.

Is the Fender American Standard Telecaster suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender American Standard Telecaster is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile tone, making it easy to play across different genres.

What body materials are used in the Fender American Standard Telecaster?

The guitar features a solid alder or ash body, depending on the finish, contributing to its iconic tone and resonance.

Does the Fender American Standard Telecaster have a string-through body design?

Yes, it features a string-through body design, enhancing sustain and resonance for a fuller sound.

Can the Fender American Standard Telecaster be used for rock music?

Absolutely, the versatile tone of the Alnico V pickups and the solid build make it well-suited for rock and many other music genres.

DV247 Music Store UK TV

DV247 Music Store UK TV

Fender American Standard Telecaster Demo

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Telecaster Demo by DV247 Music Store UK TV

Fender American Standard Telecaster Demo

DV247 Music Store UK TV

DV247 Music Store UK TV

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Telecaster  •  Wildwood Guitars Overview by Wildwood Guitars

Fender American Standard Telecaster • Wildwood Guitars Overview

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar by N Stuff Music

Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Telecaster® Demo | Fender by Fender

Fender American Standard Telecaster® Demo | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Telecaster 3-Tone Sunburst | N Stuff Music by N Stuff Music

Fender American Standard Telecaster 3-Tone Sunburst | N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Maple Telecaster Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

Fender American Standard Maple Telecaster Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

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Fender American Elite Telecaster vs American Standard Telecaster Comparison

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

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

Fender American Standard Telecaster Electric Guitar

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Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Telecaster Natural Ash Rosewood F/B Demo by Music force by Music Force Official

Fender American Standard Telecaster Natural Ash Rosewood F/B Demo by Music force

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Music Force Official

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Telecaster Black Rosewood F/B Demo by Music force by Music Force Official

Fender American Standard Telecaster Black Rosewood F/B Demo by Music force

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Music Force Official

Video thumbnail for Fender 2015 American Standard Telecaster Fender 2015 American Standard Demo Review by GAK

Fender 2015 American Standard Telecaster Fender 2015 American Standard Demo Review

GAK

GAK

Video thumbnail for 2008 Fender Telecaster American Std. Telecaster by GregsGuitars

2008 Fender Telecaster American Std. Telecaster

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1997 Fender Telecaster American Std. by GregsGuitars

1997 Fender Telecaster American Std.

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 2008 Fender Telecaster American Std. Part2 by GregsGuitars

2008 Fender Telecaster American Std. Part2

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 2008 USA FENDER AMERICAN STANDARD TELECASTER NATURAL ASH BLONDE BODY SKB FLIGHT CASE UP CLOSE GUITAR by Essex Recording Studios

2008 USA FENDER AMERICAN STANDARD TELECASTER NATURAL ASH BLONDE BODY SKB FLIGHT CASE UP CLOSE GUITAR

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Telecaster 3 Color Sunburst by Eiland Muziek

Fender American Standard Telecaster 3 Color Sunburst

Eiland Muziek

Eiland Muziek

Video thumbnail for Fender American Telecaster (2015 Model) Demo by Hickies Music Store

Fender American Telecaster (2015 Model) Demo

Hickies Music Store

Hickies Music Store

Video thumbnail for Тест Fender Telecaster American Standard 2008 by AngelDust Guitars

Тест Fender Telecaster American Standard 2008

AngelDust Guitars

AngelDust Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Telecaster Crimson Red Transparent 360° View by A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments

Fender American Standard Telecaster Crimson Red Transparent 360° View

A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments

A&C Hamilton Musical Instruments

Video thumbnail for 2008 Fender Telecaster American Std. Part1 by GregsGuitars

2008 Fender Telecaster American Std. Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Fender America Standard Telecaster: upgrades and modifications... by Fret Friend Guitar Workshop and Luthiery

Fender America Standard Telecaster: upgrades and modifications...

Fret Friend Guitar Workshop and Luthiery

Fret Friend Guitar Workshop and Luthiery

Video thumbnail for FENDER American Standard Telecaster - USA Demo from Igor Emelyanenko by DMB STUDIO

FENDER American Standard Telecaster - USA Demo from Igor Emelyanenko

DMB STUDIO

DMB STUDIO

Video thumbnail for 2008 Fender Telecaster American Std. Telecaster, natur by GregsGuitars

2008 Fender Telecaster American Std. Telecaster, natur

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Sweet Tele! 2011 Fender American Standard Telecaster: Deep Dive Review and Demo by Boechler Guitars and Repair

Sweet Tele! 2011 Fender American Standard Telecaster: Deep Dive Review and Demo

Boechler Guitars and Repair

Boechler Guitars and Repair

Video thumbnail for Fender American Standard Telecaster review (1997 model) by Refined Retro Reviews

Fender American Standard Telecaster review (1997 model)

Refined Retro Reviews

Video thumbnail for รีวิว Fender American Standard Telecaster 1997 by Fusionmusic Studio

รีวิว Fender American Standard Telecaster 1997

Fusionmusic Studio

Fusionmusic Studio

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth, comfortable neck for easy playability

  • Versatile tone suitable for various music genres

  • Durable, road-tested build quality

  • Offers classic Telecaster "twang" and punch

  • Reliable tuning stability even during gigs

  • High-quality construction with attention to detail

  • Unique tone and sustain from maple wood

  • Customizable with different pickup options

  • Excellent tone clarity and definition

  • Inspires creativity and musical exploration

CONS

  • Heavier than expected for some users

  • Occasional hardware issues like loose jacks or broken switch pieces

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • Ash wood models may hold future value due to discontinued production, adding a unique point of rarity.

    Source
  • The 2008 American Standard Telecaster features a 6-saddle bridge, which some purists might dislike, but it offers easier intonation and better tuning stability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • American Standard series retains value better than many guitars; however, significant appreciation is unlikely without unique features or limited production.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Strap blocks are popular for vintage guitars, offering security without modification; suitable for those hesitant about installing strap locks.

    Source
  • The Seymour Duncan Hot Rod bridge pickup is a common upgrade, but it's crucial to test its sound profile before purchase due to its significant tonal impact.

    Source
  • Owners have swapped stock bridges for compensated brass saddles to enhance tonal quality and intonation.

    Source
  • Custom Shop Twisted Tele pickups are favored by some for transforming the guitar into a "jingle rock machine," ideal for cowboy chords and low overdrive.

    Source

User experience

  • A user successfully used Grolsch beer rings as strap locks but found them unreliable, highlighting the need for dedicated strap blocks or locks.

    Source
  • Playing in diverse environments, even outdoors in a mall, can reveal the guitar's adaptability and comfort under different conditions.

    Source
  • The American Standard is praised for its natural finish, with some preferring tortoise shell pickguards over black for aesthetic appeal.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Buyers should inspect for neck twist and broken truss rods, as these are critical issues that can affect playability and are costly to repair.

    Source
  • The truss rod access is at the base of the neck, which is traditional but can be more challenging for adjustments.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender American Standard Telecaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender American Standard Telecaster is praised for its modern rhythm style performance, bringing subtle improvements in resonance and vibe. However, it loses a touch of the classic Telecaster identity, particularly with new saddles altering its character. The guitar offers a contemporary feel with its construction and sound, but its bridge design, reminiscent of a Stratocaster, may not satisfy traditionalists seeking that classic Tele punch. Despite this, it excels in contemporary styles with a wide sound and effective jazzier lines. It's a solid option for those open to a slightly modified Tele sound, but may leave purists wanting more of the original's raw character.

positive

Fender American Standard Telecaster

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The Fender American Standard Telecaster impresses with its modern upgrades while retaining classic appeal. Highlights include a six-saddle bridge for improved intonation and sound, custom pickups for versatile tones, and a comfortable C-shaped neck with a flatter radius. While the neck pickup may sound slightly brighter than expected, the guitar's playability and resonant unamplified sound are standout features. It's a superbly made instrument that balances tradition with a modern touch.

positive
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 33 Reviews and 162 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
andrabian

It is part of my personality

This one is my first serious electric guitar and probaby the last one that I'd ever part with, as the old ad says. To be honest, not particularly for the quality of the instrument, but for the adventures, bands and stages we've seen together. I like the idea of being buried with it, or probably pass it over to a good friend who'd take care of it rather than sell it. Mine is an 1990 factory second, having a finish that wears off very easily, giving it a nice road-worn look. I think people pay extras for this these days, but I got hold of it for a bargain price. It has a blonde color with a rosewood neck, that has a very chunky U profile. This may be unusual for the American Standard that usually came with a more modern C neck in later model years. I replaced to original pickups to a set of Texas Specials, which did improve the sound a bit, but I still regret that I sold the original Delta-tone set. Apart from that, it is all original, and now lives in a black deluxe wooden case. This is my main stage guitar I've recorded most of the music on my Soundcloud profile playing this guitar.

Roles:
jayashtray

Perfect tone and Smooth Neck

I've had this guitar for years now and I couldn't be more happy with its tone. It is insanely lightweight compared to other guitars. The neck has a smooth controlled play style to it and the pickups are superb. The only problems I have encountered with this product would be that the plastic piece on the pickup switch broke off unexpectedly and the jack has been loose on the guitar since I purchased it. Plays like butter!!

ferdelazerda

Modded

Its a 2012 telecaster with belly cut, ash body. The pickups has been changed for Klein Epic 52, the 6 bolt american pro bridge has been changed for an american vintage ash tray bridge, and the pickguard is currently aged white. the machine head are hipshot locking tuners

highme

Love the bright sound of the Telecaster, and the Maple wood is the smoothest to play with!

The american Telecaster might be a little expensive in comparison to the Mexican Series or the American Special Series, but it's totally worth the extra price. The Maple wood makes it a very smooth guitar to play to, it also adds sustain to the sounds, so it's an amazing guitar if you are not the lead guitarrist or if you want to play in the clean channel with a lot of chords. The quality of the construction and details of the guitar are also spectacular, you really feel the love in the making process of this guitar. I totally recommend it

grishamtj

Solid As It Gets

My sage green metallic telecaster came modified with the generation 3 noiseless pickups, and this guitar screams. I use this for a lot of my twangier ventures, or whenever I need a nice bite from single coils. It's clear and defined, but can break up very easily. This is a great guitar for someone looking for versatility.

andrew_ryver

Go-To Guitar

This guitar has amazing tone. After a couple of years of dialing in my pedalboard and amp, everything now meshes perfectly to provide a great sound for worship music. Telecasters are my favorite guitar, but you have to be careful not to let the bright tendencies of these body styles get too far over the top.

jimmarchi1

I used to mix live sound for a massive gospel evangelist act that moved alla round Philly into bigger and bigger venues eventually filling WAREHOUSES with god-fearing Christians... music was great! "YOU GOT TO PRAAAAAIIIISE HIM! YOU GOTTA PRAISE THE LAHD JEEEESUS!"

jimmarchi1

that gospel group's guitarist played a 60s ES355 that I desperately wanted, but he would not sell it to me, even when I offered to do their FOH free for a year! Guess he loved that guitar more than Jesus.

eric_nettle

It's a machine!

It's a great guitar and built like a tank. Everything you'd want in a Telecaster and a tummy cut! I preferred to install the N3 noiseless pickups over the custom shop ones, but the CS pickups also sound really good for more traditional setups.

caydpoe

Great tone and feel.

This guitar is great over all, it is simple, you can make just about any sound with it, and it has great tome. I can't find any flaws because the telecaster is meant to stay the same as it always was and any "flaws" are supposd to be there. It's the original Fender guitar and for me it's perfect.

jimmarchi1

I hesitate to sound picky and antagonistic, but your 2 sentence review begs the question -- you can't find ANY flaws? Thin, flimsy neck profile that will be fatiguing for anyone with long fingers (which should be most people who play Fender's 25.5" scale.. strats and teles are for guys who have a serious stretch) and is prone to twisting with 10 and 11 gauge strings? Mediocre stock pickups wound on plastic bobbins by soulless machines so that the coil of wire doesn't actually contact the magnets? Thick polyurethane finish that is designed for quick drying and a shiny appearance with minimal buffing rather than being designed to let the wood breathe and resonate its best? I wouldn't bring up these little things, but they do all add up and American Standards are on the pricey side for what you actually get. The higher end Mexi stuff is cheaper and often has less of these faults (to say nothing of Fender Japan's fine work). Normally I am all about buying American to keep America's contribution to music (the electric guitar) an American product, but USA Fender's value for dollar has been rather offensive for the last decade. An essentially machine made guitar could be manufactured anywhere, so why not get a foreign Fender that's closer to what Leo created? Or for the money Fender is charging you can call up King Bee or some similar builder... anyway, I have probably ranted too much in your general direction when its FMIC that really cheeses me off.

caydpoe

I simply don't agree. The telecaster is meant to stay the same as it always was, any "flaws" are supposd to be there. It is true that Fender does charge a lot for it, but it's still a high quality product meant to last many lifetimes(with proper care). It's the original Fender guitar and for me it's great. Please post your own oppenions and not on other people's reviews.

mettlegossett

The best guitar I have ever owned

This American Tele is the best guitar I have ever owned. The tone is perfect, it plays amazing, and every time I want something else I'll play it and remember why I wanted it in the first place. I would play exclusively these Telecasters if they had a tremolo system, but the lack of one is the only reason I play any other guitar. I'm not really into bigsbys either so that's out.

hudsonwaldrop

Continuously consistent

This guitar was my first big purchase out of high school. It has been my go to electric ever since. It just brings the creativity out in me. I have the black model, but I changed out the white pick guard for a black one. It's an amazing guitar.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lars Frederiksen uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Lars Frederiksen

Guitarist

Rancid

...
Verified via reverb.com

From Lars Frederiksen’s official Reverb.com shop: “ This Fender AM STD Telecaster is owned by Lars Frederiksen. Serial: N550692 Healthy amount of scratches, scuffs, dings and general cosmetic throughout. Some light wear on the neck and fretboard. Hairline cracks in the neck pocket, as expected. Pickups sound great, neck is comfortable, the guitar is setup great. Lovely player, overall! Hardshell case included with ‘Rancid’ in purple spray paint. This guitar was used across Rancid’s 1998 album Life Won’t Wait, including on the track ‘Lady Liberty’. Used live a handful of times as well. All items in The Official Lars Frederiksen of Rancid Reverb Shop ship fully insured with delivery confirmation and a signed and embossed Certificate Of Authenticity.”

See how Richard Ashcroft uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Richard Ashcroft

Singer

The Verve

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Ashcroft can be seen playing a Fender Telecaster Mystic Red.

See how Iggy Pop uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Iggy Pop

Singer, Composer

The Stooges

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from TED's source, Iggy Pop is seen playing a Fender American Standard Telecaster at home in his later years.

See how Batuhan Mutlugil uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Batuhan Mutlugil

Guitarist

Duman

...
Verified via YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHMITSS3ftA 2004 Fender American Standard Telecaster (Blonde)

See how Jeffrey Kunde uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Jeffrey Kunde

Guitarist

...
Verified via Jeffreykunde

"Not a reissue or a special series, just a classic American Standard Tele. I love this guitar. I love the single coil sound, and its definitely a old stand by for me. I’ve never changed the pickups or done mod’s to it besides shielding the inside of the guitar (underneath the pickguard) with copper foil to reduce that classic tele “buzz”. I especially like it for tight lead parts or chimey rhythm parts in studio and live. Mine is a vintage white color, with a few big dents on it due to those airline guys…. but still plays great."

See how Francisco Durán uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Francisco Durán

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
See how Keith Scott uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Keith Scott

Guitarist

Bryan Adams's Band

...
Verified via YouTube

Keith Scott played a Fender Telecaster, live on tour with Bryan Adams, in 1987 on the 'Hearts On Fire' track. The Telecaster is shown in this music video from the concert at 0:23s.

See how Matthew Murphy uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Matthew Murphy

Singer, Guitarist

The Wombats

...
Verified via YouTube

Used in "Give Me A Try".

See how Bradley Will Simpson uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Bradley Will Simpson

Singer, Guitarist

The Vamps

...
Verified via Gettyimages

He was playing this guitar at Free Radio 2014.

See how Claudio Narea uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Claudio Narea

Singer, Guitarist

Los Prisioneros

...
Verified via Photo

Esta es una Fender American Standard Telecaster que es una de las guitarras más nuevas y usadas de Claudio en la actualidad

See how Jim Heath uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Jim Heath

Singer, Guitarist

The Reverend Horton Heat

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"I have several pretty cool guitars and amps, but I’m not a big collector. I have a ’57 Gretsch Streamliner that looks brand new, which I got from Billy Gibbons. I’ve also got an early-’60s Gretsch Sparkle Jet that’s in excellent condition, and a New American Standard Tele I like a lot."

See how Tim Collis uses Fender American Standard Telecaster

Tim Collis

Guitarist

This Town Needs Guns

...
Verified via Photo

Sourced here from a live show, Tim used an American Standard Telecaster in a natural finish to play.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender American Standard Telecaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Boss DS-1 Distortion
Boss DS-1 Distortion Distortion Effects Pedals
2
Pro Co RAT 2
Pro Co RAT 2 Distortion Effects Pedals
2
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS Effects Pedal Accessories
2
Gibson ES-335
Gibson ES-335 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
2
Fulltone OCD
Fulltone OCD Overdrive Effects Pedals
2
Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp
Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp Combo Guitar Amplifiers
2

Community setups

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