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Average Price: $2,000

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue is a harmonious blend of nostalgia and modern craftsmanship, designed for those who seek the classic Tele twang with a touch of contemporary precision. Revered for its specially voiced American Vintage pickups, this instrument captures the essence of the original '52 model while offering enhancements that cater to today's discerning musicians. The wider U-shaped neck ensures a comfortable grip for both rhythm and lead players, making it a versatile addition to any guitarist's collection.

Built with meticulous attention to detail, this reissue boasts improved accuracy in both neck and body measurements, delivering a playing experience that feels as authentic as it sounds. Whether you're strumming in a cozy studio or rocking out on stage, the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue stands out as a testament to Fender's enduring legacy in guitar craftsmanship. Its iconic sound and timeless design are sure to inspire creativity and elevate your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Specially voiced American Vintage pickups
  • Wider U-shaped neck profile
  • Improved neck and body measurement accuracy
  • Classic solid body design
  • Authentic '52 Telecaster aesthetics and sound

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '52 Telecaster
Finish Butterscotch Blonde
Year 2010 - 2017
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 7.25"
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 Vintage
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue?

The Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue features a "U" shaped neck profile, which offers a substantial feel reminiscent of the original 1952 design, making it comfortable for players who prefer a thicker neck.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue?

The pickups on the '52 Telecaster Reissue deliver classic Telecaster tones, characterized by bright, twangy sounds with a strong midrange, making it versatile for genres like country, blues, and rock.

Is the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue suitable for beginners?

While the '52 Telecaster Reissue is an excellent guitar, it is generally more suited for experienced players due to its vintage specifications and price point, which may not be ideal for beginners.

How does the 7.25" fretboard radius affect playability on the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue?

The 7.25" fretboard radius provides a vintage feel, ideal for chord playing and offering a comfortable grip, although it may require a slightly higher action to prevent fretting out during bends.

Does the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue come with a case?

Yes, the Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue typically comes with a vintage-style tweed hard case, providing protection and a classic aesthetic.

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

I Always Wanted To Try - Fender Telecaster 1952 Reissue - Mary Spender

Video thumbnail for I Always Wanted To Try - Fender Telecaster 1952 Reissue - Mary Spender by Andertons Music Co

I Always Wanted To Try - Fender Telecaster 1952 Reissue - Mary Spender

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '52 Reissue Telecaster Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Fender American Vintage '52 Reissue Telecaster Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Video thumbnail for The Best '52 Tele Reissue EVER?! | Friday Fretworks by Chris Buck

The Best '52 Tele Reissue EVER?! | Friday Fretworks

Chris Buck

Chris Buck

Video thumbnail for Fender Telecaster AVRI 52 Reissue from 2012 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobis Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Telecaster AVRI 52 Reissue from 2012 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobis Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Authentic vintage look and feel with historically correct appointments

  • Incredible tone with versatile pickups offering crisp bridge and warm neck sounds

  • Nitro finish enhances resonance, contributing to a fantastic tone

  • Lightweight despite being an Ash body, making it comfortable to play

  • Fat, vintage-style neck provides a comfortable grip

  • Excellent platform for modifications if desired

  • Consistently stays in tune, even under hard playing

  • Resonant and clean sound with minimal fuzz from single-coil pickups

  • High build quality comparable to Fender's Custom Shop models

  • Offers a classic Telecaster sound at a more affordable price

CONS

  • Low output pickups compared to modern guitars

  • Lack of shielding results in noise when not touching strings

  • Cosmetic quality control issues, like oversized bridge pickup routing

  • Stock case is considered low quality and often replaced

  • Thin skin nitro finish is prone to chipping if not handled carefully

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue.

User experience

  • Late '90s models are praised for resonance, feel, and stock pickups, considered the best in their price bracket.

    Source
  • Variations in guitar runs emphasize the importance of trying before buying, even across reputable brands.

    Source
  • Owners report that the finish on American Vintage II models includes a poly base, affecting the authenticity of the nitro feel.

    Source
  • Owners regret selling the AV52 Tele, highlighting its desirability and unique qualities compared to other guitars they've owned.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Switching between vintage necks and modern frets requires technique adjustment; conscious effort needed to get 'underneath' bends.

    Source
  • Pure Vintage '52s reportedly have slightly taller vintage frets, easing transition for some players.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note easier bends on 9.5 radius necks, but appreciate the 'fight' of the 52's vintage setup.

    Source
  • The 2012-2017 American Vintage line is often considered closer to pre-CBS specifications than the American Vintage II due to the nitro finish.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the American Vintage Reissue models for value, often costing $500 to $1,000 less than newer models while maintaining high quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • The 2012-2017 American Vintage '52 Telecasters are noted for their thin nitro finish, which chips easily but adds authenticity.

    Source
  • The 2012-2017 models feature a thin finish that sinks into the wood, revealing the grain uniquely, enhancing the guitar's visual appeal.

    Source
  • The 2014 model's neck lacks tint, distinguishing it from earlier versions, and comes with a desirable crushed red case interior rather than the standard orange.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The American Vintage Reissue models from 1998-2012 have a thin polyester base coat, which some players find similar to mid-60s Fender finishes.

    Source
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 15 Ratings

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U

old school tele tone

So these days there are a great many variations of the telecaster to suit even the most diverse tastes. Personally I wanted old school and without breaking the bank, the AVRI '52 variety delivers just that.

Fantastic pallet of tones to be found by experimenting with the tone and volume pots, but wherever you park the knobs, the tele tone cuts through any mix.

The neck feels great in the hand and although it feels quite chunky initially, you will soon fall in love with it.

A totally reliable workhorse that sounds great always. Seems to stay in tune very well even when played hard. I really cannot think of any negatives.

liamnicholson

You need one of these in your collection at least once in your life.

It's a blackguard Tele with a chunky neck and all the twangy tones that have been on countless records for the last 65 years. Butterscotch, and smooth as hell.

G

So awesome

Maybe my favorite guiter? Reliced with Antiquity 55s.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Hetfield uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

James Hetfield

Bassist, Drummer

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube

James used this guitar to record the intro on “The Unforgiven II” from the 1997 album “Reload”, and it was seen in the music video for the song.

The guitar is a mid 90s reissue of the 1952 Fender Telecaster, featuring ash body and maple neck. It is custom fitted with a B-Bender system, which allows you to mechanically bend the B-string up a whole tone to C-sharp.

See how Zakk Wylde uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

Zakk Wylde

Guitarist, Singer

Pantera

...
Verified via Google

Zakk Wylde has a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue in his collection, which he played during a performance at a European festival.

See how Ian D'Sa uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

Ian D'Sa

Guitarist, Music Producer

Billy Talent

...
Verified via Photo

"And in the studios I play a '52 Telecaster reissue for all the clean stuff," says Ian D'Sa, in this interview.

See how Andy Othling uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

Andy Othling

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

"I just got the Stereo Wet reverb from Neunaber Technologies and I'm trying to see if it will replace the good old Boss RV-5... too early to tell! Will post more videos of it as I get to know it more. The Timeline was in digital mode, and the El Capistan was in fixed mode C.

I'm playing a 52 Reissue Telecaster into a Matchless Clubman."

See how Robert Quine uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

Robert Quine

Guitarist

Richard Hell & The Voidoids

...
Verified via Robertquine

In 1996 Quine switched to the Fender Telecaster. "In the late '90s, Chris Cush of [New York City's] Mojo Guitars rewired a lot of Telecasters for me," Quine notes. My favorite right now is a Fender '52 reissue, with Seymour Duncan Antiquities pickups and a four-way switch. Rick Kelly of Carmine Street Guitars has been building some amazing Telecasters lately, and that's probably what I'll get next."

See how Mike Keneally uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

Mike Keneally

Singer, Guitarist

Dethklok

...
Verified via Keneally

FENDER TELECASTER '52 REISSUE

Generally used live for "Weekend" with the D A C F# B E tuning.

See how Stef Burns uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

Stef Burns

Singer, Guitarist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Stefburns

Stef Burns uses a Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue, as detailed on his official gear page.

See how Harry Fowler uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

Harry Fowler

Guitarist

Wunderhorse

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video of Wunderhorse performing on "Track Star*". Fowler can be seen using a pristine Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue, made clear by the silver logo on the headstock.

See how Dado Villa-Lobos uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

Dado Villa-Lobos

Guitarist, Composer

Legião Urbana

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo on Blogger, Dado Villa-Lobos is seen playing a modified Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue.

See how David Immerglück uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

David Immerglück

Guitarist

Counting Crows

...
Verified via Gimmyimmy

According to Immergluck's official site, he uses the Fender '52 reissue Telecaster with Parsons-installed B-bender on it.

See how Keith Murray uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

Keith Murray

Guitarist

We Are Scientists

...
Verified via reddit

In a reddit AMA by We Are Scientists, Keith Murray is asked, "Keith, What year is the telecaster you play? I've always been curious just for the hell of it."

He replies, "It's an American Vintage '52 Reissue. I love it. I own many other guitars, but none have ever held enough allure to replace the tele."

See how Herbert Joakim Berg uses Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue

Herbert Joakim Berg

Guitarist

Kent

...
Verified via Öppet arkiv

The item can be seen at 40:16 into this video.

Album Usage

The Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue has been featured on the following albums:

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 Vintage '52 Telecaster Reissue, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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