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Average Price: $1,595

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Step back in time with the Fender Telecaster 62 Custom, a guitar that beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the early '60s while offering the reliability and precision of modern craftsmanship. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail at Fender's renowned facility in Corona, California, this solid body electric guitar is a testament to enduring quality and timeless style. The 62 Custom Telecaster boasts a bound body that enhances its vintage appeal, while the 7-1/4" fingerboard radius delivers a classic playing experience cherished by musicians worldwide.

The guitar's neck is shaped for comfort and speed, making it an ideal companion for both rhythm and lead players. Its vintage-style hardware not only adds an authentic touch but also ensures dependable performance. Equipped with period-correct pickups, this Telecaster delivers a warm, articulate tone that has been the hallmark of countless legendary recordings. Whether you're playing rock, blues, or country, the 62 Custom Telecaster promises to deliver with clarity and finesse.

Perfect for both collectors and players, this model includes a premium brown Tolex case to protect your investment on the road or at home. With its combination of classic design and modern reliability, the Fender Telecaster 62 Custom is more than just a guitar—it's a piece of music history.

Key Features:

  • Authentic '60s design with body binding
  • Made in Corona, California
  • 7-1/4" fingerboard radius for vintage feel
  • Vintage-style hardware and pickups
  • Includes brown Tolex case for protection

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '62 Telecaster Custom
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Candy Apple Red, Dakota Red, Ice Blue Metallic, Inca Silver, Ocean Turquoise, Surf Green
Year 1999 - 2012
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 Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Red, Silver
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Model Sub-Family Fender Telecaster Custom
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 of the Fender Telecaster '62 Custom?

The Fender Telecaster '62 Custom features a C-shaped maple neck, which offers a comfortable and familiar feel for most players, making it suitable for various playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the vintage single-coil pickups on the Fender Telecaster '62 Custom?

The vintage single-coil pickups provide a classic Telecaster sound, characterized by bright, clear tones with a twangy edge, ideal for country, rock, and blues genres.

Is the Fender Telecaster '62 Custom suitable for beginners?

While the Fender Telecaster '62 Custom is a high-quality instrument appreciated by experienced players, its straightforward design and playability make it accessible for beginners who are serious about their guitar journey.

What type of bridge does the Fender Telecaster '62 Custom have?

The Fender Telecaster '62 Custom is equipped with a vintage 3-saddle bridge, which contributes to its classic tone and sustain.

How does the fretboard radius of the Fender Telecaster '62 Custom affect playability?

The 7.25" fretboard radius of the Fender Telecaster '62 Custom offers a vintage feel, making it comfortable for chord playing and suited for traditional styles.

Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

2012 Fender USA American Vintage 62 Custom Telecaster V200009

Video thumbnail for 2012 Fender USA American Vintage 62 Custom Telecaster V200009 by Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

2012 Fender USA American Vintage 62 Custom Telecaster V200009

Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional vintage Tele sound with clean, clear pickups and a classic "clanky twangy" tone

  • Comfortable, fast neck that feels smooth after a brief adjustment period

  • Beautiful detailing and classic 1962 aesthetic, including a dark rosewood fretboard

  • Versatile sound suitable for various genres from country to punk rock

  • Well-built with solid craftsmanship, comparable to original vintage models

  • Stays in tune exceptionally well, great for gigging and studio work

  • Original Japanese neck pickup shines with a vintage vibe; praised by enthusiasts

  • Stock case is high quality, complementing the guitar's vintage appeal

CONS

  • Skinny 1962 neck profile may not suit everyone, takes some getting used to

  • Small frets and 7.25" vintage radius might not be ideal for slide playing

  • Some models have rough fret edges, affecting playability slightly

  • Stock bridge pickup can produce unpleasant feedback, requiring replacement for some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender American Vintage '62 Telecaster Custom.

Build quality

  • The nitro finish on the '62 Telecaster Custom is uncommon for non-Custom Shop models, providing a unique aesthetic appeal and feel.

    Source
  • Japanese Fender guitars are praised for superior craftsmanship, especially in necks and fretwork, although older models may require electronic component replacements.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A Callaham vintage distressed bridge with compensated brass saddles is a favored upgrade, enhancing tuning stability and tonal quality.

    Source
  • Adjusting pickup heights can significantly alter the tonal balance, with some considering swapping the neck pickup if adjustments don't meet expectations.

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  • TL62 models sometimes come with Texas Specials or Pure Vintage pickups, and owners suggest potential pickup swaps due to variable electronics quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners highlight the thin neck profile as initially unusual but ultimately appreciated for its effortless playability after a short adjustment period.

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  • Owners suggest that raising the neck pickup and lowering the bridge can balance the sound, especially for players transitioning from other guitar styles like Strats.

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  • Owners frequently highlight the consistent quality of Japanese-made Fenders, often favoring them over American and Mexican counterparts for overall build quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • One owner secured this model for $1,500 on a marketplace, highlighting potential for good deals despite its increasing desirability.

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Use cases and applications

  • The binding on the '62 Telecaster is praised for elevating the guitar’s aesthetic, making it a standout choice for players valuing visual appeal.

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Comparisons

  • Strat players may find the Telecaster's neck pickup requires adjustment in expectations due to tonal differences.

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  • Japanese TL62 models often feature slimmer necks than Mexican Vintera models, though some exceptions exist with slightly thicker necks on certain TL62s from mid-2000s.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Heavily played Japanese models might have fret wear leading to buzz, necessitating a careful inspection or repair.

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Features and functionality

  • The double binding on Telecaster Customs enhances visual appeal, making them standout choices for players prioritizing aesthetics.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fender Relic 1962 Telecaster Custom review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Fender Relic 1962 Telecaster Custom is a beautifully crafted homage to vintage guitars, boasting fabulous looks and tones that Tele fans will adore. The neck is highly playable, making it a joy for any guitarist seeking a special instrument. However, the mint green pickguard feels somewhat artificial, and the price might be a bit steep for some. Overall, this is a standout option for those looking to invest in a top-tier, vintage-inspired Telecaster.

positive
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
luiskleiser

Very reliable.

Mine was a Made in Japan model in black. Beautiful and quite well made. Fretwork could have been a little bit better, they were a bit rough on the edges but still playable. The stock bridge pickup had lots of unpleasant feedback so I replaced it for a Seymour Duncan STL-1 to give the guitar a vintage vibe and I loved it. You can play anything on this, from country to punk rock. Great for gigging or studio work. It will stay in tune forever and looks great. Why did I get rid of it? The neck was a bit thin for my taste and the radius was not the best to play using a slide. Otherwise it would have stayed with me forever; it is a really nice guitar.

yessicayeti

Fender Telecaster '62 Custom. Made in Japan. Best Telecaster i ever played.

I love Telecasters. I love vintage ones. I love new ones with vintage specs. I love them from Mexico and from the USA. The good ones are hard to find, but you find them. Everywhere, and in most every series. This one i call the "Gentleman Tele" is made in Japan and the best i ever played. The original Japanese neck PU shines like blank ice and reawaked my fun for neck PUs. Haven't used them for years and now i bought three more of them to equip all my Tellys with it. I don't uns the stock bridge PU, because i equip al my Telecasters with G&L MFD single coils. But the original PU sounded great. Vintage style, medium output. No reason to change them (except you have a little fetish like me) or buy the version with USA PUs.

This is the last Guitar i need. For that reason my girlfriend loves it too.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sheryl Crow uses Fender American Vintage '62 Telecaster Custom

Sheryl Crow

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

Sheryl Crow has been using a Fender Telecaster '62 Custom since 1997. The guitar is notable for its Sage Green Metallic finish and was modified in 2002 to feature three knobs instead of the original two. This performance with Eric Clapton, Vince Gill, and Albert Lee, available on YouTube, showcases her playing this instrument.

See how Mark Gardener uses Fender American Vintage '62 Telecaster Custom

Mark Gardener

Singer, Guitarist

Ride

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this video from February 2020, we see mark performing with 62 style Fender Telecaster Custom. The guitar can be seen particularly well around 1:14 and 3:25

See how Nicholaus Arson uses Fender American Vintage '62 Telecaster Custom

Nicholaus Arson

Guitarist

The Hives

...
Verified via Photo

Nicholaus Arson on Premiere Guitar:

''And then I have this one wich is a custom Telecaster and this is like... this is just like a new one, but this one actually sounds really good and all and works... works well. There supposed to be like... guitars that stand up to, you know... I mean we've run over one of my guitars with a van once and it's like, it still kinda just plays. So I have a bunch of these but you know... Like this type of black Tele with a white um...(pickguard) But this one is a newer one, I have ones that are like built from like sixties parts and from some other things as well...''

See how Eric Steckel uses Fender American Vintage '62 Telecaster Custom

Eric Steckel

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Eric Steckel is seen using a Fender Telecaster '62 Custom in a user-uploaded photo on Facebook, demonstrating his choice of this classic solid body electric guitar.

See how Kuba Kawalec uses Fender American Vintage '62 Telecaster Custom

Kuba Kawalec

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by KręciołaTV titled "Happysad - Łydka [PROMO 2CD + DVD]," Kuba Kawalec is seen using a Fender Telecaster '62 Custom during performances and studio sessions.

T

Tracyanne Campbell

Singer, Guitarist

Camera Obscura

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 2024 performance on World Cafe, Tracyanne Campbell is seen playing a Fender Telecaster 62 Custom. This identification is based on the visible front and back binding of the guitar's body. The instrument appears to be a Japanese reissue, as indicated by the reflective quality of its polyurethane finish under stage lights. Notably, Campbell's name is inscribed on the guitar's pickguard. This information is verified at the 0:25 mark of the YouTube video titled "Camera Obscura on World Cafe (Full Interview & Performance)" provided by World Cafe.

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 '62 Telecaster Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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