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Average Price: $1,170

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$400

$1501+

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High-end

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Description

Step into a world of sonic depth with the Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster, a guitar that redefines extended range. This baritone Telecaster offers a rich and resonant sound, perfect for musicians looking to bridge the gap between traditional guitars and basses. Its 27" scale length and B-to-B tuning deliver the deep, lush tones that baritone enthusiasts crave.

Equipped with a versatile trio of pickups—two single-coils and a robust humbucker—this guitar offers a spectrum of sounds from twangy highs to full-bodied lows. The five-way switching system ensures that you can seamlessly transition between tones, making it ideal for both studio sessions and live performances. Crafted with a fast-action maple neck and a smooth rosewood fingerboard, the Blacktop Baritone Telecaster promises comfort and playability for any musician.

The classic strings-through-body hardtail bridge with six cast saddles provides excellent sustain and tuning stability, while the stylish skirted amp knobs add a touch of vintage flair. Whether you're exploring new musical territories or enhancing your current setup, the Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster is your gateway to a new realm of sound.

Key Features:

  • 27" scale length with B-to-B baritone tuning
  • Alder body with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
  • 22 medium jumbo frets with aged white dots
  • HSS pickup configuration: one humbucker and two single-coils
  • Five-way pickup selector for versatile tonal options
  • Strings-through-body hardtail bridge with six cast saddles
  • Skirted amp knobs for master volume and tone control

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Blacktop Baritone Telecaster
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Classic Copper, Ghost Silver
Year 2012 - 2014
Made In Mexico
Categories Baritone Guitars, Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Brown, Gold, Silver
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Blacktop

FAQs

What makes the Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster different from a standard Telecaster?

The Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster features a longer 27" scale length, allowing it to be tuned lower than a standard Telecaster. It also has a unique HSS pickup configuration, offering a wider range of tonal possibilities suitable for heavier music genres.

Is the Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster suitable for heavy music genres?

Yes, the Blacktop Baritone Telecaster's humbucking bridge pickup and baritone scale length provide deep, powerful tones ideal for heavy music styles like metal and rock.

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster?

The body of the Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster is made from alder, which is known for its balanced tone and resonance.

Does the Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster have a comfortable neck profile for extended playing sessions?

The Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster features a C-shaped maple neck with a rosewood fretboard, providing a comfortable playing experience suitable for long sessions.

How versatile is the pickup configuration on the Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster?

The HSS pickup configuration, with single-coil neck and middle pickups and a humbucking bridge pickup, offers a versatile range of tones from bright cleans to heavy overdrives.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Fender Blacktop Telecaster Baritone

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop Telecaster Baritone by ProGuitarShopDemos

Fender Blacktop Telecaster Baritone

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for Fender Telecaster Blacktop Baritone review by quedecree

Fender Telecaster Blacktop Baritone review

quedecree

quedecree

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster Demo by Luke Of Sun Blind by Awaking Mercury Music

Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster Demo by Luke Of Sun Blind

Awaking Mercury Music

Awaking Mercury Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop Telecaster Baritone - Demo + Ambient Guitar! by Chords Of Orion

Fender Blacktop Telecaster Baritone - Demo + Ambient Guitar!

Chords Of Orion

Chords Of Orion

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop Telecaster Baritone by James Argyle

Fender Blacktop Telecaster Baritone

James Argyle

James Argyle

Video thumbnail for Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster by guitarsib

Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

guitarsib

guitarsib

Video thumbnail for Heavy Riffs with the Fender Blacktop Baritone Tele by Harsh Tones, Inc.

Heavy Riffs with the Fender Blacktop Baritone Tele

Harsh Tones, Inc.

Harsh Tones, Inc.

Reviews

PROS

  • Short scale makes it feel like a standard guitar

  • Beautiful, solid finish with various color options

  • Reverse controls for easy volume swells

  • Versatile 5-way switch offers numerous tonal options

  • Long scale length ideal for lower tunings

  • String-through body design enhances sustain

  • Well-made Mexican craftsmanship feels high-quality

  • Rare and commands a high resale value

  • Excellent fit and professional setup for smooth playability

  • Great value for price compared to other baritones

CONS

  • Stock pickups lack character, often replaced for better sound

  • Original bridge had intonation issues, requiring replacement

  • Rough fretboard edges may need filing for comfort

  • Some models had rusted screws and hardware

  • First and last strings close to fretboard edges, affecting playability

Owner Insights

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

Mods and upgrades

  • Users mention the potential to replace single coils with a neck humbucker by changing the pickguard, providing more tonal variety.

    Source
  • Enthusiasts suggest wiring the toggle switch for a middle pickup on/off function, allowing for versatile configurations like neck + bridge or all three pickups on.

    Source
  • A push/pull volume pot can be used to control the middle pickup, enhancing tonal flexibility without major modifications.

    Source
  • It's possible to add a P90 pickup for added tonal variety, as suggested by an owner considering further customization.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A silver finish model is specifically highlighted, suggesting the availability of multiple color options like sunburst, which are available on resale markets.

    Source
  • The guitar features a toggle switch setup enabling individual pickup control; the lower knob also allows for polarity switching, enhancing sound versatility.

    Source
  • The control panel includes a snugly notched pickguard to accommodate multiple switches without protrusion, ensuring a flat surface.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's rarity is noted, with enthusiasts expressing interest in its unique appearance and extended range, especially for those seeking HSS baritone setups.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner regrets selling their copper version, noting it looked better in pictures than in person but still appreciated its uniqueness.

    Source
  • Owners frequently use only a few preferred configurations, with one user maintaining reference photos to remember settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A user felt a baritone Telecaster with a 28.5" Warmoth neck outperformed the Fender's 27" neck in terms of sound quality.

    Source
  • The setup with multiple switches is likened to complex guitars used by Brian May and Steve Morse, indicating high customization potential.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A previous owner bought a copper model for $400-$450 new and later sold it for $900, highlighting its appreciating value post-discontinuation.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 16 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
patrick_milliken

For those times when a capo just isnt enough

The first thing I did was replace the pickups outright with some really hot pickups from GuitarFetish.Com . I found that the ones that came with the guitar were lacking. She roars now. I use it on songs that are normally too high in standard tuning (AC/DC, Led Zep, KISS, etc) while remaining true to the chord shapes on the original songs.

roberttengs

Great bariton

Never thought i would get a Fender, but this guitar really rocks ! And the the pickups even does metal and stoner/sludge really well ;-)

G

Close

American Fender Blonde body. Warmoth rosewood neck.

distinctgrey

Great value for money baritone after a few upgrades

Upgraded with renewed wiring, 3-way toggle, Schaller Locking tuners and Seymour Duncan SH5 in the bridge position.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Pat Smear uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Pat Smear

Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

In a 2012 issue of Fender Magazine, Justin Norvell, vice president Of Marketing for Fender was interviewed to say, "On Foo Fighters’ 'Wasting Light', Pat Smear played baritone on nearly every track. You get an octave space between bass and guitar sometimes, and the way to fix that is with a baritone,” says Norvell. “Baritone guitars are a great studio/recording instrument, even if they’re not the focal point of the band."

See how Mike Shinoda uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Mike Shinoda

Singer, Guitarist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Linkin Park: From Zero World Tour - Los Angeles, CA September 11th, 2024" by linkinboss, at approximately 57:20, you can clearly see Mike Shinoda using a Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster. He has this guitar tuned to Drop A for the performance of "Lost In The Echo."

See how Mateus Asato uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Mateus Asato

Guitarist

Silk Sonic

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Asato is playing his Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster, and he has written in the description "Messing around over My Tribute. This song reminds me of my childhood. Great times".

See how Joe Trohman uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Joe Trohman

Guitarist

Fall Out Boy

...
Verified via YouTube

At 11:53 we can see Joe's Baritone Blacktop Telecaster in Silver amongst his other guitars.

See how Toru Yamashita uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Toru Yamashita

Guitarist

One Ok Rock

...
Verified via Photo

Toru Yamashita or I called him Tugru is seen using a Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster just sampling or play as in a post on his Instagram account (@toru_10969) with the caption: "ドンシャリでゴリッゴリ週間🤘🤘 📸 @ka2official612 #recording #業界用語 #oneokrock".

See how Avril Lavigne uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Avril Lavigne

Singer, Guitarist

Avril Lavigne (Band)

...
Verified via YouTube

At 3:26 during Avril Lavigne's music video "My Happy Ending" she is using a Fender Blacktop Telecaster during the rooftop scene.

See how Conor Oberst uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Conor Oberst

Composer, Music Producer

The Faint

...
Verified via YouTube

Conor uses the Blacktop Telecaster Baritone for Desert Island Questionnaire.

See how Jesse Hughes uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Jesse Hughes

Singer, Guitarist

The Desert Sessions

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar Jesse Hughes uses this Instrument.

See how Andrew Goddard uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Andrew Goddard

Guitarist

Karnivool

...
Verified via YouTube

Drew can be seen playing this guitar in this video of Karnivool's session for Ghost City Recordings.

See how nothing,nowhere. uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

nothing,nowhere.

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

From the music video of deadbeat valentine. Seen throughout the video (0.29 to start)

See how Chris Traynor uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Chris Traynor

Guitarist

Bush

...
Verified via Instagram

you can see in the comments below that image on Instagram that he confirms it was a blacktop baritone telecaster... and you can see him using it in here https://www.instagram.com/p/BEwNKeOLiVS/?taken-by=ct3guitar

See how Nick Steinborn uses Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster

Nick Steinborn

Guitarist, Drummer

The Wonder Years

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo, Nick shows his Baritone Telecaster in the background.

Album Usage

The Fender Blacktop Baritone Telecaster 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 Blacktop Baritone Telecaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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