Fender Bullet Deluxe (1981-1982) main image

Fender Bullet Deluxe (1981-1982)

$795.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (6)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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3 wishlisted

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Page last updated May 29, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated May 29, 2026.

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Price

4.0 (6)

$795.00 17 available Used

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Average Price: $795

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender Bullet Deluxe (1981-1982) 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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Step into the world of vintage charm with the Fender Bullet 1981, a guitar that stands as a testament to Fender's innovative spirit during the early '80s. Originally designed as a replacement for the classic Musicmaster and Mustang models, the Bullet carries a unique blend of Telecaster-inspired design and distinctive playability that appeals to both collectors and musicians alike.

This compact powerhouse features a Tele-style single cutaway body that offers a comfortable playing experience, making it ideal for those long jam sessions or live gigs. Equipped with two single-coil pickups, the Bullet delivers a crisp and articulate sound, perfect for genres ranging from blues to rock. The anodized steel pickguard, which doubles as the backstop of the top-load bridge, adds a touch of rugged durability that enhances its visual appeal and functionality.

With its limited production run from 1981-1982, the Fender Bullet 1981 offers a slice of history and exclusivity that few guitars can match. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a vintage instrument enthusiast, this guitar is a striking addition to any collection, channeling the classic Fender vibe with a distinctive twist.

Key Features:

Telecaster-style single cutaway body
Two single-coil pickups for versatile tones
Anodized steel pickguard with top-load bridge design
Limited production from 1981-1982
Comfortable and compact design for ease of play

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Bullet
Finish	Ivory, Red
Year	1981 - 1982
Made In	United States
Categories	Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	String-Through
Color Family	Red, White
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Maple
Model Family	Fender Bullet
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	21
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	SS
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Scale Length	25.5"
Series	Fender Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender Bullet 1981 like?: The Fender Bullet 1981 features a slim, comfortable neck profile that is ideal for players who prefer fast, easy playability. The maple neck with a bolt-on construction provides a classic feel and smooth action.
What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Bullet 1981's pickups?: The Fender Bullet 1981 is equipped with a single-coil pickup configuration, offering bright, clear tones typical of Fender guitars. This setup is versatile, making it suitable for genres ranging from rock to blues.
Is the Fender Bullet 1981 suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Fender Bullet 1981 is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design and comfortable playability. Its solid build and quality components also make it a great choice for more experienced players seeking a vintage sound.
What is the body shape of the Fender Bullet 1981?: The Fender Bullet 1981 features a single cutaway body shape, inspired by the classic Telecaster design, which allows easy access to the higher frets and contributes to its distinctive look.
How does the bridge of the Fender Bullet 1981 affect its playability?: The Fender Bullet 1981 uses a string-through body bridge, which enhances sustain and tuning stability. This design is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in maintaining consistent tone and intonation.

Videos

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wutzdog001guitars

1981 Fender Bullet Deluxe white

wutzdog001guitars

1981 Fender Bullet Deluxe Tone Demo

Capsule Music

Fender Bullet 1981

Replay Guitar Exchange

1981 Fender Bullet | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

Reviews

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PROS

Unique blend of Telecaster necks and Mustang pickups for distinct tonal character
Made at the Fender Fullerton factory, ensuring reputable craftsmanship
Offers a resonant and acoustically pleasing sound despite composite materials
Affordable entry into vintage Fender guitars with retro styling
Provides a fast and playable neck, excellent for barre chords
Versatile tone, fitting between a Stratocaster and Telecaster sound

CONS

Some models use cheaper composite materials over solid wood
Basic aesthetic may require pickguard modification for enhanced appearance
Quality varies; some Korean-made models are substandard
Not everyone appreciates the funky indie styling
Perceived as poor quality by some due to 1980s economic constraints

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Bullet Deluxe (1981-1982).

Build quality

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The "Walnut" finish is particularly rare and is essentially the natural hue of the poplar body.
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The integrated metal pickguard/bridge is praised for its simplicity and durability by several owners.
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Use cases and applications

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Some players use the Fender Bullet with a Classic 30 amplifier, appreciating the sound quality produced by this combination.
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Setup and maintenance

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Large thread length of bridge saddle screws helps offset any inaccuracies in the scale length related to the pickguard's position.
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Some users note that the guitar's intonation is excellent despite initial skepticism about the bridge design.
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Comparisons

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The Series 2 Bullet, more Strat-shaped but otherwise similar, is noted for its quirky aging, akin to Fender's Lead series.
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While the Bullet H2 and Stratocaster had a price difference, the perceived quality gap was more significant between the basic Bullet and the Bullet H2.
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The pickups are similar to those in Dan Smith Strats, except for the hotter X1 pickup; initial models used leftover Mustang pickups.
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User experience

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Early owners note sentimental value, highlighting durability and personal attachment over decades of use.
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Despite being budget instruments, second-generation Bullets are praised for their quality, unlike the earlier models considered some of the worst from Fender's US factories.
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Owners highlight the guitar's stability in tuning, with reports of it staying in tune exceptionally well during live performances.
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Features and functionality

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The "number 1 with a bullet" decal is a unique identifier for the 1981 Fender Bullet model, known as "Bullet One."
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All US-made Bullets are characterized by very thin necks, a distinguishing feature compared to subsequent Squier models.
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The second-generation Bullet had coil tap switches, offering versatility similar to Fender's Lead series guitars.
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The Bullet Deluxe version featured a rare string-through hardtail Strat bridge, distinct from the standard integrated bridge/pickguard design.
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The neck is described as super slim without a separate fretboard, differentiating it from traditional Telecaster necks.
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Value and pricing

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The average market price for these models is cited as $600-$700, making a $200 purchase a notable bargain.
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Critic Reviews

Feature – 1981 Fender Bullet

craveguitars.co.uk

The 1981 Fender Bullet is a quirky vintage find, well-regarded for its neck and originality. Despite its plywood body and low-output pickups, it offers a unique sound reminiscent of the Mustang rather than the Telecaster. While its far eastern hardware and low collectability might deter some, this 'forgotten Fender' remains a charming and affordable entry into vintage guitars. Its unconventional build and styling might not appeal to traditionalists, but for those seeking something different, it's a hidden gem on the verge of collectability.

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Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

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maxmarinaio

118

7 months ago

great guitar

You are watching the most underrated guitar that was ever produced. If you don't believe in what I say, go listen to my Album "Let The Good Times Rock'n'Roll" released on Aug 2025 where I used the guitar extensively. That also could be the only professional Album ever made with this guitar! Many people pretend to talk about the Bullet but they never really played it or used it professionally. You know... donkeys never shut up! They say it's a bad copy of the telecaster "because it has the neck of a telecaster" but it is a guitar with a unique feel and a unique sound which is far more similar to the stratocaster than to the telecaster. But it not the strato, it's a different and unique guitar.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Composer

Genres:

Rock Pop Folk, World, & Country

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

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Billie Joe Armstrong

Singer, Guitarist

Green Day

Verified via Photo

Billie Joe Armstrong is seen using a Fender Bullet Deluxe in a photo shared by Instagram user hansblooey, tagged with #fender among other related hashtags.

Ruban Nielson

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

Seen in the video linked where Ruban is playing the UMO song Jello and Juggernauts

Laurent Brancowitz

Guitarist

Phoenix

Verified via YouTube

In this iconic Letterman performance of 1901, Braco is playing a 1981 Fender Bullet 2S in Olympic White.

Joshua Hodges

Singer, Guitarist

Starfucker

Verified via YouTube

He is seen playing the guitar throughout this video and in many other live performances.

Sam Ray

Singer, Guitarist

Teen Suicide

Verified via YouTube

INCORRECT SUBMISSION mods please remove

Drew Brown

Guitarist

OneRepublic

Verified via Photo

Drew is seen here on-stage with black Fender Bullet Deluxe.

Damian Kulash

Singer, Guitarist

OK Go

Verified via YouTube

Damian's Fender Bullet appears to have been at very least been given a pickup upgrade, as evidenced by the visible polepieces.

Martín Del Real

Guitarist

Verified via Photo

Esta guitarra es la clásica de Martín para sus conciertos y grabaciones con Ases Falsos. Es de la primera serie de las bullet (1981), tiene 2 single coil y el brazo es de rosewood.

Dan Zamora

Guitarist

Difuntos Correa

Verified via Photo

Dan Zamora uses a Fender Bullet 1981, as seen in his Instagram post featuring his gear setup during a tour.

Josh Hager

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Devo

Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post, Josh Hager shared an image of a 1981 Fender Bullet acquired from Chicago Music Exchange, captioned "Couldn’t help myself. @fender #fenderbulletusa1981vintage."

Max Marinaio

Singer, Guitarist

Verified

Color/Finish: Cream Year: 1981

Max Marinaio used the Fender Bullet Deluxe (1981-1982) to record most tracks on his album "Let The Good Times Rock'n'Roll," released in August 2025. This guitar is also featured on the album cover and appears in all songs except "All The Pretty Girls" and "Why don't we go home"