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Average Price: $650

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Embrace the spirit of the '70s with the Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar. This iconic instrument is a modern homage to one of Fender's most successful hybrids, offering a unique blend of vintage aesthetic and contemporary functionality. The '72 Telecaster Custom fuses the standard single-coil Tele neck pickup with a Wide Range Fender humbucker, providing a powerful, gain-rich tone while preserving the classic Telecaster twang via the bridge pup. Sporting vintage touches such as skirted knobs and a three-way pickup shoulder switch, this guitar is a testament to Fender's legendary craftsmanship and the enduring allure of the Classic Series.

Key Features:

  • Wide Range Fender humbucker for a hotter, gain-laden tone
  • Standard single-coil Tele neck pickup for classic Telecaster twang
  • Vintage skirted knobs for a retro aesthetic
  • Three-way pickup shoulder switch for versatile tonal options
  • Part of Fender's successful Classic Series line
  • A modern homage to one of Fender's most popular guitar hybrids

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom
Finish 3-Color Sunburst, Black, Walnut Stain
Year 2000 - 2018
Made In Mexico
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Brown
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Pau Ferro, 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 SH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Classic Series, Fender FSR Limited Edition

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender Classic Series '72 Custom Telecaster?

The Fender Classic Series '72 Custom Telecaster features a "C" shape neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip for most players, making it suitable for various playing styles.

How does the pickup configuration affect the sound of the '72 Custom Telecaster?

The '72 Custom Telecaster has a humbucker in the neck position and a single-coil in the bridge, offering a versatile range of tones from warm and full to bright and twangy, suitable for rock, blues, and country.

Is the Fender Classic Series '72 Custom Telecaster suitable for beginners?

While the '72 Custom Telecaster is a high-quality instrument, its vintage neck radius and specific pickup configuration might be more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players seeking classic tones.

What type of wood is used for the body of the '72 Custom Telecaster?

The body of the Fender Classic Series '72 Custom Telecaster is made from alder, known for its balanced tone with good resonance and sustain.

Does the '72 Custom Telecaster come with a case or gig bag?

The Fender Classic Series '72 Custom Telecaster typically comes with a deluxe gig bag, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Fender Classic Series 72 Telecaster Custom

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series 72 Telecaster Custom by N Stuff Music

Fender Classic Series 72 Telecaster Custom

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender Classic Series ‘72 Telecaster Custom 3-Colour Sunburst | Ex-Display | Bolton Store by Rimmers Music

Fender Classic Series ‘72 Telecaster Custom 3-Colour Sunburst | Ex-Display | Bolton Store

Rimmers Music

Rimmers Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound with single coil and humbucker combination

  • High-quality neck praised for its comfort and playability

  • Excellent tonal range, especially in center position

  • Vintage sound with modern versatility

  • Great value for price compared to U.S. models

  • Ready to play out of the box

  • Infinitely moddable with many aftermarket options

  • Distinctive warm and mellow humbucker tone

  • Well-suited for a variety of rock styles

CONS

  • Neck pickup sound may not meet expectations when used solo

  • Tone control stiffness noted by some users

  • Toggle switch and tone knob issues reported

  • Some find the neck thick and narrow compared to other models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom.

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the black on black finish as it pairs well with other guitars, such as a white on white Strat.

    Source
  • An owner with both MIJ '72 Custom and MIM traditional configuration Teles finds value in the MIJ '72 Custom for its sound quality and affordable used pricing.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Upgraded black locking tuners are popular for improved tuning stability.

    Source
  • A Lace Sensor Blue pickup in the bridge is favored for being nearly noiseless while preserving classic Tele twang.

    Source
  • Owners often replace stock pickups with Lollar pickups or Creamery Pickups to achieve a more authentic '72 tone, as current Fender reissues differ from originals.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The model is praised for its aesthetic appeal, with finishes like black and sunburst being popular choices among owners.

    Source
  • The '72 Telecaster Custom features dual wide range humbuckers, providing a noise-canceling, fatter tone while maintaining some traditional Tele twang.

    Source
  • The '72 Custom offers individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, unlike the master controls found on standard Telecasters.

    Source
  • The '72 Telecaster Custom's separate volume and tone controls for each pickup make balancing the humbucker and single coil easier.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The guitar's modern bridge with six saddles allows for easier intonation adjustments compared to the traditional three-saddle design.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The '72 Telecaster Custom is positioned between traditional Telecaster models and more indie-rock sounding models like the '72 Deluxe.

    Source
  • It's suggested to try a Player II Telecaster, as it offers a more comfortable rolled fingerboard compared to the Player I's sharper edges.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners note that the guitar is particularly suited for indie music styles but may require pickup swaps for broader tonal versatility.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Consideration between the '72 Custom and Player II Telecaster often comes down to used versus new pricing, with Player II offering fresh ownership at a comparable cost.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 9 Reviews and 38 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
sonounexcapellone

I love how it sounds!

I bought this guitar less than a year ago and honestly I'm still struggling a bit to get comfortable with its thick and narrow neck (I've been playing a SG standard for 15 years in a row so that's a big change, guess you know what I mean). But about the sound... I just love it! The center position gives me the clean tone I like the most so far, and the bridge coil is more or less the classic bright tele sound we all know. The humbucker alone is really dark and I find a bit difficult to fit it in the mix with other instruments, but it also has a very unique warm and mellow beauty, a lot different from the neck humbuckers you find on les paul or sg guitars. With overdrives, distortions etc I find it very versatile so I think this is a really cool guitar (mine's a japanese version so I guess an american model could sound even better!)

From Gear Setup
fedesanfilippo

Tele Custom 72

Versatile and unique at the same time. It can sound similar to a Les Paul with the neck pickup without losing the classic sound of a Telecaster due to the aggressiveness of the bridge pickup. Together, they form a unique sound. It is perfect for having a vintage sound, the attack of a Tele and the bass of a Les Paul. In addition, conveniences such as the pickup selector switch on the top and a comfortable scale. It is the perfect Tele. The sound of a single coil to play riffs with fifths is super aggressive and sharp. And no matter which pickup you use, it doesn't sound like any other.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
metal_messiah

My Hellacaster from Hell!!

I got this Fender Telecaster off of Musicians Friend in early 2000's. I switched out the Fender Wide Range humbucker and the single coil for a 59 model SH-1 in the neck, and a EMG-81 in the bridge. Sounds fucking awesome \m/(-_-)\m/

From Gear Setup
tgifribae

awesome guitar

While I don't use this guitar a whole lot the middle position for cleans is amazing.

pauleschulze

Very versatile Tele

Classic twangy sounds through bridge and very clear, rich and defined tones through the humbucker at the neck

mevans4130

For the best of tele tones!

I use this to get an awesome country/dead tone that really rocks out! I also love the humbucker in the neck so when I want a sustainy thick I can have it!

cortez_rockartist

Telecaste Custom

Great guitar. Classic rock sound inhanced by a humbucking pick up at the neck. I use it with an open G tuning Keith Richards style. A must have for any guitar player.

andy_budge

Dirty

Good punchy telecaster. Big fat neck pick up does mellow well.

robert_rowe_lineros

Great guitar, very versatile, all kinds of rock can be played with it.

Great guitar, very versatile, all kinds of rock can be played with it.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Dave Grohl is seen playing a Fender Telecaster Custom. The pickup configuration can be clearly seen, which identifies it as a Tele Custom. The black and white photo makes it hard to say what the finish is with certainty, but it appears to be black with a black pickguard.

See how Josh Homme uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Josh can be seen playing through a '72 Telecaster custom.

See how Thom Yorke uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Thom Yorke

Singer, Guitarist

Radiohead

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Thom Yorke can be seen playing a Fender Telecaster Custom.

See how The Edge uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

The Edge

Guitarist

U2

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, The Edge can be seen holding a Fender Classic Series Telecaster Custom electric guitar with a black pickguard and maple neck. The guitar appears to have a brown finish. Edge plays this guitar in the music video for U2's song Vertigo.

A good shot of the guitar can be seen at the 0:13 mark in this video of U2 performing Magnificent live in London at BBC Rooftop.

See how Jamie Cook uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Jamie Cook

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video of Arctic Monkeys performing the songs Teddy Picker and Crying Lightning at Eurockéennes de Belfort 2011, Jamie Cook can be seen playing a Fender Telecaster Custom. 0:25 into the video provides a good look at the guitar and some of its details. The pickup configuration (a humbucker in the neck position and a single coil in the bridge) identifies it as a Tele Custom. It also looks to have a tremolo installed. The concert lighting makes it hard to tell, but the finish appears to be "Mocha", paired with a black pickguard.

Another video of Arctic Monkeys playing Lollapalooza 2011 shows Jamie Cook with this same guitar at the 27:24 mark, during the song Crying Lightning. The lighting shows off the guitar finish more clearly.

See how Troy Van Leeuwen uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Troy Van Leeuwen

Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Photo

Troy used a black Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom for songs from 2007 until 2013.

See how Shawn Mendes uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Shawn Mendes

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video you can clearly see that Shawn Mendes Uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar.

See how Gerard Way uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Gerard Way

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

Gerard posted a photo of his new Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom on instagram.

See how Ryan Adams uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Ryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Whiskeytown

...
Verified via Photo

Adams was playing a Tele deluxe when Letterman had him play "Gimme something Good" twice in a row. http://www2.fender.com/experience/artists/letterman-audience-gets-another-ryan-adams-encore/

See how Russell Lissack uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Russell Lissack

Guitarist

Bloc Party

...
Verified via YouTube

Lissack’s mid-2000s Fender Tele Custom. It’s totally stock—except for a plastic toy mounted under the pickguard that he uses for some weird, spacey noises mixed with ambient delays. It can be seen starting at 3:43 into this rig rundown video.

See how Anthony Gonzalez uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Anthony Gonzalez

Guitarist, Composer

M83

...
Verified via Photo

Anthony Gonzalez can be seen in this photo playing a black Fender Telecaster Custom. The pickup configuration and writing on the headstock identify it as a Tele Custom.

See how Mike Kinsella uses Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

Mike Kinsella

Singer, Guitarist

American Football

...
Verified via YouTube

Uses this telecaster custom in almost all live performances of never meant

Album Usage

The Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
sonounexcapellone

sonounexcapellone

Gear IQ 326

metal_messiah

metal_messiah

Gear IQ 656

lietoofine

lietoofine

Gear IQ 639

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