Pricing and availability

Average Price: $1,599

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Fender Contemporary Telecaster is a striking blend of vintage charm and modern innovation, crafted specifically for guitarists who crave versatility and style. Born in the mid-'80s, this unique Telecaster was designed to cater to the era's burgeoning shred scene. It stands out with its floating tremolo system, offering players exceptional control for expressive pitch bends and dynamic performance. Available in sleek finishes like black, metallic red, or goldtop, it not only sounds incredible but looks the part too.

This model offers the choice between dual humbuckers or a HSS pickup configuration, providing a broad tonal palette that suits genres from classic rock to metal and beyond. Its solid body design ensures durability and a resonant sound that has made the Telecaster a staple in the world of electric guitars. Whether you're laying down rhythm tracks or soaring into solos, this guitar promises to deliver the clarity and punch that has made Fender a household name.

Perfect for both collectors and contemporary players, the Fender Contemporary Telecaster is not just a guitar; it's a statement of musical identity, bridging the gap between vintage appeal and modern playability.

Key Features:

  • Floating tremolo system for enhanced playability
  • Available in dual humbucker or HSS pickup configurations
  • Solid body design for durability and rich sound
  • Classic finishes: black, metallic red, goldtop
  • Designed for versatility across genres

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Contemporary Telecaster
Finish Black
Year 1985 - 1987
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Contemporary

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Fender Contemporary Telecaster like?

The Fender Contemporary Telecaster features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles and offering a smooth playing experience for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What kind of pickup configuration does the Fender Contemporary Telecaster have?

The Fender Contemporary Telecaster is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a thicker, more powerful sound ideal for rock, metal, and other genres requiring high output.

Does the Fender Contemporary Telecaster come with a tremolo system?

Yes, the Fender Contemporary Telecaster features a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive pitch modulation while maintaining tuning stability.

Is the Fender Contemporary Telecaster suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Fender Contemporary Telecaster is well-suited for advanced players, offering high-quality Japanese craftsmanship, versatile pickups, and a locking tremolo system for more demanding playing techniques.

What type of fretboard does the Fender Contemporary Telecaster have?

The Fender Contemporary Telecaster features a rosewood fretboard, which provides a warm tone and smooth feel, enhancing playability and comfort for various playing styles.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The smoked maple neck and binding contribute to a high-quality feel uncommon for the price point.

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  • While described as having cheap tuning machines and bridge, they function adequately for most users.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners report sharp fret ends needing filing for optimal playability.

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  • Owners suggest adjusting pickup height to alter tone; lowering neck pickup can brighten sound, enhancing clean tones without needing full replacement.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar's H/S configuration is noted for excelling in post-punk genres, offering a versatile sound palette.

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  • The reversed control plate is divisive; easy to modify if preferred in the traditional orientation.

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Use cases and applications

  • Despite being fitted with humbuckers, the guitar provides a metallic twang desirable for heavier music styles.

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  • Despite heavier music focus, tweaking amp settings and pickup height can achieve appealing clean tones.

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User experience

  • One user highlights the instrument's ability to stay in tune consistently, enhancing reliability for performances.

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  • The neck's flatter profile is praised for its comfort, surpassing expectations compared to the Player Strat's fret finish.

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Comparisons

  • One user modified theirs with a DiMarzio Super Distortion, noting original pickups performed well but desired different tonal characteristics.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Black uses Fender Contemporary Telecaster

Frank Black

Singer, Guitarist

Pixies

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see Frank playing this guitar here and many other videos of live concerts from the '88-'91 era.

H

Hilmer Hassig

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Love Shop

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from Gaffa, Hilmer Hassig can be seen playing a Fender Contemporary Telecaster. The guitar appears to be from the 'Contemporary' series, identifiable by its tremolo arm, although it must be a modified version since a middle singlecoil pickup has been added.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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