Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $978

Standard/Professional

$400

$1001+

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Description

Experience the timeless appeal of the Fender Made in Japan Traditional '50s Telecaster, faithfully capturing the essence of a classic era in electric guitar craftsmanship. Crafted with precision in Japan, this solid body electric guitar embodies the quintessential '50s Telecaster vibe, offering both seasoned players and newcomers a blend of historic charm and modern playability. Its authentic vintage-style hardware and appointments echo the golden age of rock and roll, while the meticulous construction ensures reliable performance for today's musicians.

The guitar features a traditional single-cutaway solid body design, providing excellent resonance and sustain. Its maple neck and fingerboard deliver a smooth, responsive feel, making it ideal for a variety of playing styles. Equipped with a pair of vintage-style single-coil pickups, the Telecaster produces a clear, bright tone that cuts through the mix, whether you're strumming chords or playing intricate leads. The three-way pickup selector switch and master tone and volume controls offer versatile sound shaping options to suit any musical genre.

Key Features:

  • Made in Japan with a focus on craftsmanship and quality
  • Solid body design for enhanced resonance and durability
  • Vintage-style hardware for an authentic '50s look and feel
  • Maple neck and fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Two vintage-style single-coil pickups for bright, clear tones
  • Three-way pickup selector switch for versatile sound options
  • Master tone and volume controls for precise sound shaping

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model MIJ Traditional 50s Telecaster
Finish 2-Color Sunburst, Black, Butterscotch Blonde, US Blonde, Vintage Natural, White Blonde
Year 2018 - 2020
Made In Japan
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Blonde, Brown, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 9.5"
Model Family Fender Telecaster
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 MIJ Traditional
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Fender Made in Japan Traditional '50s Telecaster?

The Fender MIJ Traditional '50s Telecaster offers a classic Telecaster tone, characterized by bright, twangy sounds with clear articulation, making it ideal for genres like country, rock, and blues.

Is the Fender Made in Japan Traditional '50s Telecaster suitable for beginners?

Yes, this guitar is suitable for beginners due to its comfortable neck profile and versatile sound, although its vintage styling may appeal more to players interested in classic tones.

What is the neck profile of the Fender Made in Japan Traditional '50s Telecaster?

The neck of this guitar features a classic '50s style, with a comfortable U-shape profile that offers a vintage feel and is well-suited for players who prefer a substantial grip.

Does the Fender Made in Japan Traditional '50s Telecaster have a gloss finish?

Yes, the Fender MIJ Traditional '50s Telecaster features a gloss finish, which enhances its vintage aesthetic and provides durability.

What type of pickups are on the Fender Made in Japan Traditional '50s Telecaster?

This guitar is equipped with single-coil pickups in an SS configuration, delivering the bright and cutting tone that Telecasters are known for.

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GUITAR FRONTIER

GUITAR FRONTIER

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Made in Japan Traditional '50s Telecaster.

Build quality

  • Some MIJ models feature a roasted maple neck, which enhances playability compared to some American Professional series.

    Source
  • MIJ Telecasters often feature Basswood bodies, which contribute to a significantly lighter weight compared to Mexican or American models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Certain MIJ Traditional 50s Telecasters come with Custom Shop pickups, offering a tonal quality that rivals higher-end models.

    Source
  • The JV Modified '50s Telecaster includes a four-way pickup selector and an in/out of phase push-pull switch for enhanced tonal versatility.

    Source
  • The MIJ model is described as having a true butterscotch blonde finish, which is highly praised compared to other models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Japanese-market-only MIJ models were found at significantly lower prices, such as $400 in Tokyo, compared to their US value.

    Source
  • Historically, MIJ models were seen as superior to MIM, with a resale value often higher due to their quality and rarity in the US market.

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Comparisons

  • One owner found their MIJ Telecaster to play better than American Professional series, largely due to the neck finish.

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  • The '50s Telecaster from the JV Modified Series is noted for its soft V neck, offering a comfortable alternative to chunkier profiles.

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  • Owners note the MIJ Traditional '50s Telecaster has a lower action and thinner frets compared to the Player series MIM, affecting playability and feel.

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  • The MIJ Telecaster is noted to have a slightly thinner, twangier tone with less output compared to the Vintera Road Worn '50s MIM, affecting its warmth.

    Source

User experience

  • Initial impressions of the neck on MIJ models can feel chunky, but many owners report adjusting to and enjoying the feel after a short period.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Multiple users highlight the tiny fretwire on this model, which may not suit everyone's preference but offers a distinct playing experience.

    Source

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