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Average Price: $19,995

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Unearth a piece of rock history with the Rosewood Telecaster 1968-1972, a guitar that embodies the spirit and innovation of one of music's most transformative eras. Originally crafted as a prototype for the legendary George Harrison, this iconic instrument quickly became a staple for musicians seeking a blend of aesthetic allure and sonic versatility. With its roots firmly planted in the late '60s and early '70s, the Rosewood Telecaster stands as a testament to both craftsmanship and musical evolution.

The guitar's solid single-cutaway body, carved from rich Rosewood, offers a distinctive resonance and sustain, making it a standout choice for both studio sessions and live performances. The neck, also crafted from Rosewood with a Maple skunk stripe, provides a smooth playing experience that complements its striking appearance. The inclusion of two single-coil pickups ensures a crisp, clear tone with the ability to capture subtle nuances in your performance, giving you the flexibility to explore a wide range of musical genres.

Built for the discerning musician, the Rosewood Telecaster is more than just an instrument—it's a piece of music history that continues to inspire new generations. Whether you're a collector or a player, this guitar offers a timeless appeal and unmatched quality.

Key Features:

  • Solid Rosewood body with single cutaway design
  • Rosewood neck with Maple skunk stripe
  • Two single-coil pickups for versatile tonal options
  • Rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
  • Black pickguard
  • 25 1/2-inch scale length
  • Volume and Tone controls

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Rosewood Telecaster
Finish Natural
Year 1968 - 1972
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Rosewood
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Tan
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Rosewood
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 makes the Rosewood Telecaster 1968-1972 unique compared to other Telecasters?

The Rosewood Telecaster from 1968-1972 is unique due to its all-rosewood construction, offering a distinct aesthetic and tonal warmth. This model is renowned for its association with George Harrison of The Beatles, adding to its iconic status.

How does the rosewood body affect the sound of this Telecaster?

The rosewood body of this Telecaster provides a warm, rich tone with enhanced sustain and a slightly darker sound compared to traditional ash or alder bodies, making it ideal for genres that benefit from a fuller tonal range.

Is the Rosewood Telecaster 1968-1972 suitable for modern music styles?

Yes, the Rosewood Telecaster's versatile tone and classic single-coil pickup configuration make it suitable for a wide range of music styles, from rock and blues to pop and indie, offering both vintage charm and adaptability.

What is the neck profile of the Rosewood Telecaster 1968-1972?

The neck of the Rosewood Telecaster 1968-1972 typically features a comfortable 'C' shape profile, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for a variety of hand sizes and playing styles.

How does the rosewood neck influence playability?

The rosewood neck offers a smooth, fast playing surface with a natural feel, enhancing playability and comfort. Its tonal properties also contribute to the guitar's overall warmth and sustain.

Does the Rosewood Telecaster 1968-1972 maintain tuning stability well?

Yes, the Rosewood Telecaster is known for its solid construction and reliable tuning stability, aided by its bolt-on neck and quality hardware, ensuring consistent performance during playing sessions.

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1968 Fender Masterbuilt Custom Shop Rosewood Telecaster George Harrison Spec Greg Fessler

Video thumbnail for 1968 Fender Masterbuilt Custom Shop Rosewood Telecaster George Harrison Spec Greg Fessler by Reverend Guitar Man

1968 Fender Masterbuilt Custom Shop Rosewood Telecaster George Harrison Spec Greg Fessler

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Artist usage

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See how Josh Homme uses Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972)

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via Photo

Josh Homme and Fender Tele rosewood

See how Paul McCartney uses Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972)

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

McCartney is seen playing George Harrison's Fender Rosewood Telecaster upside during the Get Back/Let It Be recording sessions along with keyboardist Billy Preston on a Fender Bass VI.

(Photo taken from The Beatles: Get Back Trailer)

See how George Harrison uses Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972)

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

In this photograph, George Harrison is seen with a 1968 Fender Rosewood Telecaster. Despite its iconic appearance, he rarely used this guitar, preferring his Stratocaster instead. Harrison received the Telecaster in January 1969 and gifted it to Delaney Bramlett in December of the same year. Harrison famously described it as "the worst guitar I have ever played." It was primarily used during the recording of the "Let It Be" album. For other sessions, such as "Abbey Road," Harrison favored his Fender Rocky Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul "Lucy," and Epiphone Casino. This information aligns with details from the Beatles Bible.

See how Duane Allman uses Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972)

Duane Allman

Guitarist

The Allman Brothers Band

...
Verified via Photo

Duane was seen playing this guitar briefly during a gig played at the Schaefer Music Festival on August 5, 1970. At that time the guitar belonged to Delaney Bramlett who previously got it from George Harrison in 1969. It was the guitar that George used in the Let it Be movie, and during the Abbey Road studio sessions.

Bramlett owned the guitar until 2003, or two years after George died. It was then put on an auction, and was purchased by Harrison’s widow, Olivia, for more than $470,000.

See how Jerry Garcia uses Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972)

Jerry Garcia

Guitarist, Singer

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken at the Festival Express Your, Jerry Garcia famously played George Harrison's Rosewood Telecaster briefly, which Harrison had gifted to Delaney Bramlett. Garcia used it at the Festival Express tour after Bramlett lent it to him.

See how Steve Cropper uses Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972)

Steve Cropper

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

Steve Cropper is seen using a Fender Rosewood Telecaster at 1:37 during the performance of "Hold On, I’m Coming" with Sam & Dave on "The Midnight Special," recorded on May 17, 1974.

See how Christian Mazzalai uses Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972)

Christian Mazzalai

Guitarist

Phoenix

...
Verified via Photo

Christian can be clearly seen with this guitar in this picture. Although it is unclear if this is a '68 Tele, it is surely an all Rosewood Telecaster that he is playing with.

See how Dhani Harrison uses Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972)

Dhani Harrison

Guitarist

George's Band

...
Verified via Photo

Dhani Harrison owns a 1968 Fender Rosewood Telecaster, originally belonging to his father, George Harrison. The guitar has been in Dhani's possession since his father's passing.

See how Pops Staples uses Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972)

Pops Staples

Singer

The Staple Singers

...
Verified via Photo
See how Delaney Bramlett uses Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972)

Delaney Bramlett

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Photo

Delaney famously used and then owned George Harrison's 68 Rosewood Telecaster during Delaney and Bonnie's 69 UK Tour. After these shows, he kept the guitar until his passing where it was bought by the Harrison Estate

Album Usage

The Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972) 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 Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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joshmolchen

joshmolchen

Gear IQ 213

4 alternative and related items for Fender Rosewood Telecaster (1968-1972), curated by the Equipboard community.

Fender Custom Shop Telecaster George Harrison Tribute

$4,200.00

newer similar sound limited edition

Immerse yourself in the legacy of a legend with the Fender Custom Shop Telecaster George Harrison Tribute. This masterpiece is not just a guitar; it's a piece of music history, meticulously crafted to echo the unique tone and style of George Harrison. With its all-rosewood body and neck, this Telecaster delivers a warm, rich sound that's as timeless as the music of The Beatles themselves.

Fender Limited Edition George Harrison Signature Rosewood Telecaster

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newer similar sound limited edition

A tribute to the quiet Beatle's unique sound and style, this limited edition piece isn't just an instrument—it's a slice of music history. With its distinctive rosewood body and neck, it promises a warm, rich tone that's as timeless as Harrison's music itself.

Fender Custom Shop Rosewood Telecaster

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newer similar sound

The Fender Custom Shop '60s Rosewood Telecaster Closet Classic recreates the iconic all-rosewood Telecaster first produced in 1968 as a special run made for artists like George Harrison, Steve Cropper and other luminaries. It was a regular production run guitar from 1969 through 1972. More understated in voice than the typical ash/alder/maple Tele, it's a guitar that quickly became legendary. A chambered body with a maple block keeps it light, while adding sustain, and the hand-wound Twisted Tele pickups supply just the right amount of attitude.

Fender TL-69 Rosewood Telecaster Made In Japan

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Vintage or Discontinued newer similar sound

The original Rosewood Telecaster was built as a prototype for George Harrison in 1968, and was entered into regular production in 1969. With some variation in the body composition, the Rosewood Tele was only produced until 1972. The model was reissued by Fender Japan starting in the '80s

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