Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $593

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$400

$1001+

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High-end

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Description

The Fender Standard Telecaster, produced between 1989 and 1997, is a celebrated member of Fender's iconic electric guitar lineup. Known for its versatile sound and classic design, this Telecaster offers a blend of tradition and innovation that suits both vintage enthusiasts and modern players. Crafted with a solid body, it provides the distinctive Tele twang and sustain that has made it a favorite across genres from country to rock.

This Telecaster boasts a maple neck that ensures smooth playability, paired with a comfortable fingerboard for effortless fretting. Its dual single-coil pickups deliver a bright, articulate tone, characteristic of the Telecaster’s legendary sound. The bridge pickup brings a punchy bite, while the neck pickup offers warmth, making it an adaptable choice for a multitude of playing styles.

Designed for durability and performance, this model maintains Fender's high-quality construction standards. The hardware is robust, ensuring tuning stability and longevity. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the 1989-1997 Fender Standard Telecaster is a reliable partner in your musical journey, embodying a perfect balance of classic craftsmanship and modern playability.

Key Features:

  • Solid body construction
  • Dual single-coil pickups for versatile tone
  • Maple neck with a smooth fingerboard
  • Classic Telecaster bridge design
  • Durable hardware for tuning stability
  • Suitable for a wide range of musical genres

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Standard Telecaster
Finish Arctic White, Black, Blonde, Brown Sunburst, Crimson Red Metallic, Lake Placid Blue
Year 1989 - 1997
Made In Mexico
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Top-Load
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
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
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Standard
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 - 1997?

The Fender Standard Telecaster from 1989 to 1997 features a comfortable "C" shaped neck profile, which is well-suited for various playing styles and offers a smooth playing experience.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 - 1997?

The Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 - 1997 is equipped with single-coil pickups that deliver the classic Telecaster tone, characterized by bright, cutting highs and a tight, punchy low end, ideal for genres like country, rock, and blues.

Is the Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 - 1997 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 - 1997 is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design, comfortable playability, and versatile sound, making it a great choice for those starting out.

What materials are used in the construction of the Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 - 1997?

The Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 - 1997 features an alder body, a maple neck, and a maple fretboard, contributing to its bright, resonant tone and durable build.

Does the Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 - 1997 have a top-load bridge?

Yes, the Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 - 1997 features a top-load bridge, which can make string changes easier and may contribute to a slightly different feel and tone compared to a traditional through-body stringing.

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique and versatile tone from classic Telecaster single coil pickups

  • Smooth and easy-to-play Fender neck

  • Birds eye neck adds visual appeal

  • Excellent value for money, comparable to higher-end models

  • Solid feel and exceptional action for beginners and seasoned players

  • Capable of producing a wide range of tones with proper setup

  • Vintage sounding pickups offer a big, dynamic sound

  • Great for various music styles, from jazz to heavy metal

CONS

  • Some units may have fret barbs requiring filing

  • Potential hidden wood cracks under heavy lacquer

  • Tronical tuner issues requiring replacement

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 -1997.

Build quality

  • Multiple owners confirm that the MIJ Telecaster's E series bridge is original, not a replacement, and features a unique design rarely seen outside Japanese models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The headstock of this MIJ Telecaster model often features two string trees, which is uncommon for both 'Murica' and MIM Teles, but typical for certain MIJ variants.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some users note that the MIJ Telecaster's body shape may appear more elongated compared to the traditional Telecaster "brick-tank" silhouette, potentially due to photo aspect ratio.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of late '80s MIJ Telecasters often find them to be in surprisingly good condition for a guitar nearing 40 years old, indicating durable build quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The MIJ Telecaster models from this era generally range between $800 and $1,000 USD, with some selling for around $1,100 CAD if in good condition and hard to find locally.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Stevie Ray Vaughan uses Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 -1997

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Singer, Guitarist

The Vaughan Brothers

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you see stevie using a telecaster

See how Will Toledo uses Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 -1997

Will Toledo

Bassist, Drummer

Car Seat Headrest

...
Verified via YouTube

At 11:30 you can see the headstock and notice the characters MN2, meaning it's a made in Mexico Telecaster from 1992.

See how Nick Rattigan uses Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 -1997

Nick Rattigan

Singer, Guitarist

Current Joys

...
Verified via Photo

nick is using a white tele with black headstock

See how Matt Collyer uses Fender Standard Telecaster 1989 -1997

Matt Collyer

Singer, Guitarist

The Planet Smashers

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official music video for "Too Much Information" by The Planet Smashers, Matt Collyer is seen playing a Fender Telecaster. This guitar has been a staple in his recordings, including albums such as 1999's "Life Of The Party," 2001's "No Self Control," 2003's "Mighty," 2005's "Unstoppable," 2011's "Descent Into The Valley Of...," 2014's "Mixed Messages," 2019's "Too Much Information," and 2025's "On The Dancefloor." From 1997 to 2002, Collyer used a brown and white Fender Telecaster, and since 2003, he has primarily used a black and white model. This information is corroborated by the video published by Stomp Records on YouTube, directed and edited by Marc-André Pichette.

Genre Usage

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

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