Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,199

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Description

The Fender Tele-Sonic is a distinctive entry in the world of electric guitars, offering a fresh twist on the traditional Telecaster design. Aimed at musicians who crave versatility without straying too far from classic roots, this guitar stands out with its chambered mahogany body, providing a rich resonance and lighter weight that make it a joy to handle during long sessions or live performances. Its 24.75" scale length is another nod to innovation, offering a slightly warmer tone and a more comfortable playability for those with smaller hands or those who are used to other popular guitar models.

At the heart of the Tele-Sonic's sound are the DeArmond USA 2K single-coil pickups, delivering a punchy, dynamic range that can effortlessly traverse genres from blues to rock and beyond. The inclusion of a Wilkinson stud tailpiece enhances tuning stability and sustain, ensuring that each note rings out with clarity and precision. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Fender Tele-Sonic is a versatile companion ready to ignite your creativity.

Key Features:

  • Chambered mahogany body for rich resonance
  • 24.75" scale length for enhanced playability
  • DeArmond USA 2K single-coil pickups for dynamic sound
  • Wilkinson stud tailpiece for improved tuning stability and sustain

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Tele-Sonic
Finish Brown Sunburst, Butterscotch Blonde, Crimson Red Transparent
Year 1998 - 2003
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Wrap-Around
Color Family Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Tele-Sonic?

The Fender Tele-Sonic features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, which is ideal for players who appreciate a classic feel and ease of playability across various styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Tele-Sonic pickups?

The Tele-Sonic is equipped with SS (single-coil) pickups, offering bright, crisp tones suitable for genres like rock, country, and blues, while maintaining clarity and articulation.

Is the Fender Tele-Sonic suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Fender Tele-Sonic is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, versatile tone options, and professional-grade features like the wrap-around bridge and bolt-on neck.

How does the mahogany body of the Fender Tele-Sonic affect its sound?

The mahogany body of the Tele-Sonic provides a warm, resonant tone with enhanced sustain, complementing the bright output of its single-coil pickups for a balanced sound.

What is the scale length of the Fender Tele-Sonic and how does it affect playability?

The Fender Tele-Sonic has a 24.75" scale length, which offers a slightly shorter reach and easier string bending, making it comfortable for players with smaller hands or those who prefer a more relaxed playing experience.

James Oliver Guitar

James Oliver Guitar

Fender Telesonic rare electric guitar review and demo by James Oliver

Video thumbnail for Fender Telesonic rare electric guitar review and demo by James Oliver by James Oliver Guitar

Fender Telesonic rare electric guitar review and demo by James Oliver

James Oliver Guitar

James Oliver Guitar

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The Tele-Sonic features a unique bridge that relies on string tension to stay in place, complicating string changes as the bridge can come off if all strings are removed.

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  • The guitar has a chambered mahogany body and uses twin DeArmond 2k single coil pickups, which resemble filtertron humbuckers but are distinct single coils.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners have reported intonation issues with the bridge when using 11-gauge strings, recommending a switch to 10-gauge for better results.

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Comparisons

  • The Tele-Sonic is described as a hybrid between a Fender and a Gibson, combining a Telecaster body style with elements reminiscent of other brands.

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  • Seen as a viable alternative for those interested in DeArmond Dynasonics without wanting a Gretsch or modifying a guitar.

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User experience

  • Despite initial dislike for Telecaster aesthetics, some users find the Tele-Sonic's hot-rodded look and shorter 24” scale appealing, especially for those accustomed to Jaguars and Mustangs.

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  • The Tele-Sonic produces a smooth and glassy clean tone, with a capability for distortion, making it versatile for various musical styles.

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  • A prospective buyer found one to be quite dusty, indicating that some models may require initial TLC to reach optimal condition.

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  • Some users remove the original pickups because they never bonded with their sound, preferring alternative options for greater satisfaction.

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Build quality

  • Some owners noted that the Tele-Sonic models were made in the US, contradicting occasional misconceptions about their origin.

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Value and pricing

  • Used Tele-Sonics are valued between $1200-$1800, with condition affecting price; clean models can fetch more.

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Use cases and applications

  • With its hardtail bridge, it's expected to deliver the classic "spank" associated with Telecasters, appealing to players seeking that specific tone.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have swapped the original pickups for Lollar Mini Humbuckers, finding them a better fit for personal tone preferences.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how James Iha uses Fender Tele-Sonic

James Iha

Guitarist, Bassist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Photo

In this Japanese magazine article showcasing James Iha’s rig, a Fender Tele-Sonic in sunburst is clearly shown.

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 Tele-Sonic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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