Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,199
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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.
Videos
James Oliver Guitar
Fender Telesonic rare electric guitar review and demo by James Oliver
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.
Source -
The guitar has a chambered mahogany body and uses twin DeArmond 2k single coil pickups, which resemble filtertron humbuckers but are distinct single coils.
Source
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.
Source
Comparisons
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.
Source -
The Tele-Sonic produces a smooth and glassy clean tone, with a capability for distortion, making it versatile for various musical styles.
Source -
A prospective buyer found one to be quite dusty, indicating that some models may require initial TLC to reach optimal condition.
Source -
Some users remove the original pickups because they never bonded with their sound, preferring alternative options for greater satisfaction.
Source
Build quality
-
Some owners noted that the Tele-Sonic models were made in the US, contradicting occasional misconceptions about their origin.
Source
Value and pricing
-
Used Tele-Sonics are valued between $1200-$1800, with condition affecting price; clean models can fetch more.
Source
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.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistGenre 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.