Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $9,000

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

Unveiling a piece of music history with the Fender Telecaster (1966), a true icon that captures the essence of an era when rock and country music were being reshaped. This classic solid-body electric guitar, featuring a timeless single cutaway design, radiates with the authentic sound that only a Telecaster can deliver. Crafted during the transitional period from Pre-CBS to CBS production, this instrument offers a unique snapshot of Fender's evolving craftsmanship.

The 1966 Telecaster is renowned for its two single-coil pickups, providing the bright, cutting tone that has become synonymous with its name. Whether you're strumming a soulful blues riff or a high-energy rock anthem, this guitar's remarkable sound versatility will captivate audiences. The combination of an Ash body, Maple neck, and Rosewood fingerboard ensures not just a stunning visual appeal but also a robust build that promises longevity. A white pickguard complements the pristine white finish, adding a touch of elegance to its vintage vibe.

Musicians like Keith Richards and James Burton have trusted the Telecaster to bring their music to life, and now it's your turn to experience its legendary performance. Whether you're a collector or a performer, the 1966 Fender Telecaster is more than just a guitar; it's a piece of history waiting to inspire your musical journey.

Key Features:

  • Single cutaway solid-body design
  • Ash body with Maple neck and Rosewood fingerboard
  • Two single-coil pickups for iconic Telecaster tone
  • 25 1/2-inch scale length
  • String-through-body construction
  • White finish with matching white pickguard

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Telecaster with Maple Fretboard, Telecaster with Rosewood Fretboard
Finish Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Firemist Gold, Firemist Silver, Lake Placid Blue, Ocean Turquoise, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst
Year 1966
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Gold, Red, Silver, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
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 Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the 1966 Fender Telecaster?

The 1966 Fender Telecaster features a body made from either alder or ash, which are known for their balanced tonal qualities and sustain.

What is the neck profile of the 1966 Fender Telecaster like?

The 1966 Fender Telecaster typically has a "C" shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip suitable for various playing styles and techniques.

How does the pickup configuration affect the sound of the 1966 Fender Telecaster?

The 1966 Fender Telecaster features a single-coil pickup configuration (SS), providing a bright, clear tone with excellent note definition, ideal for genres like country, rock, and blues.

Is the 1966 Fender Telecaster suitable for beginners?

While the 1966 Fender Telecaster is a vintage instrument often sought by collectors and experienced players, its straightforward design and playability can also make it accessible for dedicated beginners.

What finish options are available for the 1966 Fender Telecaster?

The 1966 Fender Telecaster is available in a variety of finishes, including Olympic White, Black, Blonde, and more, each offering a distinct aesthetic appeal.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Phil X is BACK! 1966 Fender Telecaster 01397

Video thumbnail for Phil X is BACK! 1966 Fender Telecaster 01397 by frettedamericana

Phil X is BACK! 1966 Fender Telecaster 01397

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Telecaster | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1966 Fender Telecaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Telecaster from 1966 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann. by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Fender Telecaster from 1966 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg and Tobias Hoffmann.

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1966 Fender Telecaster Blonde | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Telecaster Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

1966 Fender Telecaster Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Telecaster Olympic White | CME Quick Riffs | Shelby Pollard by Chicago Music Exchange

1966 Fender Telecaster Olympic White | CME Quick Riffs | Shelby Pollard

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Telecaster played by Hudson Davis by Carter Vintage Guitars

1966 Fender Telecaster played by Hudson Davis

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1966 Fender Telecaster and Carr Telstar by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1966 Fender Telecaster and Carr Telstar

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Finding a one owner @fender Telecaster from 1966 by Jeremy Sheppard

Finding a one owner @fender Telecaster from 1966

Jeremy Sheppard

Jeremy Sheppard

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Telecaster - Olympic White / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1966 Fender Telecaster - Olympic White / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Telecaster Lake Placid Blue Pt. 1 by lwvintage guitars

1966 Fender Telecaster Lake Placid Blue Pt. 1

lwvintage guitars

lwvintage guitars

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Telecaster played by Seth Plemmons by Carter Vintage Guitars

1966 Fender Telecaster played by Seth Plemmons

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for FENDER 1966 Telecaster "Olympic White" by 三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

FENDER 1966 Telecaster "Olympic White"

三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

三木楽器 / MIKIGAKKI 公式チャンネル

Video thumbnail for Fender Vintage 1966 Telecaster Natural | PMT by PMTVUK

Fender Vintage 1966 Telecaster Natural | PMT

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Video thumbnail for A 1966 Fender Telecaster by williesguitars

A 1966 Fender Telecaster

williesguitars

williesguitars

Video thumbnail for 1966 Fender Telecaster Lake Placid Blue Pt. 2 by lwvintage guitars

1966 Fender Telecaster Lake Placid Blue Pt. 2

lwvintage guitars

lwvintage guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Telecaster (1966).

Build quality

  • The neck pocket of this Telecaster is a key area for verifying originality and is highly valued by potential buyers.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting the truss rod requires removing the neck due to its placement at the bottom, typical of this era before 1970.

    Source
  • To ensure originality and functionality, the guitar was taken apart for documentation, including checking pots, caps, and solder joints.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar includes finish checking and wear that are unique to its age and cannot be replicated easily, adding to its authenticity.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Glenn Frey uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Glenn Frey

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Photo

Glenn Frey can here be seen playing his White Fender Telecaster with a humbucker in the neck posititon

See how Daniel Caesar uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Daniel Caesar

Guitarist, Singer

...
Verified via Google

During a 2017 show from his "Freudian" tour, Daniel Caesar was seen performing with a 1966 Fender Telecaster in white.

See how Mick Ralphs uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Mick Ralphs

Guitarist

Bad Company

...
Verified via Photo
Year: 1966

Mick Ralphs confirmed his use of a Fender Telecaster (1966) in his early gear lineup, stating, "What I did was trade the Burns and some money for a Telecaster. It was just the regular, stock mid-’60s model, probably a ’66. It was second-hand." He described his setup as "two AC30s and a Fender Telecaster," running the guitar straight into the amps and adjusting the bridge pickup to avoid excessive high frequencies. This information is supported by a quote from an interview on GuitarPlayer.com.

See how Hilton Valentine uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Hilton Valentine

Guitarist

The Animals

...
Verified via Photo

This photo from Hilton Valentine's personal website shows him playing a white 1966 Fender Telecaster, which is corroborated by an anecdote on his site.

See how Zac Rae uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Zac Rae

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via Alamy

Zac uses a white telecaster when touring with Death Cab

See how Del Shannon uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Del Shannon

Guitarist

Traveling Wilburys

...
Verified via YouTube

From 1966 to the early 1980s, Fender supplied Del with white Fender Telecasters that were turning yellow from cigarette smoke.

See how Adam Kessler uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Adam Kessler

Guitarist

The Drums

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Elkland Live! Performing Apart," Adam Kessler is seen playing a 1966 Fender Telecaster in white.

See how Neto Roxs (Ernesto Ortiz) uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Neto Roxs (Ernesto Ortiz)

Singer, Guitarist

Serbia

...
Verified via YouTube

Es su guitarra de preferencia, la lleva inclusive en conciertos con Serbia.

See how Drew Taubenfeld uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Drew Taubenfeld

Guitarist

Selena Gomez & the Scene

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube video by Dal Rossato, Drew Taubenfeld is seen playing a 1966 Fender Telecaster in white during Selena Gomez's performance of "Who Says" in Montevideo, Uruguay.

See how Gabriel Jackson uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Gabriel Jackson

Singer, Guitarist

Thames

...
Verified via Photo

Gabriel Jackson is seen playing a 1966 Fender Telecaster in white during Thames' performance at the Sinkhole in Saint Louis, MO, on June 4, 2019, as captured in a photo by @nordistafreeze.pix on Instagram.

See how Freddy Weller uses Fender Telecaster (1966)

Freddy Weller

Singer, Guitarist

Paul Revere and The Raiders

...
Verified via YouTube

In the performance for the track Him Or Me, Freddy is playing a Fender Telecaster in a White finish. This may be the starting point for Freddy to use the Telecaster. This white Telecaster would not make appearances anymore with the Raiders, as Freddy used either his Thinline Tele or his Gretsch Tennessean.

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 Telecaster (1966), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Mexican Telecaster
Fender Mexican Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Washburn Festival EA15A
Washburn Festival EA15A Acoustic-Electric Guitars
1
Rickenbacker 360-12v64
Rickenbacker 360-12v64 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Violin
Violin Violins
1
Gibson J-45
Gibson J-45 Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
MXR M234 Analog Chorus
MXR M234 Analog Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
1
Gibson Hummingbird
Gibson Hummingbird Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1

More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides