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Average Price: $2,600
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Description
The Fender Telecaster 1971 is a quintessential piece of music history, embodying the classic sound and feel that has defined rock and blues for decades. Revered for its single-cutaway body design, this solid body electric guitar offers musicians a timeless blend of aesthetics and performance. Its vintage charm is coupled with modern reliability, making it a favorite among collectors and performers alike.
Crafted during an era renowned for its quality, the 1971 Telecaster features an ash or alder body, delivering a rich resonance and sustain that players love. The bolt-on maple neck provides a smooth playing experience, while the rosewood or maple fretboard allows for effortless navigation across the 21 frets. This Telecaster is powered by two single-coil pickups, known for their bright, cutting tones that can easily slice through any mix.
Whether you're playing rhythm or lead, the 1971 Telecaster responds with clarity and precision. Iconic for its versatility, it’s just as comfortable in a country twang as it is in a rock riff. The three-way pickup selector switch and master volume and tone controls offer a simple yet effective way to dial in your sound.
Key Features:
- Single-cutaway solid body design
- Choice of ash or alder body
- Bolt-on maple neck with rosewood or maple fretboard
- 21 frets
- Two single-coil pickups
- Three-way pickup selector switch
- Master volume and tone controls
- Renowned for its bright, cutting tone
- Vintage Fender craftsmanship and appeal
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, Natural, Ocean Turquoise, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst, Walnut (Mocha) |
| Year | 1970 - 1975 |
| 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, Tan, 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
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What are the tonal characteristics of a 1971 Fender Telecaster?
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The 1971 Fender Telecaster is known for its bright, cutting tone with a strong midrange. Its classic single-coil pickups deliver that signature Tele twang, making it versatile for genres like country, rock, and blues.
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What body materials are used in the 1971 Fender Telecaster?
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The 1971 Fender Telecaster typically features a body made from alder or ash, contributing to its resonant and balanced tonal quality.
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Is the 1971 Fender Telecaster suitable for beginners?
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While the 1971 Fender Telecaster is a classic instrument with historical value, its straightforward design and playability make it accessible for both beginners and experienced players.
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How does the neck profile of the 1971 Fender Telecaster feel?
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The 1971 Fender Telecaster features a C-shaped neck profile, which is comfortable for most players and suitable for various playing styles.
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What is the pickup configuration on the 1971 Fender Telecaster?
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The 1971 Fender Telecaster has a single-coil pickup configuration (SS), providing its distinctive bright and articulate sound.
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Does the 1971 Fender Telecaster have a bolt-on neck construction?
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Yes, the 1971 Fender Telecaster features a bolt-on neck construction, which is a hallmark of Fender guitars and contributes to its characteristic tone and sustain.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1971 Fender Telecaster in Lake Placid Blue | Norman's Rare Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional playability with powerful pickups for a distinct, rich sound
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Nostalgic appeal with authentic wear spots and patina
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Perfect action and comfortable to hold
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Unique Nitro headstock from transitional year adds value
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Lollar Vintage Tele pickups provide excellent tone and intonation
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No pot or action issues, even after years of use
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Classic tone reminiscent of iconic players like Keith Richards
CONS
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Requires refretting for optimal performance
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Neck pickup lacks output compared to bridge pickup
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Not comparable in tone to early '60s Telecasters
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Telecaster 1971.
Build quality
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The neck is stamped "3 FEB 71 B" and features a 1 5/8" synthetic nut with a maple fingerboard radius of 7.25 inches.
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The guitar weighs 7 lbs 14 oz, providing a substantial feel without being overly heavy for a solid-body electric.
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The six-saddle bridge was available as a Fender part in the 70s but was not standard on early 70s Telecasters.
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Setup and maintenance
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The neck depth measures .87" at the first fret and .955" at the twelfth fret, with medium frets recently leveled and dressed.
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Features and functionality
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Original single coil pickups are paired with CTS pots and a 3-barrel saddle bridge, contributing to the classic 1971 Telecaster sound.
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Some 1971 Telecasters feature a Wide Range humbucker in the neck position, although not originally standard, indicating potential aftermarket modification.
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User experience
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Despite a bad refinish job, owners appreciate the natural wood grain and often debate refinishing versus preserving the existing look.
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Comparisons
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