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Fender Telecaster (1976 - 1979)

$2,188.50 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

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5.0 (9)

$2,188.50 88 available Used

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Average Price: $2,189

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Fender Telecaster (1976 - 1979) is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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Step back in time with the Fender Telecaster (1976 - 1979), a classic instrument that has left a lasting impact on the music world. Revered for its distinctive twang and versatile sound, this vintage solid body electric guitar is a testament to Fender's craftsmanship during the late '70s. Whether you're strumming in a studio or on stage, this Telecaster delivers a rich tonal palette that has captivated musicians across genres.

Crafted during a transformative era for electric guitars, this model features the classic single-cutaway body shape that ensures comfort and easy access to the higher frets. Its bolt-on neck construction and maple fingerboard provide a smooth playing experience, allowing for brisk chord changes and fluid solos. The Telecaster's dual single-coil pickups are designed to produce that iconic, bright sound that’s both crisp and full-bodied, perfect for everything from rock to country.

This vintage piece not only holds historical value but also integrates seamlessly into contemporary music setups. Its solid build and reliable electronics have made it a go-to choice for both collectors and working musicians. Experience the legacy of the 1976 - 1979 Fender Telecaster and its enduring influence on electric guitar design.

Key Features:

Vintage solid body construction
Single-cutaway design for comfortable playability
Bolt-on neck with a maple fingerboard
Dual single-coil pickups for versatile sound
Iconic twang and tonal range suitable for multiple genres
Historical significance and collectible value

Product specs

Brand	Fender
Model	Telecaster
Finish	Antigua, Black, Blonde, Natural, Sienna Sunburst, Sunburst, Walnut (Mocha), White, Wine
Year	1976 - 1979
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, Brown, Red, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
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 are the core tonal characteristics of a Fender Telecaster from 1976-1979?: The Fender Telecaster from 1976-1979 is known for its bright, cutting tone with a strong midrange presence, typical of the Telecaster model. Its single-coil pickups deliver a twangy sound ideal for country, rock, and blues genres.
What type of wood is used in the body of the Fender Telecaster from 1976-1979?: The body of the Fender Telecaster from this era is typically made from either alder or ash, both known for their balanced tonal qualities and resonance, contributing to the guitar's iconic sound.
How does the neck profile of the 1976-1979 Fender Telecaster affect playability?: The 1976-1979 Fender Telecaster features a bolt-on maple neck, offering a smooth playing experience with a comfortable grip. This design supports fast playing and easy access to higher frets, making it suitable for various playing styles.
Is the 1976-1979 Fender Telecaster suitable for beginners?: While the 1976-1979 Fender Telecaster is a versatile and iconic instrument, its vintage status and potential collector's value may make it less ideal for beginners. However, its straightforward design and playability can benefit players familiar with electric guitars.
What is the pickup configuration of the 1976-1979 Fender Telecaster?: The 1976-1979 Fender Telecaster features a classic SS (single-single) pickup configuration, providing the bright, twangy sound that Telecasters are renowned for. This setup is versatile, suitable for a range of music genres from country to rock.

Videos

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Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1976 Fender Telecaster | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1976 Fender Telecaster

GregsGuitars

【Qsic】Fender USA 1976 Telecaster BLD/M【売約済】

qsickobe

【試奏動画】Fender Telecaster 1978年製 [LASTGUITAR]

lastguitarcom

Reviews

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PROS

Unique personality with a wide range of tonal expressions
Neck pickup delivers a powerful, growling sound
Offers a nostalgic connection for players familiar with the 1970s era
Solid build that can withstand rigorous use
Offers a distinct vintage sound that modern models may not replicate

CONS

Tuning machines are outdated and less reliable than modern alternatives
Generally heavier than contemporary models, which may affect playability
Bridge pickup can produce excessive squealing with gain
Neck pickup is often weaker compared to the bridge pickup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Telecaster (1976 - 1979).

Features and functionality

0 0

The 7.25" neck radius is favored for thumb-over playing and suits smaller hands well.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Owners note that small vintage frets can make string bending challenging without tall frets.
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Comparisons

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Many prefer the 7.25" radius over 9.5" for comfort, despite the latter's ease for bends and lower action.
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Build quality

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Some guitars with a 7.25" radius have been reported to have E strings close to the edge, which can impact playability.
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User experience

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Players with forearm injuries find the curved radius reduces fatigue, as the barring finger can relax more.
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Wes Borland

Singer, Guitarist

Limp Bizkit

Verified via Photo

At 18:29, he says, "This is a great Tele. I think it's probably a '78-ish... '79-.... don't quote me on that. But, umm, man, somebody was chicken-pickin' on this a lot. This looks like a Nashville player had this for a long time, but this was bought for the studio of a record company that I was briefly working with on a solo project, and they shut the studio down. I said, 'I really want that Tele.' It's a great guitar. I used it live in Black Light Burns and to record a bunch of BlackLlight Burns material with."

Rick Danko

Singer, Bassist

The Band

Verified

Rick Danko can be seen playing a Fender Telecaster (1976 - 1979) in a live photo.

Hank Williams, Jr.

Singer, Guitarist

The Bama Band

Verified via Photo

In this picture, Hank is seen playing one of his many 1970s Fender Telecasters

quickly, quickly

Keyboardist, Composer

Verified via Photo

Quickly, quickly has confirmed ownership of a Fender Telecaster (1976 - 1979) on Instagram, stating: "The tele in question - 1978, Seymour Duncan pickups, apparently it was originally black but someone stripped the finish. May or may not have belonged to Lynyrd Skynyrd as it came in a road case with the band’s name written on it. Unconfirmed. Apparently this guitar is called Booger Sugar as that was also written on the case" (source: Instagram, user qqitemstorage).

Paul Moak

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Heart

Verified via YouTube

At 8:46 in the YouTube video "Paul Moak Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour at The Smoakstack in Nashville," Paul Moak discusses his 1976 Fender Telecaster, as featured by Premier Guitar.