Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,000

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time with the Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52, a timeless classic that embodies the golden era of electric guitar craftsmanship. Revered by guitar enthusiasts for its authentic vintage feel, this Telecaster retains the iconic look and sound that made the original a legend. Crafted with precision, the guitar features specially voiced American Vintage pickups that deliver that unmistakable twang and bite, making it a favorite for purists and modern players alike. The wider U-shaped neck profile offers a comfortable grip, while the meticulous attention to the neck and body measurements ensures an authentic playing experience reminiscent of the early 1950s. Whether you're strumming chords or picking solos, this guitar promises to capture the hearts of musicians with its vintage charm and modern reliability.

Key Features:

  • Specially voiced American Vintage pickups
  • Wider U-shaped neck profile
  • Authentic neck and body measurements
  • Vintage-style hardware and finishes
  • Classic single-cutaway body design

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model American Vintage '52 Telecaster
Finish Butterscotch Blonde
Year 2010 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Yellow
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.65"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender American Vintage
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52?

The Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52 features a U-shaped neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip for players who prefer a chunkier neck, reminiscent of the original 1952 Telecaster design.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52?

This Telecaster is equipped with vintage-style single-coil pickups that deliver a bright, twangy tone ideal for country, rock, and blues, while also offering a warm, full sound when played clean.

Is the Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52 suitable for beginners?

While the Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52 offers exceptional build quality and vintage appeal, its price and vintage specifications may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players seeking authentic vintage tone and feel.

How does the 7.25" fretboard radius affect playability on the Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52?

The 7.25" fretboard radius provides a curved surface that is comfortable for chord playing, especially for those who prefer a more vintage feel, but it may require a slightly lighter touch for bending notes compared to flatter radius necks.

What is the weight of the Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52?

The Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52 typically weighs around 8 pounds, which is common for an ash-bodied guitar, offering a balanced feel that is neither too heavy nor too light for most players.

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster by N Stuff Music

Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage '52 Reissue Telecaster Overview | Full Compass by Full Compass

Fender American Vintage '52 Reissue Telecaster Overview | Full Compass

Full Compass

Full Compass

Video thumbnail for Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52 - #52 Doctor Guitar by Budda Guedes

Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52 - #52 Doctor Guitar

Budda Guedes

Budda Guedes

Reviews

PROS

  • Historically accurate design with vintage aesthetics, including slot head screws and brass barrel saddles

  • Fat vintage neck praised for comfort and playability

  • Nitro finish enhances resonance and offers a classic look

  • Versatile tone with standout bridge and neck pickups

  • Lightweight ash body praised for comfortable handling

  • Excellent platform for modding, allowing personalization

  • Build quality comparable to Fender's Custom Shop guitars

  • Low action and perfect intonation enhance playability

  • Resonant body contributes to fantastic tone

  • Simple, honest design with a magic "vibe"

CONS

  • Stock pickups have lower output compared to modern standards

  • Non-existent shielding causes noise when not touching strings

  • Oversized bridge pickup route visible due to bridge plate positioning

  • Fit between neck and body cavity could be improved

  • Thin nitro finish is prone to chipping without careful handling

  • Some models have heavy body weight, over 9 pounds

  • Included case of lower quality, not matching guitar's premium feel

  • No tummy cut for ergonomic comfort

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'.

Build quality

  • The 2012-2017 American Vintage series used a 100% nitro finish with no poly undercoats, which could lead to finish damage in shops.

    Source
  • The flame maple neck, not typically found on AVRI models, is considered highly desirable and comparable to custom shop upgrades.

    Source
  • The AVII finish has a poly base, which contrasts with the AV 2012-2017's full nitro finish, giving the latter a more authentic vintage look despite potential chipping.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • This line is noted for its flash coat nitro finish, intended to show aging over time.

    Source
  • Serial numbers can sometimes be incorrectly recorded, with manual corrections not uncommon on certificates and QC tags.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the sound quality favorably to custom shop guitars, with some preferring it over a '65 Custom Shop Telecaster.

    Source
  • The American Vintage 52 (2012-2017) is considered closest to pre-CBS specs among non-Custom Shop models, surpassing even the American Vintage II in terms of finish authenticity.

    Source
  • The AV 2012-2017 Telecaster is often preferred over newer models due to its closer adherence to early '50s specifications, particularly in terms of finish and build quality.

    Source

Other

  • The guitar's provenance, such as usage in events like NAMM, may not significantly affect value, but unique features like a flame neck can enhance desirability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have noted the AV 2012-2017 line's thin nitro finish can chip easily, adding a unique patina over time that appeals to vintage enthusiasts.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Martin uses Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'

Chris Martin

Singer, Guitarist

Coldplay

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken from the Ghost Stories recording sessions, we see Chris playing an early 1950s style blackguard Fender Telecaster in blonde, likely to be an AVRI or similar reissue model.

See how Matthew Followill uses Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'

Matthew Followill

Guitarist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via YouTube

Matthew Followill is seen using a Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52' in a fan-recorded video on YouTube, capturing Kings of Leon performing "Beautiful War" in Portland, OR on August 28, 2024. The guitar is clearly visible throughout the entire performance, as documented by the video uploaded by user "Outswept."

See how Dallas Green uses Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'

Dallas Green

Singer, Guitarist

Alexisonfire

...
Verified via Whicdn

The Tele is part of Dallas' Alexisonfire rig.

See how Mark Gardener uses Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'

Mark Gardener

Singer, Guitarist

Ride

...
Verified via Photo

Throughout this video posted to Ride’s official Instagram, we see Mark performing with an early 50s style, blackguard Fender Telecaster. This guitar appears to be a reissue

See how Eross Candra uses Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'

Eross Candra

Guitarist

Sheila on 7

...
Verified via Photo

Eross Candra is seen with his Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52, a guitar he affectionately refers to as "I ❤ MY SEPHIA," in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Federico Miranda uses Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'

Federico Miranda

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Federico Miranda is seen using a Fender Telecaster American Vintage '52 in a photo posted on his Instagram account while recording with Abel Guier and Mimayato.

See how Igor Gribov uses Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'

Igor Gribov

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided photo, is seen a Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'

See how Fermín Muguruza uses Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'

Fermín Muguruza

Singer, Guitarist

Negu Gorriak

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "01 - Kortatu - After Boltxebike" by Nova. A. L. T. on YouTube, Fermín Muguruza is clearly seen playing a Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'.

See how MIsaKI uses Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52'

MIsaKI

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

The Instagram post by meminor_band shows MIsaKI using a Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52' during a session, as evidenced in the video captioned "メリークリスマス🎅セッションして遊ぶ僕ら."

Album Usage

The Fender Telecaster American Vintage 52' has been featured on the following albums:

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 American Vintage 52', it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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