Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,988

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Fender Telecaster Bass is a classic embodiment of rock 'n' roll history, channeling the vibe and aesthetics of its iconic guitar namesake. Perfectly bridging vintage appeal with modern craftsmanship, this bass guitar stands out with its humbucking pickup, offering a rich and powerful tone that has been a staple for musicians across genres. Its design, inspired by the Telecaster Custom, is a nod to the past while firmly planted in the present, making it a beloved choice for those who value both sound and style.

The Telecaster Bass features a 3-bolt neck design, providing stability and ease of adjustment, allowing for a personalized playing experience. Musicians can choose between a maple or rosewood fretboard, catering to different tonal preferences and playing feels. Whether you're laying down the groove in a jazz ensemble or bringing the thunder in a rock band, the Telecaster Bass delivers with precision and flair.

With its distinctive look and sound, this bass is more than an instrument; it's a piece of musical heritage ready to be a part of your journey. Whether you're a seasoned bassist or just starting out, the Fender Telecaster Bass offers a resonant, full-bodied sound that will inspire and elevate your performance.

Key Features:

  • Humbucking pickup for powerful sound
  • 3-bolt neck design for stability
  • Choice of maple or rosewood fretboards
  • Inspired by the iconic Telecaster Custom design

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Telecaster Bass
Finish Black, Blonde, Candy Apple Red, Lake Placid Blue, Natural, Olympic White, Sonic Blue, Sunburst, Walnut
Year 1971 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape P-Style
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Tan, White, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Model Family Fender Telecaster Bass
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 4-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Fender Vintage CBS Era

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Telecaster Bass?

The Fender Telecaster Bass is known for its deep, rich tones with a warm, vintage character. It's particularly well-suited for rock, blues, and country music, providing a solid low-end foundation with clear articulation.

Is the Fender Telecaster Bass suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Fender Telecaster Bass is suitable for beginners due to its straightforward design and comfortable playability. Its passive pickups offer a classic sound that is easy to manage, making it a great choice for those starting their bass journey.

What is the neck profile like on the Fender Telecaster Bass?

The Fender Telecaster Bass typically features a chunky neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that's ideal for players who prefer a substantial feel. This makes it well-suited for those who enjoy a vintage-style bass experience.

Does the Fender Telecaster Bass work well for live performances?

Yes, the Fender Telecaster Bass is a reliable choice for live performances due to its durable construction and powerful sound. Its passive pickups deliver consistent tone, making it a dependable option for gigging musicians.

What body materials are used in the Fender Telecaster Bass?

The Fender Telecaster Bass is constructed from alder or ash, both of which contribute to its distinctive tonal qualities. Alder offers a balanced sound with good sustain, while ash provides a brighter tone with pronounced mids and highs.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1968 Fender Telecaster Bass | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1968 Fender Telecaster Bass | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1968 Fender Telecaster Bass | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender Telecaster Bass Guitar | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Fender Telecaster Bass Guitar | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1971 Fender Telecaster Bass | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1971 Fender Telecaster Bass | Greg Coates at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1971 Fender Telecaster Bass Candy Apple Red | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1971 Fender Telecaster Bass Candy Apple Red | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1975 Fender Telecaster Bass | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen by Chicago Music Exchange

1975 Fender Telecaster Bass | CME Vintage Demo | Mike Larsen

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and resonant with a vintage sound from the '50s Ash bodies

  • High-output humbucker delivers a powerful, distinct sound

  • Chunky D-shaped neck offers a comfortable, fast playing experience

  • Versatile sound suitable for Motown, blues, and rock

  • Vintage vibe with a unique character and historical significance

  • No battery needed; simple and straightforward design

  • Loud and distinct sound even without a distortion box

  • Well-balanced and comfortable slab body

  • Quick neck with extensive reach, feels like a short scale

  • Ideal for those seeking a classic Precision Bass feel

CONS

  • Heavy body can be cumbersome during long playing sessions

  • Lacks contouring, which may require adjustment for some players

  • Requires extensive amp setting adjustments when switching from modern basses

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The dual humbucker model delivers a heavy, thunderous, and raw sound, distinct from traditional P-bass tones.

    Source
  • The pickup location may cause the sound to become muddy, potentially getting lost in a mix depending on the musical setting.

    Source
  • The Telecaster Bass features a Tele-style headstock and no contouring on the body, with horns for balance when used with a strap.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Plays similarly to a P-bass but offers a unique sound profile, making it a complementary addition alongside Mexican Jazz or P-basses.

    Source
  • The Fender's Wide Range Humbucker Bass (WRHB) is described as more snarly and growly compared to Gibson's mudbucker, retaining more mids and highs despite pickup placement.

    Source
  • The Modern Player Tele Bass is likened to a reissue of the original Precision Bass with an added bridge pickup, reflecting its vintage roots.

    Source
  • Similar pricing and desirability issues are noted with Modern Player Starcaster basses from the same era, indicating a trend in limited production bass guitars gaining value.

    Source

User experience

  • Described as a "beast" with impressive quality, the Chinese-made dual humbucker Telecaster Bass is favorably compared to an upper-range Squier with a Fender logo.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Seen used by Fat Mike from NOFX, indicating its capability in punk rock settings with a powerful live performance sound.

    Source
  • The bass has a growly low end with a chunky neck, ideal for those seeking a distinctive, aggressive tone in specific musical contexts.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners caution about potential misaligned bridges, advising to check string alignment and bridge centering before purchasing.

    Source

Build quality

  • Concerns exist regarding the fit and finish, particularly with the neck quality on certain models, suggesting inconsistencies in build quality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Fender Modern Player Tele Bass has nearly doubled in price since 2012, now exceeding $1,000 due to limited production and growing demand among enthusiasts.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rick_emry

Thunder from Mount Olympus (You won't need a distortion pedal with this one!)

This version of the Fender Telecaster (with the massive powerful neck-located hum-bucker pickup) was made from 1972 to 1979. Ultra-simple, single-pickup, very low, very rumbling, very distorted. Unique. Special. Great Bass if you have at least one other with a different, more subtle voice capability. Great Bass if you don't need one with a more subtle voice capability. You'll save with this one because you don't need a distortion box. Played by: Arthur Kane (The New York Dolls) Dr. Matt Destruction (The Hives) (error 404 - not found) As soon as I reboot, I'll come back & add to this list.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

VOLUME ON FULL TONE is the only setting you need for this baby. Start in the middle & tweak as needed. I recommend an AMP of at least 300 Watts (RMS) and a Speaker cabinet of 2 x 15" min. (& that's just for practicing @ home.)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Eric Judy uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Eric Judy

Bassist

Modest Mouse

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Blonde Year: 1970s

Throughout this video (good view at 43:02) Eric Judy plays a 70s Blonde Telecaster Bass. He played the Telecaster Bass live throughout 1999, but swapped to a Rickenbacker at some point towards the end of that year.

I'm pretty confident that used the Telecaster bass on The Moon and Antartica after I asked him! Not a direct confirmation, but he said he used "this sort of P Bass thing" for the earlier recordings.

See how Mick Ralphs uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Mick Ralphs

Guitarist

Bad Company

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

According to the article "Fretprints: Mick Ralphs" by Wolf Marshall in Vintage Guitar Magazine, Mick Ralphs had a Fender Telecaster Bass in his collection by 1979.

See how Randy Meisner uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Randy Meisner

Singer, Guitarist

Eagles

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Cream / White

In a photograph from the Eagles' performance in Brisbane on January 20, 1976, Randy Meisner is clearly seen using a Fender Telecaster Bass, which appears to be in a cream or white finish.

See how Nick Lowe uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Nick Lowe

Singer, Guitarist

Little Village

...
Verified via YouTube

Fender Telecaster Bass

Nick Lowe - “So It Goes” (Official Video)

See how Bryan Richie uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Bryan Richie

Bassist

The Sword

...
Verified via Photo

You can see Bryan playing a Telecaster Bass in the image.

See how Simon Jones uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Simon Jones

Bassist, Composer

Gorillaz

...
Verified via Photo

In this very early photo of The Verve, we see a young Simon with a 1950s style Fender Telecaster bass

See how Douglass McComb uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Douglass McComb

Guitarist, Bassist

Tortoise

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Douglass McComb uses a 1968 Fender Telecaster Bass, as detailed in the Premier Guitar article "Tortoise’s Jeff Parker and Doug McCombs: Slow ’n’ Steady."

See how Dr. Matt Destruction uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Dr. Matt Destruction

Bassist

The Hives

...
Verified via Photo

Dr. Matt Destruction is seen playing a Fender Telecaster Bass in this photo, taken during his performance at Coachella.

See how John Jorgenson uses Fender Telecaster Bass

John Jorgenson

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Premierguitar

This PG article lists the gear John Jorgensen used on the CD titled „Gifts from the flood”. The list includes this item too.

See how George Porter, Jr. uses Fender Telecaster Bass

George Porter, Jr.

Singer, Bassist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

...
Verified via George Porter Jr.

Listed here as formerly using on of the first telecaster basses ever made.

See how Jeff Haley uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Jeff Haley

Bassist

Wild Nothing

...
Verified via Photo

Here you can see Haley using his Fender Telecaster Bass

See how Chris Cross uses Fender Telecaster Bass

Chris Cross

Bassist, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via Ultravox

"During the time in which Ultravox was led by John Foxx, he used a Guild B-301, a white Gibson EB-3 and fretless Fender Precision basses, and an EMS Synthi AKS and later Mini Moog synthesisers with an Ampeg amplifier with 8Ă—10" speaker cabinets.

While the recording of Vienna album, he used a Yamaha bass, a Fender Precision bass, a Mini Moog synthesiser and Yamaha synthesiser

Later he also used Status and Steinberger basses.

Cross's distinctive grey bass is an Ibanez RoadStar from the early 1980s; this bass has been used on many of Ultravox's albums and was Cross' primary instrument during the first stage of the 'Return to Eden' Tour in 2009.

On the 'Return to Eden' tour in 2010 and the 'Brilliant' tour in 2012, he also used a Rickenbacker 4003 Fireglo finish bass and a standby black Fender Telecaster Bass."

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Fender Telecaster Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Precision Bass
Fender Precision Bass Electric Basses
3
Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
3
Ibanez AEB8E Acoustic Bass
Ibanez AEB8E Acoustic Bass Acoustic & Acoustic-Electric Basses
2
Squier Jazz Affinity
Squier Jazz Affinity Electric Basses
2
Gallien-Krueger 800RB
Gallien-Krueger 800RB Bass Amplifier Heads
2
Gibson J-160E
Gibson J-160E Acoustic-Electric Guitars
2
Gibson ES-335
Gibson ES-335 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
2
Fender Jazz Bass
Fender Jazz Bass Electric Basses
2
Fender Jazzmaster
Fender Jazzmaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
2

Community setups

Show yours
jackgooginss

jackgooginss

Gear IQ 379

jackgooginss

jackgooginss

Gear IQ 379

jackgooginss

jackgooginss

Gear IQ 379

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