Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $2,988
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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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
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What kind of tones can I expect from the Fender Telecaster Bass?
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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.
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Is the Fender Telecaster Bass suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What is the neck profile like on the Fender Telecaster Bass?
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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.
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Does the Fender Telecaster Bass work well for live performances?
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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.
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What body materials are used in the Fender Telecaster Bass?
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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.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
1968 Fender Telecaster Bass | Guitar of the Day
Reviews
PROS
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Lightweight and resonant with a vintage sound from the '50s Ash bodies
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High-output humbucker delivers a powerful, distinct sound
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Chunky D-shaped neck offers a comfortable, fast playing experience
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Versatile sound suitable for Motown, blues, and rock
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Vintage vibe with a unique character and historical significance
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No battery needed; simple and straightforward design
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Loud and distinct sound even without a distortion box
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Well-balanced and comfortable slab body
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Quick neck with extensive reach, feels like a short scale
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Ideal for those seeking a classic Precision Bass feel
CONS
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Heavy body can be cumbersome during long playing sessions
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Lacks contouring, which may require adjustment for some players
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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
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The dual humbucker model delivers a heavy, thunderous, and raw sound, distinct from traditional P-bass tones.
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The pickup location may cause the sound to become muddy, potentially getting lost in a mix depending on the musical setting.
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The Telecaster Bass features a Tele-style headstock and no contouring on the body, with horns for balance when used with a strap.
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Comparisons
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Plays similarly to a P-bass but offers a unique sound profile, making it a complementary addition alongside Mexican Jazz or P-basses.
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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.
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The Modern Player Tele Bass is likened to a reissue of the original Precision Bass with an added bridge pickup, reflecting its vintage roots.
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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.
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User experience
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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.
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Use cases and applications
Setup and maintenance
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Some owners caution about potential misaligned bridges, advising to check string alignment and bridge centering before purchasing.
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Build quality
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Concerns exist regarding the fit and finish, particularly with the neck quality on certain models, suggesting inconsistencies in build quality.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings
109
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
Horace Panter's 1973 Fender Telecaster Bass can be seen in this picture during a performace with The Specials.
In this interview with iBass magazine from 1:18 onwards Horace talks about the bass.
On Paul Jackson's website, he states that a heavily modified Fender Telecaster bass is what he played on the first Headhunters album. He can be seen using it during a live performance on Danish TV in 1976, as well. The original finish was removed, the pickups replaced with Bartolini Hi-As, the bridge changed to a Badass, and multiple output jacks were installed.
In the provided photo, Massimo Martellotta's guitar rack features the distinct headstock of a Fender Telecaster Bass, indicating its use in his collection.
Deep Impact’s article on Parliament-Funkadelic’s bassists notes the Fender Telecaster Bass as being among Billy Bass Nelson’s bass of choices.
In this photo of Band of Horses performing at SXSW in 2006, Reynolds can be seen playing aFender Telecaster Bass.
Kenny Aaronson is seen using a Fender Telecaster Bass from the 1972-1974 era, one of three basses he frequently alternated between.
"This is my most precious bass. Ummmm... It's a Fender Tele. It's a '68. This thing is older than anybody working for us."
Album Usage
The Fender Telecaster Bass has been featured on the following albums:
Live at Garcia's Chicago (Live 2025)
The Headhunters (2025)
Vienna [Deluxe Edition]: 40th Anniversary
Ultravox & Tigerlily (2020)
Death in Venice Beach
The Bombpops (2020)
My Shame Is True (Past Live)
Alkaline Trio (2018)
Brilliant
Ultravox & Tigerlily (2012)
Vivo Acá
Divididos (2003)
Everywhere and His Nasty Parlour Tricks
Modest Mouse (2001)
The Moon & Antarctica
Modest Mouse (2000)
Night on the Sun
Modest Mouse (1999)
After You've Gone
John Jorgenson (1988)
Rattle And Hum
U2 (1988)
The Joshua Tree
U2 (1987)
Jesus of Cool
Nick Lowe (1978)
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 Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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