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Average Price: $2,627
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$400
$1001+
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High-end
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Description
Step back in time with the 1981 Fender Telecaster Black and Gold, an electric guitar that embodies the classic Fender craftsmanship with a touch of vintage charm. This model is a part of Fender's celebrated lineage, known for its robust build and iconic sound. The Telecaster’s solid body design offers durability and a resonant tone that has been favored by musicians across genres. The guitar's vintage-style pickups deliver a warm, articulate sound that's perfect for both studio recordings and live performances.
Crafted with an alder body, this Telecaster ensures balanced tones with a hint of brightness, making it versatile for various playing styles. The maple neck offers smooth playability with a comfortable C-shape profile, while the rosewood fingerboard provides a classic feel under the fingers. The guitar's hardware, including a six-saddle bridge, ensures a reliable tuning stability and intonation.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a budding guitarist, the 1981 Fender Telecaster Black and Gold offers a blend of aesthetic appeal and functional prowess, staying true to the Fender tradition while offering the unique charm of a vintage instrument.
Key Features:
- Solid alder body for balanced tones
- Maple neck with a comfortable C-shape profile
- Rosewood fingerboard for a classic feel
- Vintage-style pickups for warm, articulate sound
- Six-saddle bridge for tuning stability and intonation
- Part of Fender's celebrated Telecaster series
Product specs
| Brand | Fender |
| Model | Collector's Edition Black and Gold Telecaster |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1981 - 1983 |
| 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 | Black |
| Finish Features | Matching Headstock |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | 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 FSR Limited Edition |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What makes the 1981 Fender Telecaster Black and Gold unique compared to other Telecasters?
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The 1981 Fender Telecaster Black and Gold is a collector's edition featuring a distinctive black and gold finish with a matching headstock, made from ash with a rosewood fretboard, offering a unique aesthetic and classic Telecaster tone.
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What type of pickups does the 1981 Fender Telecaster Black and Gold have?
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This model features a single-coil pickup configuration, known for delivering the bright, cutting tones characteristic of classic Telecasters.
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Is the 1981 Fender Telecaster Black and Gold suitable for all playing levels?
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Yes, this Telecaster is suitable for both beginners and advanced players, offering a comfortable playability with its 25.5" scale length and bolt-on maple neck.
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What kind of music is the 1981 Fender Telecaster Black and Gold best suited for?
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The 1981 Fender Telecaster Black and Gold is versatile, making it suitable for genres like rock, blues, country, and pop, thanks to its bright and articulate single-coil pickups.
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How does the body material of the 1981 Fender Telecaster Black and Gold affect its sound?
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The ash body of this Telecaster contributes to a balanced tone with a pronounced midrange and bright high-end, enhancing its signature Telecaster sound.
Videos
Groovy Music Lessons
1981 Fender Telecaster Black And Gold Guitar Review Scott Grove
Reviews
PROS
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Stunning and unique black and gold design, a true collector's item
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Impressive "Tele Twang" sound with a massive, distinctive bridge
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Excellent neck shape providing comfortable playability
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Precise intonation and easily adjustable saddles for string height
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Represents Fender's early custom design efforts with unique hardware
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Durable construction, maintaining condition over decades
CONS
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Considerably heavy, with some models weighing over 10 lbs
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Pickups may not be the best Fender has used
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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John Deacon used this guitar in live performances of Queen song "Staying Power" in 1982.
Jorge González used this guitar in Festival Neutral 2014 at GAM. The guitar has the pickguard changed from original black to white. Here a more detailed image: https://i.imgur.com/kHAJ2Il.jpg
D. Boon appears to have bought this 1981 - 1983 Fender Telecaster Black and Gold Collector's Edition model in 1983, and it might be what they recorded much of Double Nickels on the Dime with although that's speculation, it's not confirmed.
It's said that D. Boon changed the bridge pickup in his Telecaster or Telecasters, but it's not clear when this happened or if he changed the pickups in both the Black Tele and his Brown Tele Deluxe (I have no good photos of Black from 1985 right now to confirm if he used the EMG then, although there is an EMG in the Brown Tele.)
This specific type of Telecaster Guitar has a special larger tailpiece with extra sustain compared to a regular Telecaster Tailpiece, which might be a subtle and often overlooked detail about D. Boon's Gear Tone.
Fender don't seem to have reissued the tailpiece since its original manufacturing run. It seems as though there are at least 3 versions of the tailpiece; first, the one that appeared n this guitar. Second, a Brass version that was sold under the then available "Fender Brassworks" line. Third, there was a chrome plated version which is seen on D. Boon's modified Telecaster Deluxe (or Telecaster Custom.)
This Black Telecaster Collector's Edition Guitar is seen at the top of the page at this article at PremierGuitar, in the shot that's supposed to be from Mid-February 1984: https://www.premierguitar.com/artists/forgotten-heroes-d-boon
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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