Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$2,599.99
Guitar Center
$2,599.99
Fender
$2,599.99
Reverb
5.0 (25)
$2,300.00 62 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$2,599.99
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$2,519.99
Thomann
5.0 (2)
$2,222.00 $2,190.00 $32.00 · All time low

Average Price: $2,501

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Experience the iconic sound of the Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar, a timeless classic that has shaped the music industry. This instrument, first introduced in 1972, set itself apart from the rest with its unique combination of a single-coil pickup at the bridge and a Wide Range humbucker at the neck. This feature ensures a greater range of tones, from warm, mellow sounds to bright, crisp notes, making it a versatile choice for musicians of varied genres. With over four decades of popularity under its belt, this guitar continues to inspire artists, embodying the true spirit of rock 'n' roll.

Key Features:

  • Combines a single-coil pickup at the bridge and a Wide Range humbucker at the neck for a diverse range of tones
  • First Telecaster model to feature this unique pickup combination
  • Offers versatility to suit various music genres
  • Continues to be a popular choice among musicians for over 40 years
  • Embodies the iconic Fender sound and aesthetic
frettedamericana

frettedamericana

1975 Fender Telecaster Custom 00913

Video thumbnail for 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom 00913 by frettedamericana

1975 Fender Telecaster Custom 00913

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for American Original '70s Telecaster Custom | American Original | Fender by Fender

American Original '70s Telecaster Custom | American Original | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for The ALL-NEW Fender Vintera '70s Telecaster Custom - In-Depth Demo! by N Stuff Music

The ALL-NEW Fender Vintera '70s Telecaster Custom - In-Depth Demo!

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for Fender American Vintage “Thin Skin” ’72 Telecaster Custom  •  Wildwood Guitars by Wildwood Guitars

Fender American Vintage “Thin Skin” ’72 Telecaster Custom • Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '70s Tele Custom Demo by Guitarist

Fender American Original '70s Tele Custom Demo

Guitarist

Guitarist

Video thumbnail for 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1975 Fender Telecaster Custom | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Fender American Original '70s Telecaster Custom Guitar Demo by Sweetwater

Fender American Original '70s Telecaster Custom Guitar Demo

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom Mocha | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom Mocha | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Exploring the American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster Custom | American Vintage II | Fender by Fender

Exploring the American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster Custom | American Vintage II | Fender

Fender

Fender

Video thumbnail for Worth The Wait! | Fender American Vintage II Telecaster Custom Review - Finally! by Alamo Music Center

Worth The Wait! | Fender American Vintage II Telecaster Custom Review - Finally!

Alamo Music Center

Alamo Music Center

Video thumbnail for 1975 Fender Telecaster Custom Natural | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1975 Fender Telecaster Custom Natural | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster Custom | Olympic White by Peach Guitars

No Talking...Just Tones | Fender American Vintage II 1977 Telecaster Custom | Olympic White

Peach Guitars

Peach Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Owners describe the 1977 Telecaster Custom as feeling "alive" in hand, with a well-balanced weight slightly over 8 lbs.

    Source
  • Owners report that the stock pickups in the Player II Telecaster are satisfactory and do not require immediate upgrading for improved performance.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Telecaster Custom's versatility across genres like punk, indie rock, and alternative, citing its suitability for bands like Arctic Monkeys and Sum 41.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 1977 Tele Custom is noted for its dynamic pickups and a neck shape beefier than modern C's, but not as large as the U-shape on the '72 RI model.

    Source
  • Players note that the Fender Player II Telecaster is more comfortable due to its rolled fingerboard edges compared to the Player I series.

    Source
  • Transitioning from the 9.5" radius of a Tele Deluxe to the 7.25" radius on the Custom can be challenging for some players.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 7.25-inch radius on the fretboard is highlighted, which might be a dealbreaker for some players who prefer flatter radii.

    Source
  • The 72 Custom Telecaster is preferred for its separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, making it easier to balance the humbucker and single-coil.

    Source
  • Witch-hat knobs are favored for their aesthetic appeal and numbered design, aiding in precise volume and tone control adjustments.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite the Custom Shop models excelling in all aspects, some owners find satisfaction in choosing the 1977 Telecaster Custom due to its unique feel and sound, even with a significant price difference.

    Source
  • A used Fender Player I Telecaster can be found for around $610, while a used Custom 72 Telecaster is priced around $760, offering different value propositions.

    Source
  • In the UK, the road-worn Vintera Tele Deluxe can be found on Facebook Marketplace for £650-750, offering a budget-friendly option with two wide-range humbuckers.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some owners swapped the Player I neck for a Warmoth '59 roundback neck for a better fit, citing its balance as ideal without being too bulky.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 11 Reviews and 43 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
neale_scott

Great all rounder

Wonderful guitar, benefits from upgraded tuners, the F ones aren’t the best. Really good for all sorts of music. Lovely chunky neck. I prefer the Brandonwound Wide Range humbucker in this guitar.

From Gear Setup
R

Excellent for anything from blues to jazz to rock to metal.

The Fender Telecaster is a staple guitar and slowly gaining popularity in the modern day with the revelation that it stores enough attack to be an excellent choice in Post-Hardcore metal bands, whereas it was usually only perceived to be a more Blues, Jazz or alternative-rock type of guitar.

It has a brilliant bright tone (too bright if you're sporting 9 gauge strings but beautiful at 10 and up). The Tele can do everything you need it to.

T

Hammer of the honky tonk gods!

This is my girlfriend, and she’s as bright or as nasty as I want her to be, without needing a bunch of digital processing effects. Especially with the right pickups. My go-to tele has a humbucker (wired upside down) in the neck position, and a 60’s vintage tele bridge pickup. She stays tuned in open G tuning. Fantastic rock, blues and slide axe.

S

My number 2

I own a 2007 model with a replacement bridge pickup (bare knuckle). Wanted one for years and it did not disappoint, super bright sounding in the bridge and full in the neck. Using both pickups together is where the guitar sounds the most unique to me, gives off a real deep yet clear tone thats perfect for rhythm playing.

starguitar

A timeless 70s sound with stunning black aesthetics

The best guitar I have ever played, definitely my go-to. I love the way both the single coil and the wide pup's sound. No real significance to why I chose a 1978, I was mostly after any 70s Tele Custom in black. Looks awesome with the all black look and maple neck.

metal_messiah

This is my Helecaster, nicknamed Chieftain \m/ (-_-) \m/

I got this Fender Telecaster off of Musicians Friend in early 2000's. I switched out the Fender Wide Range humbucker and the single coil for a 59 model SH-1 in the neck, and a EMG-81 in the bridge. Sounds fucking awesome \m/(-_-)\m/

neural_static

A great versatile Telecaster

A great versatile Telecaster, the middle position is my favourite place, the combination of the bite from the bridge pickup and the warmth of the 'wide range' humbucker at the neck is ace.

parsia50

vintage and twangy

if you are looking for a vintage sound and perfect playability, this is the perfect guitar for you

Roles:
Genres:
G

Perfect neck and a real vintage sound!

I have it since few years and it is a real pleasant guitar to play. I really like this instrument, his neck is perfect for my hand. The mine is red.

paulo_fernandes

Primogênita

Era uma guitarra que sonhava desde criança. Sonho realizado.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Lee Ranaldo uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

Lee Ranaldo

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo
Color/Finish: Sunburst

For their final 5 shows in South America, November 2011, the band were unable to transport all of their gear between the 5 cities, so they assembled a "B group" of equipment to use at certain shows. The "B" group (used for 2 shows - Lima and the final gig in Sao Paulo) consisted of some familiar SY instruments, but they were also loaned a number of shiny new guitars by Fender. This sunburst Telecaster is one of those, used by Lee for F#F#F#F#EB.

See how Billie Eilish uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

Billie Eilish

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified

In this Instagram post, Billie is seen with a custom blue Fender Telecaster. She is pictured with it in the announcement of her Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour commencing on September 29, 2024

See how Gustavo Cerati uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via YouTube

Cerati uses this guitar at 01:06 on this video

See how Adam Hann uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

Adam Hann

Guitarist

The 1975

...
Verified via Photo

From Adam's Instagram story posted on 14th September 2021 a Fender Telecaster Deluxe can clearly be seen

See how Matthew Followill uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

Matthew Followill

Guitarist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via Instagram

Matthew Followill is seen with a Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar in an Instagram post captioned "Gearing up!!" with hashtags suggesting preparation for Kings of Leon's seventh album, #kol7.

See how John Squire uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

John Squire

Guitarist

Oasis

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, we see Squire playing his black Tele Custom live.

See how Joe Walsh uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

Joe Walsh

Guitarist, Singer

Eagles

...
Verified via YouTube

Joe is seen using this guitar in a 1977 performance of "Hotel California". He can also be seen using the same guitar during "One of These Nights" & "Take it Easy" from the same show.

See how Lou Reed uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

Lou Reed

Singer, Guitarist

The Velvet Underground

...
Verified via © JAN VAN DER GAAG

Lou playing an original sunburst Fender Telecaster Custom at a live show in the 70’s.

See how James Bay uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

James Bay

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

You can see him using it on Instagram It has an Bigsby and a Humbucker

See how Syd Barrett uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

Syd Barrett

Singer, Guitarist

Pink Floyd

...
Verified via Wallofsoundgallery

Syd Barrett's last professional instrument?

See how Miles Kane uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

Miles Kane

Singer, Guitarist

The Last Shadow Puppets

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Miles is using a custom or vintage Fender Telecaster with a Bigsby tremolo. This guitar in the video appears to be daphne blue with a mint green pickguard and a maple neck. Maybe it's a one-off custom shop model or a guitar that was been put together by different parts.

See how Alex Trimble uses Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar

Alex Trimble

Singer, Guitarist

Two Door Cinema Club

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo of Alex Trimble performing live, he can be seen playing a Fender Telecaster Custom guitar in a natural finish, with a maple neck. Photo credit Jeremy Perez Photos.

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 Custom Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Telecaster
Fender Telecaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
3
Fender Jaguar
Fender Jaguar Solid Body Electric Guitars
2
Fulltone OCD
Fulltone OCD Overdrive Effects Pedals
2
Ernie Ball Pick Medium
Ernie Ball Pick Medium Picks & Pick Holders
1
Taylor GS-Mini
Taylor GS-Mini Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
1
Lexicon PCM 42
Lexicon PCM 42 Effects Processors
1
DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone
DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone Condenser Microphones
1
Audio-Technica AE2500
Audio-Technica AE2500 Condenser Microphones
1

Community setups

Show yours
neale_scott

neale_scott

Gear IQ 569

neale_scott

neale_scott

Gear IQ 569

neale_scott

neale_scott

Gear IQ 569

jasonpaulotsky

jasonpaulotsky

Gear IQ 112

alexhalford

alexhalford

Gear IQ 157

4 alternative and related items for Fender Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar, curated by the Equipboard community.

Fender Japan TC72-70 Telecaster Custom

$747.00 - $781.79

similar sound cheaper alternative

Reissue of a 1972 Tele custom model, just built in Japan.

Fender American Vintage II '77 Telecaster Custom

$2,144.99 - $2,599.99

newer similar sound cheaper alternative

Part of the relaunched 2022 American Vintage II Series, this '77 Telecaster Custom is as close to true vintage as you can get today. Choice of maple or rosewood fingerboard, Wide Range CuNiFe neck humbucker, and period-correct single-coil in the bridge position.

Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom

$649.99

Vintage or Discontinued newer similar sound

The Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom revitalizes one of the company's most successful guitar hybrids in an affordable model that retains the original's tone and feel. Replacing the standard single-coil Tele neck pickup with a Wide Range Fender humbucker, the '72 Custom affords players a hotter, more gain-laden tone while still able to nail that Telecaster twang via the bridge pup. Finished with vintage appointments like the skirted knobs and three-way pickup shoulder switch, this model remains one of the company's most successful runs in the Classic Series.

More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides