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Average Price: $21,995

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$400

$1001+

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Description

The 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader Electric Guitar is a testament to the enduring legacy of Fender's pioneering design and craftsmanship. As one of the defining axes of the electric guitar revolution, the Telecaster has carved its place in music history with its simplistic elegance and unrivaled tonal clarity. The 1959 model captures the essence of this legacy, offering a unique playing experience with its top-loader bridge, a distinguishing feature that provides a softer string tension and a distinct playing feel—ideal for both vibrant rhythms and intricate solos.

This Telecaster comes equipped with two single-coil pickups, delivering that unmistakable twang and punch that has become synonymous with classic rock and country music. Its body, crafted from Ash, is paired with a Maple neck and a slab Rosewood fingerboard—combining durability with a smooth, responsive touch. The single cutaway solid-body design ensures easy access to higher frets, making it a versatile companion for any musical journey. Players like Keith Richards and Merle Haggard have trusted the Telecaster's reliable performance, and this 1959 model continues to honor that tradition.

Whether you're a seasoned player or a budding enthusiast, this Telecaster offers a blend of vintage charm and modern playability that appeals to a wide range of musical styles. Its timeless design and distinct sound make it a worthy addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Top-loader bridge for unique string tension
  • Two single-coil pickups for classic Tele twang
  • Ash body, Maple neck, and slab Rosewood fingerboard
  • Single cutaway solid-body design
  • 25 1/2-inch scale length

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Telecaster
Finish Blonde, Sunburst
Year 1959
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 Brown, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple, Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
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 Vintage Pre-CBS Era
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What makes the 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader unique compared to other Telecasters?

The 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader features a bridge design where strings are loaded through the back of the bridge instead of the body, offering a slightly different feel and tension that some players prefer for its slinkier string action.

What type of wood is used for the body of the 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader?

The body of the 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader is made from ash, which is known for its bright, resonant sound and appealing grain patterns.

How does the pickup configuration affect the sound of the 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader?

This guitar uses a single-coil pickup configuration (SS), delivering a bright, cutting tone with excellent clarity, making it ideal for genres like country, rock, and blues.

Is the 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader suitable for beginners?

While it's a vintage model with historical significance, beginners might prefer a more modern Telecaster for ease of playability and cost-effectiveness, as the 1959 model is often sought after by collectors and experienced players.

What is the neck profile of the 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader?

The 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader typically features a "C" shaped neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that suits a variety of playing styles.

What are the finish options available for the 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader?

This model is available in classic finishes such as Blonde and Sunburst, both of which enhance the guitar's vintage aesthetic and appeal.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Blues Saraceno playing a 1959 Fender Telecaster Toploader at Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Blues Saraceno playing a 1959 Fender Telecaster Toploader at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Blues Saraceno playing a 1959 Fender Telecaster Toploader at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Jim Campilongo on His '59 Telecaster by Guitar Player Magazine

Jim Campilongo on His '59 Telecaster

Guitar Player Magazine

Guitar Player Magazine

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Telecaster Top Loader | Guest: Joe Bonamassa | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1959 Fender Telecaster Top Loader | Guest: Joe Bonamassa | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Jim Campilongo Plays A 1959 Fender "Toploader" Telecaster | Let's Hear It! by Let's Hear It!

Jim Campilongo Plays A 1959 Fender "Toploader" Telecaster | Let's Hear It!

Let's Hear It!

Let's Hear It!

Video thumbnail for 1959 Fender telecaster demo by RAXEL

1959 Fender telecaster demo

RAXEL

RAXEL

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Telecaster Top-Loader 1959 Electric Guitar.

Mods and upgrades

  • A user customized their toploader bridge on a 1959 Telecaster with genuine Fender saddles, enhancing the guitar's playability and tone.

    Source
  • The Nitorlak Old Gold alcohol tint was applied to the neck, requiring careful taping to prevent frets from lifting, highlighting the meticulous process of neck finishing.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The Japanese neck, purchased from a UK seller, required leveling and dressing, emphasizing the importance of a proper fret job for optimal performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Toploader design is described as providing a more springy, bendy feel, making it sensitive to playing dynamics.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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1 star
lynx3r

Guitar 1

This is the guitar that started it all for me. First song learned was Led Zeppelin's What Is And What Should Never Be.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jeff Tweedy uses Fender Telecaster Top-Loader 1959 Electric Guitar

Jeff Tweedy

Singer, Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Jeff Tweedy Rig Rundown" by Premier Guitar on YouTube, at the 12:47 mark, Jeff Tweedy is shown discussing his use of the 1959 Fender Telecaster Top-Loader Electric Guitar.

See how Jim Campilongo uses Fender Telecaster Top-Loader 1959 Electric Guitar

Jim Campilongo

Guitarist, Composer

The Little Willies

...
Verified via Photo

"I have a '59 Fender Tele, three saddle, top-loading bridge with threaded 'steel' saddles and slot head set screws. 1959 was the only year Fender produced string through BRIDGE and not BODY. As far as the Toploader -- I think the feel and sound is a bit more 'rubbery' than a standard Tele." - Jim Campilongo.

According to an interview with Vintage Guitar, this guitar was used with Fender Princeton Reverb on "Live at Rockwood".

Album Usage

The Fender Telecaster Top-Loader 1959 Electric Guitar 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 Top-Loader 1959 Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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