Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $44,625

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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

Step back in time with the Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960, an electric guitar that embodies the golden age of rock and roll. This iconic instrument is a testament to Fender's enduring legacy, featuring the classic solid-body design that has remained largely unchanged since its inception. The Telecaster's simplistic elegance is defined by its single cutaway body, crafted from either Ash or Alder, offering a resonant and balanced tone. The maple neck coupled with a slab rosewood fingerboard ensures a smooth playing experience, making it a favorite among both rhythm and lead guitarists.

What sets the 1960 model apart is its return to the string-through body design, enhancing the sustain and resonance that players crave. Equipped with two single-coil pickups, the Telecaster delivers that unmistakable twang and punch, carving its niche in genres ranging from country to rock. The white plastic pickguard, along with its 25 1/2-inch scale length, pays homage to its vintage roots while remaining a versatile choice for modern musicians.

Endorsed by legendary players like Keith Richards and James Burton, the Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960 is not just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history that continues to inspire and captivate artists around the world.

Key Features:

  • Single cutaway solid-body design
  • Ash or Alder body with Maple neck and slab Rosewood fingerboard
  • Two single-coil pickups for a classic twang
  • String-through body design for enhanced sustain
  • 25 1/2-inch scale length
  • White plastic pickguard for vintage aesthetics

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Telecaster
Finish Blonde, Fiesta Red, Sunburst
Year 1960
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Alder, Ash
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Brown, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material 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 Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960 have?

The Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960 features a "C" shape neck profile, which is known for its comfortable grip and playability, making it ideal for various playing styles.

What tones can I expect from the pickups on a 1960 Fender Telecaster?

The 1960 Fender Telecaster is equipped with single-coil pickups, delivering bright, clear tones that are perfect for genres like country, rock, and blues, with a signature twang and bite.

Is the Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960 suitable for beginners?

While the Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960 is highly regarded for its classic tone and build quality, it may be more suitable for experienced players due to its vintage features and price point.

What is the fretboard radius of the Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960?

The fretboard radius of the Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960 is 7.25 inches, providing a vintage feel that is comfortable for chord playing and traditional techniques.

What body materials are used in the Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960?

The Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960 features a body made from alder or ash, contributing to its balanced tone and resonance, with distinctive finishes like Blonde, Fiesta Red, and Sunburst.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Telecaster Slab Board | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Telecaster Slab Board | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Fender Telecaster Slab Board | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1960 Fender Telecaster (MJT Refin/Slab Board) by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1960 Fender Telecaster (MJT Refin/Slab Board)

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Fender Telecaster | The Music Emporium by The Music Emporium

1960 Fender Telecaster | The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960.

Features and functionality

  • The American Original 60s Telecaster includes narrow tall frets, aligning with the specs preferred by many Fender enthusiasts for better playability.

    Source
  • The model is noted for its double-bound body, which appeals to those seeking a blend of aesthetic and functional design from the 60s era.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Telecaster's crisp, attacking distorted tone is favored over humbuckers by some, making it suitable for genres requiring clarity and precision.

    Source
  • A potential buyer is considering this Telecaster against a Jaguar, influenced by historical associations with artists like Kurt Cobain and genre stereotypes, showing how model perception can impact purchasing decisions.

    Source
  • The MIJ 60s Tele neck is compared to the JV modified 60's model, suggesting a similar feel but potentially different accessories like ashtray covers.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This Telecaster is praised for its suitability in styles where a crisp and attacking distorted tone is desired, potentially offering a different tonal palette than typically associated with grunge or metal.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners praise the thinner neck profile of the MIJ Japan Vintage 60s Tele, noting it suits those who dislike bulky necks like those on some Gibson models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The MIJ Japan Vintage 60s Tele originally retailed around $1100-$1200 USD, offering a point of reference for comparing current market prices.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kurt Cobain uses Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960

Kurt Cobain

Singer, Guitarist

Nirvana

...
Verified via Photo

Kurt Cobain used a Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960 for practice sessions in the 1990s, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.

See how Robben Ford uses Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960

Robben Ford

Guitarist, Composer

Yellowjackets

...
Verified via Vintageguitar

In this Vintage Guitar Magazine article, Robben Ford says this about his Blonde 1960 Fender Telecaster: "But the Tele has also become very important. It’s a 1960. I’m not very familiar with the world of the Tele – this is the only one I’ve ever owned. I think I probably picked it up because it’s the same model that Bloomfield played on the first Butterfield Blues Band record. Once I checked it out, I had to buy it, and it’s become big for me. I got it when I was with the Blue Line and used it for the first time on the Mystic Mile record."

See how Tommy Emmanuel uses Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960

Tommy Emmanuel

Guitarist

...
Unverified
See how Pete Thorn uses Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960

Pete Thorn

Guitarist

SatchVai Band: Joe Satriani & Steve Vai

...
Verified via YouTube

In his YouTube video titled "Mad Professor BIG TWEEDY DRIVE, demo by Pete Thorn," Pete Thorn can be seen playing a Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960, showcasing its sound and versatility.

See how Joe Gore uses Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960

Joe Gore

Guitarist, Bassist

Eels

...
Verified via Substack

In response to an email from an online reviewer, Joe Gore confirmed that he used a 1960s Fender Telecaster for recording his work on Tom Waits’ Bone Machine.

Album Usage

The Fender Telecaster Vintage 1960 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 Vintage 1960, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Guild Starfire III Hollowbody Guitar
Guild Starfire III Hollowbody Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Gibson L5 CES
Gibson L5 CES Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
1958 Stratocaster
1958 Stratocaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar
Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 1955
Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 1955 Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

More Fender Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides