t’s an ultra-rare, one-off example of the short-lived Fender Telecaster Elite, built in Fullerton, California in 1983. Every single component on this instrument is unique to this model — from the tuners and knobs to the distinctive active pickups and electronics system, all designed exclusively for the Elite range.

The condition is absolutely mind-blowing for a guitar of this age — it genuinely presents as near-new. You’d struggle to find this little playwear even on brand new guitars hanging in shops today. The original case looks like it’s just stepped out of a time machine, and it even includes some of the original hang tags. The entire setup feels like it’s been sealed in a time capsule for four decades.

About the 1983 Telecaster Elite

The Elite series represented Fender’s futuristic vision of the Telecaster — a premium, high-spec reimagining of a classic. It featured active circuitry, dual Alnico II “Noise-Free” pickups designed by Seth Lover (of humbucker fame), and an innovative TBX tone system that offered an incredibly wide tonal range.
Other standout details include:

• Alder body with a Maple neck and 12” radius fingerboard for a smooth, modern feel.
• Gold hardware, top-loading bridge, and push-button pickup switching, giving it a distinctly ‘80s premium edge.
• A modern “C” profile neck that feels fast and comfortable — a big leap forward from traditional Tele shapes.

Why It’s Special

The tone is everything you’d hope for — articulate, powerful, and smooth, yet still recognisably Fender. The active electronics give it clarity and punch that can cover country, rock, funk, or clean studio work with ease. It’s no wonder the Elite design laid the groundwork for Fender’s later American Deluxe and Elite/Ultra models.
This example, though, is on another level — an exceptionally well-preserved piece of Fender history, built during the last years of the CBS era.

Happy to ship internationally but please contact me first.