Fender Telecaster Standard 1986 - Green

This rare find is a stunning guitar that plays every bit as good as it looks. It is an early prototype of the American Standard series, which was launched in late 1986/early 1987. Following the change in ownership—from CBS to Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)—the company invested in the American Series to restore Fender’s reputation, which had suffered due to declining quality under CBS. Although production shifted from the Fullerton factory to the Corona factory after the 1985 ownership change, these early prototypes utilized parts from the Fullerton facility that remained following the transition from CBS to FMIC. The neck, for instance, originated at the Fullerton factory; consequently, the serial number corresponds to a 1983 instrument, even though the guitar itself dates to 1986/87. This makes these early American Standard models highly sought-after and superior in quality to those produced in later years. The aluminum pickguard provides a unique, striking look that reflects its surroundings. The guitar has also been refinished in a color that complements the aluminum pickguard perfectly. Furthermore, the aluminum pickguard helps reduce the 60-cycle hum typically associated with single-coil pickups. The bridge pickup has been replaced with a Seymour Duncan Little '59, which offers characteristics more akin to a humbucker. The original bridge pickup and the original white pickguard are included, along with a Fender hard case.