1988/1989 Fender American Standard Telecaster – Candy Apple Red – TBX – Maple Fretboard

Now available at Tower Bridge Music is a late-’80s Fender American Standard Telecaster in Candy Apple Red with a maple neck/fretboard and pearloid pickguard.

The E8 serial number (E805694) is indicative of 1988-era production, while the neck heel is clearly stamped MAR 31 1989. Fender serial numbers from this period don’t always correspond precisely with final assembly dates, so I would consider this a 1988/1989 American Standard Telecaster, likely completed in 1989.

This guitar has most certainly been experienced. It has plenty of honest play wear accumulated over more than three decades. The maple fretboard shows substantial wear and discoloration, particularly in the lower positions, and there are various nicks, dings and marks throughout the neck, headstock and body. There is also a small nick on the front of the body. I’ve photographed the wear closely so there shouldn’t be any surprises.

Despite the extensive cosmetic wear, the frets are in good shape and have recently been polished.

The original-style pearloid pickguard has developed a slight bow and does not sit completely flush against the body, raising slightly near the middle. This is something commonly seen on older pickguards as they age and is shown in the photos.

The electronics feature Fender’s TBX tone circuit with stacked tone potentiometer, a characteristic feature of American Standards from this era. It has the traditional Telecaster two-single-coil configuration with a three-way selector, master volume and TBX tone control.

Weight: 8 lbs. 3 oz.

Features include:

• Made in USA
• Late-1980s American Standard Telecaster
• E8-series serial number
• Neck heel dated March 31, 1989
• Candy Apple Red metallic finish
• Maple neck and fretboard
• 22 frets
• Fender American Standard six-saddle bridge
• Two Telecaster single-coil pickups
• 3-way pickup selector
• TBX tone circuit
• Fender-branded tuners
• Pearloid pickguard with slight age-related bowing
• Recently polished frets
• Weight: 8 lbs. 3 oz.
• Fender padded gig bag included

This isn’t a collector-clean example. It’s a well-played late-’80s American Telecaster with loads of character and the cosmetic wear to prove it. The frets remain in good shape, and the wear has been documented extensively in the photos.

Located in Downtown Sacramento.