Fender Telecaster Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1973), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 395697, blonde polyester finish, ash body, maple neck, original black tolex hard shell case.

This traditionally styled blonde Fender Telecaster dates to 1973, fully into the CBS '70s but still largely unchanged from its 1968-era specs. The original solidbody Telecaster with standard single-coil pickups and wiring was somewhat overshadowed in this period by newer Tele models (The Thinline, Custom and Deluxe) fitted with the new Seth Lover-designed Fender humbucking pickups. Production was lower than the late '60s but the model survived without major alteration nonetheless.

Unlike the revamped Telecasters, this traditional model retained the original single-coil pickup and wiring layout with master tone and volume controls and a 3-way lever switch. The bridge remains the traditional stamped metal 3-saddle unit, with the lead pickup integrated into it. The "standard" Telecaster neck was not altered to use the then-new 3-bolt tilt attachment system and "bullet" truss rod, retaining the original (and generally preferred) traditional 4-bolt setup. The body and neck have a Polyester finish typical of the period; not as heavy as it later became. The blonde finish on this ash body is less "milky" than many and has a lot of grain visible; it is a nice throwback to the look of earlier models. The maple neck is a clear natural finish; there are a couple of grain flaws in the wood plainly visible that Leo's crew might have rejected but the CBS boys let through!

Internally the original pot codes are 304-7305, dating them to the beginning 1973. The MAR 73B stamp on the neck heel is also a throwback to the typical 1960s markings sometimes still used in this period. The serial number also indicates assembly in early 1973. At 8.28 Lbs. lbs. this particular guitar is not featherweight but far from the heaviest we have had from this period. It is a fine sounding, nice-playing example of Fender's most traditional '70s offering. The noble Telecaster suffered less under the CBS regime than many other Fender creations, retaining its essential character if losing some magic along the way. This one is about as nice as they come!

Overall length is 38 1/2 in. (97.8 cm.), 12 3/8 in. (31.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.)., 8.28 lbs.

This Tele shows only very minor wear for its well over 50 years on the planet and retains all original finish and hardware. It is also in fine playing shape with only some light fret wear. The Poly body finish has some small scuffs, dings and scrapes but no heavy wear; these were designed to be very hard-wearing after all! The back of the neck is relatively clean with a few small chips and dings; there is one noticeably feelable dink into the wood behind the fifth fret. The dark spots along the edge and behind the second fret are not damage but mineral streaks in the maple under the original finish.

All the original electronics and hardware remain intact, generally well preserved and everything works as intended, complete except the snap-on bridge cover is missing. This is a very solid feeling Telecaster offering the typically bright late '60s-'70s snappy sound. Overall it is simply a particularly nice example from this period, housed in the original black Tolex HSC. Excellent Condition.