For sale we have a lovely 1974 Fender Telecaster Custom in 3-Tone Sunburst finish with original black Tolex hardshell case.
A standout model from Fender’s 1970s lineup that successfully blended traditional Telecaster twang with the thicker, more powerful voice of a humbucker-equipped guitar. Designed with input from legendary pickup designer Seth Lover, the Telecaster Custom remains one of the most versatile and distinctive instruments of the era.
This particular example has been well cared for over the years and retains all of its original parts and components to the best of our knowledge. The guitar shows a moderate amount of cosmetic wear with small dings, surface scuffs and scratches scattered lightly throughout the body from normal use. The pickguard and neck pickup cover show strum wear and the backside of the body has a fair bit of surface scratches in the center or “buckle rash” as some call it (see photos). The neck is in great shape showing minimal play wear. The original medium jumbo frets are present and show play wear across the first five frets with light grooving beneath each string. There is good height and good life left in them with notes ringing out clean and clear and no dead spots. There are just a few areas where the clear coat finish has worn through, one spot on the fingerboard and some sections of the fingerboard edge where the hand has worn down the finish. Overall a very tidy and original example that plays and sounds fanastic.
Specs:

- 25 1/2” scale length

- solid slab Ash body with original 3-Tone Sunburst finish

- 3-ply black pickguard

- equipped with its original Seth Lover designed Wide Range humbucking pickup in the neck position and original single coil in the bridge position

- 2X volume and 2X tone controls with black “Witch Hat” knobs

- 3-way pickup selector switch

- three pot codes are dated to the 49th, 45th and 4X week of 1973 and one is dated to the 5th week of 1974

- Ash tray style string-thru-body bridge with 3 adjustable steel barrel saddles

- solid Maple neck with medium C-shape profile measuring .870” deep at the first fret and .940” deep at the twelfth fret

- width at the nut measures a hair over 1 9/16”

- Maple fingerboard with 7.25” radius, black dot inlaid fret markers and 21 medium jumbo frets

- Bullet style truss rod is accessible at the headstock end, turns smoothly in both directions and functions as intended

- headstock sports original Fender Telecaster Custom waterslide decal, two butterfly style string retainer and 6-in-a-line Fender “F” tuners

- overall weight: 8 lbs. 10 oz.

The guitar will be properly packed in its original hardshell case with care prior to shipment. In-store trades only. Please reach out with any further questions. Thanks!