Fender Player Telecaster Butterscotch Blonde

Fender Telecaster Guitar Review – An Inside Look

 Last update 5/2/2024.

Our Fender Telecaster electric guitar review. While it’s true that most people might think of a Stratocaster when the Fender brand is mentioned, they have also created several other guitars that have stood the test of time. No model may be more representative of this than the Fender Telecaster.

Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar Review

Fender American Professional Telecaster body
Fender American Professional Telecaster body
 

The Neck

Depending on your finish, you can choose a rosewood or maple fingerboard (each having 22 narrow-tall frets and rolled edges for additional smoothness).

As with most Fender guitars, the neck has that comfortable Deep ‘C’ profile that is a hallmark of the brand, and a new feature of the American Professional II is a sculpted neck/body heel (which adds to playing comfort and allows for easier access to those upper frets).

Fender American Professional Telecaster headstock
Fender American Professional Telecaster headstock

Tuning Machines

Tuning machines feature a staggered configuration, which helps get the nut’s right string break angle. One big plus is the hardshell case that comes with the price of admission.

In our minds, way too many guitars these days do not come with one (or even a gig bag, for that matter), so having a difficult way to protect your investment is always a welcome addition.

Specifications

Specifications  
Body Material Alder
Body finish Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Maple, Modern “C”
Neck finish Satin Polyurethane
Fingerboard Maple, 9.5″ (241 mm)
Frets 22, Jumbo
Position Inlays Black dots
Nut (Material/Width) Synthetic Bone, 1.650″ (42 mm)
Tuning Machines Fender ClassicGear™
Scale length 25.5″ (648 mm)
Bridge 3-Saddle Strings-Thru-Body Tele®
Pickguard 1-Ply White
Pickups Yosemite™ Single-Coil Telecaster (Bridge/Neck)
Pickup switching 3-Position Toggle: Position 1. Bridge Pickup, Position 2. Bridge and Middle Pickups, Position 3. Middle Pickup
Controls  Master Volume, Master Greasebucket™ Tone Circuit
Control knobs Knurled Flat-Top
Hardware Finish  Nickel/Chrome
Strings  Fender® USA, NPS, (.009-.042 Gauges)
Case/Gig Bag Deluxe Gig Bag

 

Body

The body is high-quality alder wood, which helps to give it a sweet, resonant tone. The classic single-cutaway design allows for easy access to those higher frets. While not as comfortable as a Stratocaster, it’s comfortable to hold, not too heavy, and balances perfectly when you strap it on.

Pickups

It’s the tone, above all else, that makes this guitar so iconic. The guitar’s distinctive “twang” has been a staple in numerous music genres since the guitar’s inception in the 1950s. That distinctive sound is partly due to the single-coil pickups contributing to its signature clarity and articulation. The “Teles” tone is ideal for country, rock, and blues, for which it has few, if any, equals.

Strings (Gauge)

This Telecaster comes strung with Fender’s own strings, typically in a 9-42 gauge. That’s a good all-around gauge for a Telecaster. It’s light enough to bend those notes and heavy enough for chunky chords. Of course, you can always change them out if you prefer a different gauge.

The Finish

The Gloss Polyurethane finish on this guitar is killer and provides extra protection to keep your guitar looking pristine for years.

Pros

  • Fantastic build quality.
  • Classic Telecaster tone.
  • Noiseless pickups.
  • Versatile for various music styles.
  • Gorgeous finish options.

Cons

The price might be a bit steep for beginners.
Single-coil pickups can be noisy in high-gain situations (but that’s the Telecaster charm, right?).

Warranty

Fender offers a standard limited warranty on this guitar, usually covering defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period (typically around one year). However, it’s always a good idea to register your guitar with Fender to make sure you’re covered.

Gig Bag or Hard Case

The guitar comes with a “Deluxe Molded Case.”

Tuner: Keep your Tele in tune with a good quality tuner.
Strap: Get a comfortable strap that matches your style.
Cable: A reliable cable is essential for plugging into your amp.
Extra Strings: It’s always a good idea to have a spare set handy.
Stand: A good quality stand is a good idea to minimize the chances of knocking it over.
Pedals: Experiment with your sound by adding some effects pedals.

Care Program for the Guitar

Taking care of your Telecaster is crucial to keep it sounding and looking great. Here are some tips:

  • Wipe it down after each session to remove sweat and dirt.
  • Change your strings regularly to maintain that fresh tone.
  • Keep it in a controlled environment to avoid extreme temperature and humidity changes.
  • If you’re not confident, have it set up and maintained by a professional guitar tech.
  • Play it regularly – it’s meant to be played, not collecting dust!

Conclusion

So there you have it, the lowdown on the Fender American Professional Telecaster. It’s a fantastic guitar that’ll make you feel like a rock star whenever you pick it up. Just remember to treat it right, and it’ll be your trusty six-string companion for years to come. 

That Tele tone and body design make this guitar stand out from the herd. Whether you are into country twang, smooth jazz, or blues or tend to like a little bit of good ‘ole rock and roll, the American Professional II certainly brings all it can to the party (and then some).

Transparency disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase. This commission comes at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that I believe are helpful and valuable, and we never let the potential for a commission influence our recommendations.

Amazon product check

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top