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Now available on consignment, a very unusual 1969 Fender Telecaster made in the Fender factory to emulate the design of the original Rosewood Telecaster!This guitar was most likely from Fender's R&D department, probably as an experiment with different woods due to the issues Fender experienced making those first Rosewood Telecasters in 1968.Unique to this guitar is that it has a factory ash body and NECK. From my research it appears there are no documented Fender guitars from the 1960s with an ash neck, making this a real anomaly.As you can see both the body and neck have been finished to appear similar to Rosewood, which gives a strong indication as to why ash was used on the neck.Work to the guitar includes:- The fingerboard was replaced by Sydney luthier Frank Grubisa a few years ago, and graphite inserts were inserted into the truss rod cavity. This work was performed due to extreme warping of the ash neck, as this timber is not as stable as maple or rosewood.- The neck pickup has been replaced with an unknown unit (sounds great!)- The bridge saddles have been replaced, and there are 2 small holes under the bridge plate.- At some point schaller tuners have been installed, the original 'F' tuners are back on.Otherwise the guitar retains most of its original parts including its original grey bottom bridge pickup, bridge plate, 3ply black pickguard, knobs, switch tip, and pots dating to the 34th week of 1966.The guitar plays very well with plenty of life in the frets, having a low and easy playing action.A chance to own a unique piece of CBS Fender history! Includes an era correct case.Call/email for FREE Australia wide shipping.Shipped Worldwide!

The Fender Telecaster, known affectionately as the "Tele," emerged as the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar, marking a significant milestone in music history. Its straightforward design and innovative sound paved the way for new trends in electric guitar manufacturing and popular music. Since its debut in the 1950s, the Telecaster has been celebrated for its versatility, serving artists across genres from country to jazz, rock, and beyond. Its solid construction, characterized by a single-cutaway body made typically from alder or ash and a bolt-on maple neck, contributes to its distinct, bright, and cutting tone as well as a warm, mellow sound depending on pickup selection. With minor modifications over the years, the Telecaster has remained largely faithful to its original design, featuring two single-coil pickups, a three-way selector switch, and simple volume and tone controls. This enduring design has kept the Telecaster relevant and in continuous production, solidifying its status as a beloved icon in the guitar world.