This 1968 Fender Telecaster is perhaps the best example of a Telecaster we have seen from this period, in near time capsule condition, and complete with factory fitted Bigsby vibrato. A real collectors piece!
This Telecaster features a slab Alder body, Maple neck and Rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot markers. The neck has a comfortable 'C' shaped profile that is typical of the period, very easy to play with a slightly fuller feel in the upper fret area. The neck heel features an ink stamp that dates to Jan 1968, with this guitar incorporating some features more associated with a 1967 model. The original single coil pickups feature all the clarity and top end you would expect from a Telecaster bridge pickup, with the traditional mellow sound from the neck position. The light grey bottom bridge pickup features a copper base plate and metal spring height adjusters, with the solder appearing untouched. When inspecting the guitar, the top black bobbin and cotton string wrap around the wire is so untarnished it hard to believe it has been with the guitar for 50 odd years. The original wiring is intact, including the 'woof' tone capacitor in what would be the neck position on the selector switch, indicating the body was assembled some time before autumn of 1967.
This guitar is in exceptional cosmetic condition, and is arguably the cleanest vintage Telecaster we have ever had in store. The blonde finish is original and in excellent condition, with almost no evidence of any patina or checking. The neck and back of the headstock sports marginally more checking to the lacquer, although this is still extremely minimal.
The original pickups are correct, and the original CTS pots date to the 42nd week of 1966. All external hardware is original, including the 'F' stamped vibrato tailpiece and tuners. The Fender decal is correct for the period, raised from the wood slightly with two patent numbers below the Fender logo. The body is of course not drilled for a string-through orientation, with the strings top loading from the vibrato. The pickguard does not appear to have ever been removed from the guitar. This guitar also includes its original orange lined Fender case, in equally impressive condition, and ashtray bridge cover.
This guitar has been given a full service and appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty. Please enquire for any internal pictures.
