After the true golden era of Fender and before the dark ages of the 70s, quality instruments did continue to be produced, and this here Telecaster from 1969 is one such example.

Condition wise this is a well played instrument that's had an interesting past. The body has a few chips and dings and there is evidence something, we are not entirely sure what, being attached to the front and sides of the guitar. The removal of which has taken some of the finish off. It may also have been over sprayed in sonic blue on the front as there is evidence of this in the screw holes and in some places in the cavities.

Whatever happened to the front and sides, it was removed some time ago and the finish that was left has been clear coated. The back is 100% original 1969 finish and looks cool with some great checking on the nitro.

The neck looks to have been well used, still retaining most of its glossy finish. The maple fingerboard is in good shape, and the frets are actually in really good condition and have plenty of life left.

The jack cup has been replaced with a type that screws in to the side of the channel and the neck pickup has been rewound or possibly replaced.

There’s something eternally cool about a blonde Tele, and this guitar is no exception. The finish has had a hard life and is pretty unique!

Electronically everything is correct though there is evidence of rewiring work being carried out.

The guitar comes with a correct Black Tolex Fender hardshell case.

This guitar certainly has plenty to offer sonically. The neck pickup delivers a smooth tone with plenty of clarity and a great rhythm tone that evokes a Stax sound. The bridge pickup has all the bite you’d want without getting too far towards the harshness that later incarnations tended to drift. The middle position blends both wonderfully. The neck is very comfortable and it doesn’t take to long to fall for this guitar.

Not the immediate go to for those looking for classic Fender tones but this guitar is worth more than a cursory glance and will definitely surprise you.

All in this is a great playing and sounding guitar, ready and waiting to continue life as a working instrument, don’t let this one get away…