1973 Fender Telecaster Thinline + OHSC

The Telecaster Thinline first appeared in 1969 and was based on a design by renowned luthier Roger Rossmeisl adapted from Leo Fender's original Telecaster design. It was introduced as a means of reducing the weight of the standard Telecaster (which had started to become heavier due to a dwindling supply of lighter woods) by creating a semi-hollow construction. The first version of the Telecaster Thinline utilised the standard single coil neck and bridge pick-up configuration found on the regular Telecaster. By 1972 the Telecaster Thinline was given a pair of the new Seth Lover designed 'Wide Range' humbucker pick-ups and this version 2 iteration was essentially a thinline version of the new Telecaster Deluxe which was also introduced in 1972.

So here is an early 1973 Thinline (neck date Jan 73, pot dates from 1972) which makes it one from the first 12 months of manufacture. This example is totally original with the exception of four of the string ferrules, and is in excellent condition with just a few light surface scratches, mainly on the back of the guitar as to be expected.

The neck features a chunky early to mid 50's style U profile with nicely rolled edges and a low slinky action. If you are used to playing a blackguard Tele reissue (or an original blackguard if you are lucky) then you'll feel right at home with this neck. It is a comfortable neck to play and invites you to dig in a play with feel.

All the electrics are original with untouched solder throughout.

Sonically it has a nice midrange punch when played acoustically thanks to the semi hollow construction. Plug it in and it has the quintessential Tele tone but with an added warmth thanks to the pair of 'Wide Range' humbuckers. Played clean it is very responsive and articulate with all of the classic Tele twang on the bridge pick-up and nice woody and soulful tones from the neck pick-up. When overdriven it breaks up really well to deliver some great P-90 like growl. This is a versatile guitar that could be used in most genres.

Weighing 7lb 10oz it is also a very comfortable weight and a guitar that you could gig for hours with.

Early 70's Fenders are becoming increasingly sought after and have been somewhat underrated for a long time, but there are some real gems to be found from this period in Fender's history and this '73 Thinline Tele stands up there with the best from this era.

Here's is a great chance to own a version 2 Telecaster Thinline from early in the production run, that is in great condition and with the exception of four string ferrules is completely original.

Come with the original black Tolex Fender hard shell case.