First introduced to the world in 1951 following a legendary name change from the Broadcaster, the Fender Telecaster is the undisputed blueprint for the modern solid-body electric guitar. Now, 75 years later, Fender is honoring its most enduring creation with the launch of a highly anticipated 75th Anniversary Telecaster range.
This stunning five-piece collection spans the instrument’s rich three-quarter-century history. From a painstakingly period-correct Vintera Road Worn model to a high-spec, modern-day American Ultra II equipped with Fender’s first-ever dual-blade pickup, the brand has seamlessly blended past, present, and future.
Here is a complete breakdown of the new 75th Anniversary Fender Telecaster lineup.
Inside the New 75th Anniversary Telecaster Collection
1. 75th Anniversary Vintera Road Worn 1951 Telecaster
Price: $1,899
For the traditionalists and vintage enthusiasts, this model is the crown jewel of the new lineup. Built to look and feel like a well-loved antique, it features a swamp ash body and a maple neck coated in Fender’s new Road Worn nitrocellulose lacquer.
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Key Specs: Early ‘50s U-profile neck, 7.25” radius maple fingerboard, vintage-tall frets, and a three-saddle bridge.
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Tone: Equipped with dual Pure Vintage 1951 Telecaster pickups to deliver that iconic, crystal-clear chime and raw, steely twang that originally put Fender on the map.
2. 75th Anniversary American Ultra II Telecaster
Price: $2,999
A radically different beast, the American Ultra II is built for the modern virtuoso. Sporting a head-turning Liquid Gold finish over a sculpted alder body, this guitar pushes the boundaries of Telecaster design.
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Key Specs: D-profile quartersawn maple neck, ebony 10”-14” compound radius fretboard with rolled edges, Luminlay side dots, Graph Tech TUSQ nut, and a six-saddle string-through-body bridge.
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Tone: It pairs a Noiseless neck pickup with the brand-new 75th Anniversary Fastlane bridge humbucker—Fender’s first-ever dual-rail pickup design. Dual S-1 switches allow players to toggle between series mode and series/parallel modes for maximum tonal versatility.
3. 75th Anniversary American Professional Custom Telecaster
Price: $2,799
Oozing sophistication, the American Professional Custom stands out with its gorgeous double-bound, resonant alder body and a premium flame maple top finished in a classic two-tone sunburst.
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Key Specs: Modern C-shaped neck, 9.5” radius maple fingerboard, medium-jumbo frets, stunning gold-plated hardware, and a classic three-saddle bridge.
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Tone: Powered by 75th Anniversary V-Mod pickups, players get the “best of both worlds”—signature bridge twang combined with deep, warm neck tones. A push/push tone pot easily drops both pickups into series.
4. 75th Anniversary American Professional Classic Cabronita Telecaster
Price: $1,999
Fender is reviving a cult favorite with this Gretsch-channeling Cabronita. Serving up the soul of a golden-era Fender, but evolved for today’s player, it features the distinctive treble-horn pickguard that Cabronita fans adore.
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Key Specs: Modern C-shape neck with a 9.5” fingerboard radius.
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Tone: Dual TV Jones pickups deliver incredible “punch and sparkle,” making it a versatile rock ‘n’ roll machine.
Available at Andertons in Candy Apple Red or Ice Blue Metallic
Available at Sweetwater in Candy Apple Red or Ice Blue Metallic
Available at Thomann in Candy Apple Red or Ice Blue Metallic
5. 75th Anniversary Player II Telecaster
Price: $1,099
Proving that incredible anniversary features don’t have to break the bank, the Player II is the most accessible model in the lineup. It instantly grabs your attention with a spectacular Diamond Dust Sparkle finish.
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Key Specs: Modern C neck, 9.5” radius rosewood fingerboard with rolled edges, ClassicGear tuners, a four-ply pearloid pickguard, and a six-saddle string-through-body block steel bridge.
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Tone: Driven by 75th Anniversary Thunderbolt pickups, this model delivers exceptionally rich and powerful tones.
Verdict
Whether you are a vintage purist looking for the authentic 1951 experience, a modern shredder craving high-performance specs, or an everyday gigging musician seeking a reliable workhorse with a touch of visual flair, Fender’s 75th Anniversary Telecaster lineup truly offers something for everyone.
By bridging 75 years of guitar-making heritage with groundbreaking new hardware—like the revolutionary Fastlane dual-blade humbucker—Fender has ensured that the Telecaster will remain at the forefront of modern music for decades to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When was the Fender Telecaster originally released?
A: The design was officially launched as the “Telecaster” in 1951, following a brief period where it was known as the Broadcaster (and temporarily, the “Nocaster” due to a trademark dispute).
Q: What is the most affordable 75th Anniversary Telecaster?
A: The 75th Anniversary Player II Telecaster is the most affordable model in the celebratory lineup, priced at $1,099. It features an exclusive Diamond Dust Sparkle finish and new Thunderbolt pickups.
Q: Does the 75th Anniversary range feature any new Fender pickup designs?
A: Yes! The American Ultra II model introduces the Fastlane bridge humbucker, which is Fender’s first-ever dual-rail pickup design, built to offer both crystalline cleans and heavy, beefy growls.
Q: What is the finish on the Vintera Road Worn 1951 model?
A: The Vintera Road Worn 1951 features Fender’s new Road Worn nitrocellulose lacquer over a swamp ash body, engineered to age beautifully and feel like an authentic, vintage, decades-old instrument.
More Information
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