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September 24, 2004
Fender Telecaster Deluxe: Coolest Guitar Ever?
New ~ December 2005: more sexy photos of the 1977 Fender Telecaster Deluxe and Fender Twin Reverb.
Guitars, especially old guitars, are cool, no matter what. Take, for example, this 1977 Fender Telecaster Deluxe:
That is simply one fine guitar — pure rock 'n' roll goodness. If scarcity counts for anything in the perception of cool guitars, then it affects these Telecaster Deluxes especially: they weren't made for very long. Fender produced them from 1973 to 1981, though they now have a “re-issue” version out, according to the Wikipedia entry for "Telecaster Deluxe."
Not a whole lot of rockers have played this guitar, but at least two currently do: Thom Yorke of Radiohead, and the dude from Franz Ferdinand:
I've seen a lot of younger dudes in their 20's also playing Tele Deluxes. Looks like more than a few have realized what a great combination of tone and looks this rocking hunk of wood and metal is. If I only lived in a place where I could crank this thing!
See also: more sexy Fender Telecaster Deluxe photos!
September 24, 2004 in Music | Permalink
Comments
I used to have an affection for the Tele Custom, thanks to Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum. They were once a decent band I swear. Oh, and D. Boon. I still love the Minutemen.
http://lidbjork.homelinux.org/72cc/players.html
Posted by: Chibi | Sep 29, 2004 11:24:31 AM
I own a 73 telecaster deluxe and must say that it is the best sounding/feeling guitar I have ever played. I can't tell you how many people have seen the guitar, asked to play it, and then practically pissed themselves regarding the ease of play, feel of the neck, and rich tones. Amazing guitar.
Posted by: apelad | Oct 6, 2004 6:50:31 AM
I have a 73 tele deluxe in blonde and it is the best guitar ever i have 3 gibsons but the fender takes them all on, its so playable aswelli could sit in my room all nite playing
Posted by: Toby | Oct 15, 2004 2:30:02 AM
I've owned my 73 Telecaster Deluxe since it came out of the factory in 1973. It's still in mint condition and everywhere I have played the response has been that people can't believe the sound that comes from the guitar. I play it through a Fender Hot Rod Deville with 2-12s without any effects. Just straight guitar through a great amp. There is no sound like it and I love it.
Posted by: Patrick | Nov 3, 2004 8:58:05 AM
One of my 4 babies is a brown Fender Telecaster Deluxe from '73 and I must say when I bought her I actually bought her as an investment whit the idea to sell it again. Now 5 years later I can't live with her anymore. I am totally in love with the looks, sound and playabilty but my Jaguar is a very little bit easier to play, so what....
BTW: the guitarist from Lenny Kravitz plays in the clip of the song " are you gonna go my way" also on a tele deluxe.
Posted by: Jonas | Nov 23, 2004 12:03:47 PM
My choclate brown Tele deluxe was stolen on Monday (July 4, 2005; in the United Kingdom). If you see one for sale please get in touch. There aren't that many around and I really want to track it down. Thanks.
Posted by: Roger Cooper | Jul 7, 2005 1:07:08 PM
i have recently bought a deluxe in a pawn shop. serial # is 555075. some sources say 76, others say 74. can anyone help me out. also, i do want to sell it. any ideas on a value? thanks!!!
Posted by: randy | Aug 24, 2005 11:55:37 AM
I'm real close to picking up a reissue at the guitar shop I work at. It has a walnut finish. Not only is the guitar gorgeous, but I love the assortment of sounds I get. I'm actually selling my Gibson so I can pick this axe up. I really like the idea that it's a very different guitar. I call it a "best of both worlds guitar" -- there are Les Paul, Strat, and Tele features with it. I do have a question though: what amps really complement the Deluxe? I love with jus' about anything, but I'm curious about your thoughts. Thanks.
Posted by: Michael | Sep 8, 2005 6:26:18 AM
hi
just bought an exact ibanez replica of the deluxe in walnut finish for 200$. killer sound, handling and look. have a look at http://www.ibanez-vintage-page.de /...in 1975.
what a guitar, wow
Posted by: lukas | Sep 19, 2005 3:59:29 AM
How nice! the first time i see an S7 sister of mine. An old friend gave it to me but it was modified with lace sensor pickupus (Shame!)
It took me 5 years to find original WR Humbuckers and a pick guard (Fender's dudes don't sale them) to fix it back. I love this guitar, it's originality and it's (real!) sound. Perfect crossover between Telacaster and Lespaul to my eyes
Posted by: Thomas | Nov 18, 2005 6:41:53 AM
To Randy: for sure 1976
Price: depends on conditions but in between 1000 and 1500$
Posted by: thomas | Nov 18, 2005 7:16:14 AM
Telecaster + Les paul = '77 Tele deluxe
I call it the Telepaul...
this is most definetely one on the coolest guitars on the planet
Posted by: Gino | Dec 8, 2005 1:19:24 AM
My main guitar is now a new, black 2005 Fender Telecaster Deluxe Re-issue. I also have a 2000 black Fender Telecaster Custom Re-issue among my collection. Both the Deluxe and Custom are truly awesome, but the Deluxe is my fave. It is a totally versatile, rockin' guitar and I love it. It is very inspiring to play and is very well made. I can't say enough about this great guitar!
Phil Hurd, Austin, TX, USA
Posted by: Phil Hurd | Dec 21, 2005 8:14:40 PM
It's cool allright. I have one from around '73 and I love it. The thing is, it has a tremolo bridge (wang bar) that I've never seen on another TD. It seems to be original - anyone ever heard of this?
Posted by: jim | Jan 20, 2006 9:00:04 AM
Well this guitar is amazing. I used to own one, a 1977 natural tele deluxe. I part excahnged it with a ibanez JS1000 guitar. When i did this i was thinking of having a guitar that i can play as i used to treasure mine and not play it at all.Big mistake. I finally managed to buy another example. Lucky for me i got the only other one available in my country as we are a very small island and it is super rare. Only two examples exist in Malta. NOw i own one and my fiend owns the other which i used to own. Kind of a cindirella story i guess. I had ask my friend to re sell it back to me several times but to not avail. Luck for me i managed to get the only other example on the island
Posted by: alexei | Feb 6, 2006 11:32:57 AM
i own a greco (supersounds) tele deluxe 76'.
:) it has a this organic sound that you can't get from any other guitars.
Posted by: meandmygun | Feb 9, 2006 1:36:42 AM
I have a '74 Tele Deluxe in white
very cool guitar, nice player and great tones!
Posted by: neil | Feb 15, 2006 2:53:35 AM
I've got a '75 Deluxe that I picked up a couple of years back for $1500 and am completely infatuated with. But I'm seeing these guitars go for double+ this now?? Are they gonna continue appreciating in value at this rate? Do I let it go? Any thoughts are welcome
Posted by: D-Dubya | May 9, 2006 9:36:29 AM
My Tele Deluxe has a brass nut, EMG pickups with a 91 in the back for that solid "little" Tele sound. Possibly not a better sounding guitar ever made! I love to hear other people play it and I am still amazed at the sounds other people can get out of my guitar. And then to hear them say afterwards, "Man, that guitar's butter action is too kewl!!!!"
Posted by: Bilbo Alphin | May 25, 2006 12:02:21 PM
I`ve got a `77 Deluxe that looks almost identical to the one pictured here,
only a bit darker and a somewhat more used & battered..
I got hold of mine in `88, and it`s been my main guitar ever since.
Never replaced anything, only adjusted the humbuckers some to get a richer/thicker sound,
no fx needed - just plug`n`play. Rigged with .012 gauge (no leads..),
switched to neck position and plugged into a powerful amp, it outshines all my other guitars.
Check out the sound here (live rec.):
http://myspace.com/sarinanutcompany
My Deluxe is too heavy, the neck is too thick, but it sounds so great I`ll never replace it.
I luckily got hold of an xtra, original Deluxe humbucker,
and placed it on my `77 strat which I use only for slide - sounds great:
http://myspace.com/finngb
Posted by: finn | May 29, 2006 10:14:50 AM
Yes, teles rule!
Posted by: Sean Gephardt | Jun 6, 2006 10:20:27 PM
vorrei sapere quanto euro vale la mia telecaster de luxe del 1972
grazie
in lingua italiana
Posted by: stefano | Jun 12, 2006 1:17:24 PM
I bought mine brand new in 74 after trying all the other teles and strats in town. Initially I was smitten with a black body deluxe - going for (NZ)$470, but settled on the only other one around which was brown and was $400 with case included. That was huge money for a student and I sold my soul (in the form of gruelling shiftwork) for a temporary loan. I've still got it, played the hell out of it and sadly chipped the cutaway horn when leaping onstage in a hurry. It's still the easiest of my guitars to play, sounds beautiful, and right from day one anyone who's played it has been blown away.
Posted by: Colin | Jun 28, 2006 5:40:00 AM
got a 78' yellow and black tele deluxe. truly awsome
Posted by: calvin brown | Jul 28, 2006 9:53:35 AM
Indeed, mate, a ripper.
Posted by: Thom | Jul 29, 2006 3:05:52 PM
I hate you! This was my first real electric!! I popped in a Seymore Duncan humbucker at the bridge and changed the neck to a 68 Tele neck...not sure why...mine was stolen...I miss it...can I have yours?
Posted by: stradasphere | Jul 31, 2006 1:28:40 PM
Yes, I nicked the photo!! Hope you don't mind, I really miss my old Tele now! Stop by anytime!
Posted by: stradasphere | Jul 31, 2006 3:36:47 PM
I have a 1974 Tele Deluxe. I first played it at a gig in 1992, borrowed from a good mate and wanted to buy it off him immediately. Then, it was pristine. He wouldnt sell and took the guitar home to the Jungle with him where it stayed locked in its case until 2005. He opened the case and found the paint falling off and rang me to ask me to come and rescue it. I drove 8 hours that day to the Jungle and bought it off him. It is definately my favourate guitar. Looks funky with most of the paint off it, but cranked through my Hot Rod it is guitar heaven. I will never sell it!!
Posted by: Brian | Jul 31, 2006 9:04:59 PM
I've got a TD number 713711 in chocolate brown same as the singer in frans ferdinand, looks, feels and sounds like nothing else. Any idea what year its from and how much I'd get for it in Australian? not that i'd sell her. They did release a tremolo bar model, you've got an original mate treasure that mother, very nice!!
Posted by: Andy | Aug 21, 2006 10:39:48 PM
i have a fender telecaster deluxe and i love it :)
Posted by: dannie | Dec 26, 2006 7:37:04 AM
I have a 76 telecaster deluxe with original tremolo, very rare. Any ideas for the value?
Posted by: clav | Feb 17, 2007 7:15:46 AM
Careful with vintage guitars.
The mid 70s have still the worst guitars in history. Bad, bad, extremely bad producing. Careful with what you buy, they are know extremely expensive because nowadays is widely seen in groups like coldplay, franz ferdinand, etc.
Of course, there are some which have a nice play but... listen to what i say
And, have you ever thought... do these "indie" groups use reissues?
I do. Gorgeous.
Madrid, Spain
Posted by: vomae | Apr 3, 2007 6:36:15 PM
I have a '77 deluxe that I really love, i have been playing with it since '89, it is a great axe, less versatile than a genuine Tele but still an awesome axe.
For a '77 mine is not too heavy, considering that after '74 Fender was really careless about the wood used for bodies, it is still a light one and it just sounds great ,and I have tried '72 and '73's that were way heavier, I think I was lucky...
Posted by: Ray | May 9, 2007 10:40:11 AM
Nice Guitar, I have an Original '72 Deluxe Telecaster, In need of restoration though. Its not stock, I kinda wish it was because it would be worth so much now but its like the coolest guitar ever now, My dad gave it to me and he bought it back in 72 and turned it into a Metal Guitar with dual dimarzio humbuckers. In the summer im going to look for parts to restore it. Im so anxious to hear how it sounds, especially because its aged over 30 years.
Posted by: Kevin P | May 22, 2007 4:57:24 PM
Hi. I just picked one up from a traid for a $400.00 guitar. So I looked at it and said OK, put it down for a week, then I picked it up to look it over, fixed the switch and set it up. Every is original but the 3-way ( I put a Gibson 3-way on). I want to say this guitar (BLACK S.N. 5273XX I THINK 74? with case) is ass good as my many Gibsons. IT PLAYS LIKE BUTTER AND KILLER SOUND. ONE OF MY BABYS NOW ;<) ZIP
Posted by: ZIP | Jun 2, 2007 4:21:18 PM
hi, I once owned a beautifull tele deluxe custom, natural finish, probably a 1974 one. Now i only got the pots left - and these are for sale ...CTS ... the potcode says end 73/beginning 74. cleaned and matching - if anyone wants them - let me know.
peace and respect to the coolest guitar ever
Posted by: patrick | Jan 23, 2008 4:15:59 AM
Bought a 1974 Tele Deluxe a few yrs ago, and I am a huge fan. Had to get a re-fret, and ran some med gauge strings...once it was set up just right...what a great combo of beef and chime! (I'm not a fan of the pick-ups on the re-issues...too muddy for me/totally different sound, but to each his own). mine's not collector quality (buckle rash), but man--its a player.
Posted by: Tastytone | Feb 18, 2008 11:06:33 PM
These are simply my favourite guitars! I have owned Strats, Jags, Les Pauls, SGs, Firebirds, other Teles... and none of these guitars even come close to the Tele Deluxe! I bought a 1973 Tele Deluxe in sunburst when I was in the states about 5 years ago and that has been my main live guitar since. It is nicely worn but sounds unbelievable! Punchy and twangy, but still huge. So lightweight as well, and the best feeling necks I've played. Trying to get my hands on another one as a backup.
The best looking, sounding, and feeling guitar ever!
Posted by: Teleben91 | Feb 19, 2008 12:37:34 PM
This IS the coolest guitar ever! I own the exact guitar in the first couple of pictures. Mine is a 1977 it is the best playing guitar I've ever played. It sure does weigh a ton, but it's worth it.
Posted by: Goodnight Nobody | Feb 25, 2008 11:11:07 PM
I just managed to find and buy a really nice 1978 natural Telecaster Deluxe. Its a nice smokey natural colour that looks incredible. I wanted another one as a backup to my 1973 sunburst Tele Deluxe. In comparison, the 78 is a lot heavier, not that I mind as it plays so nicely! The pickups sound very similar though, I cant really tell them apart when I swap them over, which is what I wanted in live situations so that's great.
But yeah, in my experience the main difference between the earlier and later models of the Deluxe is definitely the weight!
Posted by: Teleben91 | Mar 2, 2008 10:26:12 AM
i have a 1973 telecaster deluxe i am looking for a price quote anyone help?
Posted by: jvond | Mar 13, 2008 3:43:06 PM
I grew up playing Fender guitars. Fifteen years ago I bought a used 1975 Telecaster Deluxe for $250 and it immediately became my favorite guitar. No matter what it may be worth today, it is not for sale. You don't part with an instrument that sweet.
For those interested the serial number is 652141.
Posted by: Jerry | Apr 23, 2008 5:55:06 PM
i dont know if Im allowed to offer this up in here but here it goes. I have a 1973 tele custom for sale. its all original. im just trying to find a good home for this guitar. i have had it five years now and its time to let it go.. i am the second owner of this great guitar. contact me at the above address if this strikes your fancy.
Posted by: jack | May 16, 2008 3:46:19 AM
i have one of these guitars, needs a bit of work, has intonation issues... other than that it's awesome. i have a friend interested in buying it, how much is it worth?
Posted by: kath | May 21, 2008 2:10:50 PM
I got a '74 Deluxe few weeks ago. Been dreaming about one about 15 years. Truly amazing guitar!
Posted by: Janne | Jun 4, 2008 10:00:29 AM
Had a tele delux in the 70s. I bought it off a guy at a gig when I found out my SG had been ripped off enroute. Got it cheap 'cause at that time people wanted the "real" telecaster. It was the nearly the twin of the one in the pictures but it had a rosewood fingerboard. The date on the neck was '72. I liked the sound, very different from the classic tele, much more like my SG. She served well OTR until that axe too fell victem some subhuman bastid...but the good news was to replace the delux I found my Firebird and the rest is, as they say, history....
Posted by: TIOK | Jun 11, 2008 3:01:18 PM
Telecasters and Clarence rule! Great site you have here.
Posted by: Hank Ray | Jun 14, 2008 10:12:37 AM
I have a '74 black telecaster deluxe all original for sale after having played it for 25 years.
number is 398675
Its time for me to go on Grestch now
Interested ?
post me on this adress
Posted by: doubledee | Aug 7, 2008 3:53:32 PM
I have a telecaster deluxe #S705290. I need to insure it so what value can I put on it. Mint condition one owner. Also aynbody know the exact age from the serial number.
Posted by: digbydog | Aug 11, 2008 11:05:39 PM
I have a telecaster deluxe and I may put it up for sale... i looked up the serial numbers and I believe it is a '74 you can send a msg to me at bjvanover@yahoo.com if you are interested
Posted by: Jvanover | Aug 22, 2008 9:58:25 AM
Tele deluxe was my first guitar that I bought in 1974. Still own it, and still love playing it. I shyed away from it for a few years at first because I thought that the guitar was too "neck heavy", but now I realize that it's truly perfectly balanced. Replaced the orig humbuckers w/ seymour duncans and the axe still screams!
Posted by: Fenderbender | Nov 5, 2008 7:52:31 AM
ok...first of all thats not a true telecaster. i mean dont get me wrong its a beautiful guitar but its not the original style of the telecaster.the original telecaster has the tone and volume knobs on a thin metal plate going down the face. and the pickups or should i say "pick up" there is only one and it is also on a metal plate next to the volume and tone knobs.
here compare that one to this "original"
http://www.guitarplayerscenter.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/fender_telecaster-rot45.jpg
but don't slam my comment. im more of a les paul guy myself......
Posted by: brandon evans | Nov 22, 2008 5:26:23 PM
i just posted the comment above this and forgot to add sumtin....ino its a tele deluxe. i just think they ruined ther original disign!
Posted by: brandon evans | Nov 22, 2008 5:27:46 PM
That is beautiful! I love the natural finish.
I own one of the reissues and It is the last and only electric guitar I will buy. Fender made 1 mistake with the reissue. They used the wrong pots! I changed all 4 of my pots to 500k Gibson OEM pots which is the standard for the 2 humbucker setup and it significantly changed the tone for the better. A Lot of people think the reissue pickups are weak but that's really not the case. Just change the pots and if you really want a tone machine install Gibson 57 classics into the fender pickup cavities since they are a bit bigger. It's not very difficult if you can solder. I personally like the sound of the stock reissue pickups with the new pots. To be fair, I don't have an original to compare it to.
Posted by: Tony | Jan 20, 2009 9:37:02 PM
I have bought 4 1972 wide range humbuckers, they measure 7.93, 8.18, 8.57, 12.24. ....How can the last one be this high? I read where the original ones in the 70's were only 10 k ohms. What would it be worth?
Posted by: wynn | Feb 5, 2009 7:28:27 AM
You have FOUR Wide Range Humbuckers??!! Wow. Would you consider selling one? I am re-building a 74 Tele Deluxe that's missing the bridge pup. Please e-mail me if you are interested in parting with one. I'd even take a non-working one and have it re-wound. Thanks!
Don C
Posted by: Don C | Apr 3, 2009 5:46:17 AM
I have a 73, mocha brown. Its so ugly its beautiful. For that reason I've named it Sandra Bernhard. Seriously.
Posted by: highwaychile | May 22, 2009 1:59:13 PM
Hi everybody, i'd like to buy an original telecaster deluxe made between 1973-1978... any idea ?
Posted by: And | Jul 23, 2009 12:28:30 AM
I have the '77 Deluxe, exactly as pictured, love it !
Mine has a seymore duncan at the neck but the original pickup is in the case...
Posted by: robert belew | Oct 8, 2009 9:09:08 AM
Hi folks, up for sale is a black '78 Fender Tele Deluxe with gold hardware, all original parts with HC. Clean guitar everything checks... Interested fellas may email me at rozhanad@yahoo.co.uk. Thanks
Posted by: Poorsche | Oct 17, 2009 3:38:56 PM
