Fender Telecaster Thinline Solid Body Electric Guitar (1972)

Fender  Telecaster Thinline Solid Body Electric Guitar  (1972)
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Item # 8394
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Fender Telecaster Thinline Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1972), made in Fullerton, California, serial # 355651, natural polyester finish, ash body, maple neck, gig bag case.

This Fender Telecaster Thinline dates to 1972, shortly after the model was revamped from its original 1968 design. The Thinline model differs from the original solidbody Telecaster in having a body routed out substantially, creating a semi-hollow instrument with a single f-hole in the top. The earliest versions were fitted with standard Telecaster single-coil pickups and wiring, but beginning in late 1971 the Thinline was altered to carry two of the new Seth Lover-designed Fender humbucking pickups.

Unlike some other revamped Teles, it retained the original Telecaster-style wiring with a single tone and volume control and a 3-way switch. These pickups caused little excitement when new but have since developed an almost cult-like following...they do have a unique sound!

The bridge on this Thinline version is a Stratocaster 6-saddle non-tremolo style in place of the traditional stamped metal 3-saddle Telecaster bridge. The neck is fitted with the then-new 3-bolt tilt attachment system and "bullet" truss rod, which adjusts from the headstock end. The body and neck have a fairly heavy natural Polyester finish typical of the period.

Internally the pot codes are 137-7201, dating them to the first week of 1972. Combined with the legible part of the neck stamp (...72B) and the serial number, all indicate assembly in the first half of that year, making this an early example of the revamped Thinline model. This particular guitar is an exceptionally light and handy example; many 1970s ash-bodied Fenders are overly heavy, even with the extra routing! This is a nice-playing example of what has become one of Fender's best regarded '70s creations.
 
Overall length is 38 1/2 in. (97.8 cm.), 12 3/8 in. (31.4 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/8 in. (41 mm.).

This Tele shows some wear and a few minor parts modifications. The finish has small dings and scrapes but no heavy wear. It has been refretted, probably long ago; it's not as neat work as the original Fender frets, but perfectly playable. Most of the plating is gone from the neck pickup cover; we're not sure exactly what caused this, but the pickup itself works fine.

Under the pickguard there is a repair sticker from Time Electronics in New Jersey dated June 27 1976; it looks like they added some grounding foil to the cavity. There are old 1970s Straploks installed in place of the original strap buttons and a requisite strap is included. The guitar sounds great and includes a good quality older gig bag. Excellent - Condition.