❌SOLD❌ Fender American Standard Telecaster Sunburst, 2012

The Fender American Standard Telecaster updates the venerable, ultra reliable Tele design with modern concepts – Miro Tilt, Locking Tuners with staggered posts, six saddle bridge and comfort contour. These updates, small in themselves, make for definite improvements.

The Micro Tilt neck adjustment appeared in the very early 1970’s and was one of Leo Fender’s last contributions at Fender. The idea is that instead of having to remove the neck and install a shim to adjust the neck angle, you simply loosen a bolt and tighten a set screw which presses against a plate on the neck heel. Originally, three bolts were used, but for increased stability a fourth bolt was added.

Locking tuners first appeared for use with trem systems, but it soon became apparent that on non-trem guitars, they make fast restringing a breeze. They are incredibly helpful at a gig, where every second of down time is undesirable. The staggered posts increase string pressure on the nut, reducing the need for string trees. That in turn reduces tuning instability caused by friction.

The six saddle bridge is not new – it’s borrowed from the 1954 Stratocaster. Here, the saddles are the bent-steel type used on vintage Strat bridges, as opposed to the heavier modern saddles.

The Comfort Contour, or ‘Belly Cut’, is also borrowed from the Stratocaster and other models. The Telecaster has what’s basically a ‘plank’ body, and the cutout definitely improves comfort when you’re sitting for long periods with the guitar.

The American Standard Telecaster also adds a “Twisted Tele” neck pickup and Custom Shop Vintage bridge pickup. And, there’s a ‘No Load’ pot used for the tone control. This is a specially constructed pot that has a blank spot at the very top of the pot’s carbon strip. The effect is that when the tone control is at 10, signal shorts straight through it without adding any load or effect.

This example dates to 2012, and was built at the Fender plant in Corona, California, as a Maple Neck model in Sunburst finish on Ash. It is in very nice condition, and plays well. It’s definitely got that Tele Twang and with more to offer.

The original hard shell case is included.

Here’s what Fender has to say about the American Standard Telecaster:

“The U.S.-made flagship of the Telecaster lineup and the modern version of a revered American original. As simply elegant as ever, the American Standard Telecaster is an enduring design classic for the guitarist who appreciates and aspires to the beautifully bright, clear tone and style of the Fender guitar that started it all.

From garages to nightclubs to stadiums worldwide, this is the real thing — a timeless Telecaster that rings more fully and brilliantly than ever.”