The Fender '52 Telecaster model from 2016 is part of the Fender American Vintage series, a reissue line that recreates vintage Fender guitars with high attention to detail. While the model closely resembles the original 1952 Telecaster, it includes some modern enhancements for playability and tone. Here are the key specifications of the 2016 Fender '52 Telecaster:
General Overview:
- Model: Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster
- Body: Ash (typically)
- Neck: Maple
- Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer
- Made in: United States
Body:
- Wood: Ash (known for a bright, resonant tone with excellent sustain)
- Shape: Traditional Telecaster single-cutaway body
- Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer (typically) for that classic, vintage feel and look.
- Color: Typically available in Butterscotch Blonde (the most iconic color for the '52 Tele), but also available in other finishes like Black, Sunburst, etc.
Neck:
- Wood: One-piece Maple neck (typically)
- Profile: Soft "V" shape (a more substantial, vintage-style neck profile, which is comfortable for those who like a chunkier feel)
- Fingerboard: Maple
- Radius: 7.25" (vintage-correct for a more rounded fingerboard, great for chord playing but a bit more challenging for bending on higher frets)
- Scale Length: 25.5"
- Frets: 21 Vintage-style frets (narrow and tall, which are typical for vintage-style Telecasters)
- Nut Width: 1.650" (42mm)
Pickups:
- Neck Pickup: American Vintage '52 Telecaster single-coil (warm, clear tone, ideal for neck positions)
- Bridge Pickup: American Vintage '52 Telecaster single-coil (bright, cutting tone with a sharp high-end, classic Tele twang)
- Pickup Switching: 3-way selector switch (Bridge, Bridge + Neck, Neck)
Electronics and Hardware:
- Controls: Master volume, master tone, and 3-way pickup switch.
- Bridge: American Vintage 3-saddle, with brass saddles (a hallmark of the '52 Tele for that authentic vintage sound).
- Tuners: Fender Vintage-style tuning machines (often with "F" logo and "slotted" posts for classic look and function).
- Pickguard: Single-ply, typically white or black (with a traditional style).
- Strings: Typically comes with Fender 10-46 gauge, but can vary depending on the setup.
Weight:
- Typically around 7.5 - 8.5 lbs (varies depending on the specific guitar, due to the natural variation in the ash body).
Additional Features:
- Neck Joint: Traditional 4-bolt neck plate with engraved "Fender" logo.
- Bridge: Vintage-style "Ashtray" bridge with three brass barrel saddles for an authentic 1950s sound.
- Vintage-style wiring and electronics for a true vintage experience.
Tone:
- The '52 Telecaster has that classic Tele "twang" with a sharp attack on the bridge pickup and a warm, woody tone from the neck pickup.
- The brass saddles and the ash body contribute to the brightness, clarity, and sustain that Telecasters are famous for.
Other Notes:
- The American Vintage Series was discontinued in 2017, being replaced by the American Original series, which includes some updates to the design but still retains the vintage Telecaster vibe.
Summary:
The 2016 Fender '52 Telecaster is an excellent reissue of the original 1952 model, offering vintage tone and playability with modern reliability. It is well-suited for players who love classic rock, country, blues, and any genre that demands the unique, punchy tone of the Telecaster.
