1981 Fender Telecaster "COLLECTORS EDITION" Black/Gold + OHSC

Rare 1981 Fender Telecaster, Collectors Edition Telecaster with a matching Black headstock. 

Fender made around 500 of this Telecaster model, some with rosewood neck.

Has some normal nicks and scratches and marks here and there but overall still in very good condition.

Very unique Telecaster tone, has the classic Tele 3 way selector switch, each position pickup tone quality is very good. They used the same gold selector switch tip to 1980s "The Strat" Stratocasters. You get a very firm feel when you switch selector positions.

This is the only Telecaster with this style of bridge made. The bridge is gold plated with high quality gold, which makes it heavy, but also allows better sustain. Fender lost $$$ for each guitar made, so had to stop production. 

The neck is slightly slimmer than a Modern C, maybe with a soft V feel on the back of the neck. Feels very good and comfortable on your hands when playing.

Great Guitar and Great Piece of Fender History.

Original 1980s Fender black molded hardshell case included with the guitar.

Payment must be completed within 2 days of purchase. Will be shipped next business day.

Mandatory Signature Signing Delivery.

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Fender Telecaster Collector's Edition: A Premium Twist on an Iconic Classic

The Fender Telecaster is one of the most iconic and enduring electric guitars in the world. Since its introduction in 1950, the Telecaster has become a symbol of musical innovation, with its sharp, cutting tones and simple, yet effective design. Over the years, Fender has released various limited editions and collector's editions of the Telecaster, offering unique features, finishes, and upgrades for enthusiasts and collectors.

The Fender Telecaster Collector's Edition models are part of these special releases, designed to celebrate the legacy of the Telecaster while incorporating premium features, exclusive finishes, and custom appointments that make them stand out from standard Telecaster models.

Key Features of the Fender Telecaster Collector's Edition

1. Exclusive Finishes and Aesthetics

• Unique Color Options: Collector's Edition models often feature exclusive finishes that are not available on standard Telecasters. These can include vintage-inspired colors, sparkling metallic finishes, and custom-designed artwork.
• Special Inlays: Some Collector's Edition Telecasters feature custom inlays or special fretboard markers to further distinguish them from regular models.
• Aged or Relic Finishes: Some editions come with relic finishes, giving the guitar a vintage, worn-in look, as if it’s been played for decades, adding a touch of character and history.

2. Premium Tonewoods

• Body Wood: Many Collector's Edition Telecasters use premium tonewoods, such as select ash or alder, to provide enhanced resonance, sustain, and tonal clarity. Ash is known for its bright, sharp sound with a noticeable midrange punch, while alder offers a more balanced, full-bodied tone.
• Neck Wood: The necks are often made from maple, which contributes to the bright, snappy tone that the Telecaster is famous for. Some models feature rosewood or ebony fretboards for a smoother, warmer feel.

3. Custom Pickups

• Telecaster Pickups: The hallmark of any Telecaster is its single-coil pickups, known for their bright, cutting tone and sharp attack. Collector's Edition models may feature custom-wound pickups, offering slightly different tonal characteristics than standard Telecaster pickups, such as more warmth, clarity, or vintage-style sparkle.
• Noiseless Pickups: Some editions include Fender Noiseless pickups, which reduce hum and noise while maintaining the Telecaster’s signature tone.

4. Neck and Playability

• Custom Neck Profiles: The neck on a Collector's Edition Telecaster may feature a custom shape or a slightly different radius to enhance comfort and playability. Fender often offers a variety of neck profiles, from vintage-style "U" or "C" shapes to modern "Slim C" profiles.
• Smooth Fretwork: The fretwork on these models is typically highly refined, with rolled edges for a smoother playing experience. The fretboard is often made from rosewood, maple, or ebony, depending on the model.

5. Hardware and Appointments

• Vintage or Modern Hardware: Some Collector's Edition Telecasters feature vintage-style hardware, including vintage-style tuners and bridge saddles, while others may include modern upgrades such as locking tuners or a high-mass bridge for improved sustain and tuning stability.
• Custom Pickguards: The pickguard on a Collector's Edition Telecaster may be made of unique materials, such as tortoise shell, pearloid, or even custom graphics.
• Limited Edition Serial Numbers: As with most Fender Collector's Editions, these guitars often come with a limited edition serial number, which increases their value and rarity among collectors.

Tone and Sound

The Fender Telecaster is known for its bright, cutting tone with a sharp attack and excellent note definition. It is often used for genres like country, rock, blues, and pop. The Collector's Edition models maintain the classic Telecaster sound but may offer enhanced tonal characteristics due to their custom features, such as:

• Crisp Highs: The Telecaster’s single-coil pickups provide a bright, clear treble that cuts through a mix, making it perfect for lead playing.
• Midrange Punch: The Telecaster’s body and neck woods give it a distinct midrange that adds presence to chords and solos.
• Snappy Attack: The Telecaster is known for its sharp, snappy attack, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

Notable Fender Telecaster Collector's Edition Models

Here are a few examples of notable Fender Telecaster Collector's Edition models:

1. Fender American Professional Telecaster Deluxe (Collector's Edition)

• Features: This model features Noiseless pickups, a contoured body, and vintage-style tuners. It’s designed to offer modern playability with a nod to the vintage Telecaster tone.
• Finish: Available in custom finishes like Aged Cherry Burst or Sonic Blue.
• Tone: The Noiseless pickups provide a modern, noise-free performance while maintaining the Telecaster's signature bright, cutting tone.

2. Fender Limited Edition Telecaster Thinline

• Features: This model features a semi-hollow body, providing a warmer, more resonant tone than solid-body Telecasters. It also has custom-wound pickups and vintage-style hardware.
• Finish: Typically available in custom finishes like Antique Natural or Butterscotch Blonde.
• Tone: The semi-hollow body offers a rich, resonant sound with enhanced sustain and tonal depth.

3. Fender American Original '50s Telecaster (Collector's Edition)

• Features: This model is a reissue of the original 1950s Telecaster, with vintage-style pickups and a maple neck. It’s designed to replicate the classic Telecaster sound from the 1950s.
• Finish: Available in Butterscotch Blonde or 2-Color Sunburst finishes.
• Tone: This guitar delivers a bright, clear tone with the vintage snap and twang that the Telecaster is famous for.

4. Fender Custom Shop Telecaster (Collector's Edition)

• Features: The Fender Custom Shop creates some of the most exclusive and high-end Telecasters, often as limited editions with custom features such as hand-wound pickups, unique finishes, and special neck profiles.
• Finish: Available in exclusive finishes such as Fiesta Red, Dakota Red, or custom metallic colors.
• Tone: These guitars are hand-crafted to offer superior tone, with a focus on vintage warmth and clarity.

Why Choose a Fender Telecaster Collector's Edition?

1. Exclusive Features: The Collector's Edition models offer unique finishes, custom pickups, and other special features that make them stand out from standard Telecasters.
2. Premium Craftsmanship: Fender's high-end materials and attention to detail make these guitars not only look great but also sound amazing.
3. Limited Edition: Collector's Edition models are often produced in limited runs, which makes them more desirable and collectible.
4. Classic Telecaster Tone: Despite the custom features, these guitars still deliver the classic Telecaster tone that has made the instrument a favorite for decades.

Conclusion

The Fender Telecaster Collector's Edition is a premium version of one of the most iconic electric guitars ever made. Whether you’re a collector looking for a unique piece or a player seeking a high-quality instrument with custom features, the Collector's Edition Telecasters offer a combination of exceptional craftsmanship, beautiful aesthetics, and legendary tone.