FENDER
Select telecaSter
BY JOE CHARUPAKORN
Fender Telecasters are among the most iconic guitars of all time. And though
they were perceived as nothing short of radical
in 1950, in the decades since they’ve become
the very definition of utilitarian dependability. Even in flashy Fender custom colors,
Telecasters exude an understated cool that contrasts with the in-your-face, guitar-as-art design
philosophy that’s grown up in the Tele’s wake.
That said, Fender has never hesitated to
hang a little bling on the Tele’s otherwise
minimalist frame. In recent years, ornate versions like the Custom Shop 40th Anniversary
Tele (which found a high-profile champion in
Keith Urban) were unleashed to reach luxury-minded buyers. And it’s in that same spirit that
Flamed- maple top
Fender recently released the Select Series—a
family of three Telecasters, two Stratocasters,
and a Jazz and a Precision bass outfitted with
luxurious appointments, including highly
figured tops, necks crafted from carefully procured woods, warmer-sounding pickups, and
improved electronics and hardware. The Select
Telecaster reviewed here is arguably the most
traditional instrument in the Select line, and
it may be the most handsome, too. It’s also a
very refined electric guitar that reminds you
what a near-perfect platform the Telecaster
is to begin with.
Take You to the Top
When you pop open the top of the Select
Tele’s vintage-inspired G&G tweed case,
you’ll probably take a minute to just stare
and behold how simply gorgeous the guitar
is. The violin burst gloss-lacquer finish is
handstained rather than painted on, which is
a first for Fender. The spectacularly flamed,
solid-maple top—which caps a honeycomb-chambered ash body—looks simultaneously
old school and flashy. Together, they make
the Fender Select Telecaster about as easy to
ignore as Megan Fox on Oscar Night.
Given the guitar’s model-on-the-runway
good looks, it will be tempting for some
to store it in the trophy case straightaway,
but Fender designed this Tele as a player’s
guitar above all, and even little touches like
Chambered ash body
No-load tone control
