Fender Highway One Tele, trans red, made in USA 2005. The Highway One series was Fender's nice and simple entry point for USA made guitars, pre-dating the American Special and then American Performer line by a few years. The best thing about these guitars is they scored a sweet satin nitro finish, something usually only seen on far pricier instruments. That lets the tasty alder body breathe a bit more than a regular poly finish, which equates to a certain fullness in the tone. Plus, it looks superb too, right? As is often the case with satin guitars, the high contact areas have worn to a semi-gloss look, so this has an understated light natural relic look to it in the flesh. The neck is an agreeable modern C shape, arrow-straight and in smooth in the hands, and blessed with a modern bend-friendly radius and taller frets. The pickups are bright and full, there's a healthy dose of twang and a certain hi-fi chime, but being an overwound alnico style pickup, they're happiest with a bit of drive pushing an amp to sing for it's supper. The four way switch is a nice addition, you can get swampy dub style tones on position two or a more trad Tele-middle tone on position three. This is a simple and effective Tele; these Highway One examples are always a delight. Plus, the red is gorgeous.

Model: Fender Highway One Telecaster
Made: Corona USA, 2005 (serial Z5033563)
Finish: trans red, satin nitro, 3-ply cream guard
Body: alder
Neck: maple, maple board, 25.5" scale, 9.5" radius
Weight: 3.665kg
Mods: four way switch installed
Pickups: Fender Hot Tele Alnico 3 single coil x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some a minor dimple on the end. The neck is clean and smooth, no major marks. The back has a little bit of rub wear on the top edge and some widespread minor scuffs, no major marks. The sides have light scuffs and glossing from contact around the whole body, no major marks. The front has a couple of dimples near the control plate and on the elbow area, a few light scuffs and some glossing from contact, as well as standard play wear on the guard. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. The frets are in good condition with some minor wear, 8/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 10/46s.