Fender 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster Flame Sunburst 1996
Fender 50th Anniversary Telecaster, sunburst, made in USA 1996. Fender kicked off as a company in 1946, building amps and shortly thereafter guitars that would change music forever. In 1996, Fender badged just about every guitar they made in their Corona factory with a 50th anniversary decal, which creates a bit of confusion... any run-of-the-mill American Standard or American Vintage etc from 1996 got the badge. But... they also did a special limited run of 2500 Strats and 1250 Teles that did have special appointments, and this is one of those. It's number 988 of 1250, so while there are others around, they're not super common. The first thing you might notice is the outrageous flame maple top and back: holy guacamole, it's gorgeous. The sunburst finish shows off all the detail and drama beautifully, especially on the back. You also get some cool gold hardware, including a special numbered neck plate, and a set of Texas Special pickups. The neck is the same size and specs as an American Standard, and it feels great: stable, comfy, no nonsense. There was a lot of wear on the frets on arrival, so our handy house tech did an excellent fret level, crown and polish, and now it's playing with a slick, satisfying smoothness. The sound is great too: thick and punchy on the neck with a glassy, detailed top end, and wide and warm on the bridge with a throaty kick and plenty of chime. The middle position is especially intoxicating, it sounds so juicy. There's a lot to love here, it's surely a perfect stage guitar... but it will also look lovely in the lounge room, and might prove a cute little investment in time.
Model: Fender 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster
Made: USA, 1996, Corona factory
Serial: T0988 or T1250
Finish: three color sunburst, flame maple top and back, gloss poly
Body: alder, flame maple veneer top and back
Neck: maple, maple fretboard, 25.5" scale, 9.5" radius, modern C shape
Weight: 3.795kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Fender Texas Special single coil x2
Accessories: original Fender hard case, two latches are dodgy but otherwise in good order
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some small dents and scuffs on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back and minor play wear on the board only. The back has minor scuffs on the top horn and middle of the body and some dimples in the elbow area and bottom corner. The sides have dimples on the top horn and elbow area, some dents on the back edge and some scuffs near the jack. The front has scuffs around the controls and elbow area, a fade mark from a sticker on the guard and some play wear on the guard and horns. The gold hardware has some patina and rub wear.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, minor wear only, recently dressed, crowned and polished