1969 FenderTelecaster – “Rosewood” Prototype
At first glance, this might look like any other Rosewood Telecaster. However, this original 1969 example is actually a Fender prototype featuring an Ash body painted to look like Rosewood! As outlined in an accompanying letter written by Fender legend Bill Carson, there were a few issues with the initial production of the full Rosewood Telecaster. Due to finish issues, availability, and the heavy weight of the rosewood slabs, Fender decided to take a lightweight ash body and finish it in a shade that mimics real Rosewood. This is the only guitar that ever received this body finish, though the neck is still fully rosewood. With lightweight ash also becoming increasingly difficult to source, the entire project was abandoned. It’s remarkable how well-preserved this piece of Fender history is, with hardly any wear at all. It feels fantastic in the hand, and thanks to this relatively lightweight body, it’s much easier to play for long periods compared to a heavier full-Rosewood construction. In addition to being a great-looking and sounding instrument, this guitar is an awesome piece of Fender’s history! It even retains its original Fender bench tag on the handle, marking this guitar as “experimental”.
Overall Condition: 10, near mint
Specifications:
- Finish Details: Rosewood Tint, Original, Near Mint Condition, virtually no wear or finish checking
- Body Material: Ash
- Neck Material: Rosewood
- Fretboard Material: Rosewood
- Neck Profile: Medium C
- Weight: 7 lbs 10 oz
- Scale Length: 25-1/2"
- Pickup Readings: N: 6.77K B: 6.09K
- Electronics: Original, Untouched
- Hardware: Original, Excellent Condition, some light playwear and patina
- Nut Width: 1-5/8"
- Includes: Original Black Hardshell Case, Letter and photo of Bill Carson, original Fender bench tag on handle
Sku: F296
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