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Fender Custom Shop Truetone Tortoise Set 1966 Telecaster Custom Closet Classic Olympic White

SKU 00FCS346
by Fender
Original price $ 5,700.00 - Original price $ 5,700.00
Original price
$ 5,700.00
$ 5,700.00 - $ 5,700.00
Current price $ 5,700.00
Truetone Tortoise Set 1966 Telecaster

The Telecaster holds a special place not only guitar history, but in popular culture as well.  It evolved over the years, and for some, the mid-60's version is the quintessential "must-have".  That's what we went for with this Custom Shop recreation, but with a twist you've never seen before, creating a Telecaster like no other.
 
The two-piece alder body sports the iconic shape, with a Closet Classic lacquer finish, giving it the look and feel of a guitar that was built back in the 60's, stayed hidden for decades, and just reappeared.  Our friends at the Custom Shop picked out light pieces, and the result is a Tele at just 7.2 lbs.  For the color, we chose a classic: Olympic White.  Then we started to get creative.  We've done a lot of Custom Shop builds over the years, but this stands out as one of the more unique - this is the first Telecaster to exist like it.
 
The reason we can say that is the customization of the block inlays on the maple neck: they're tortoiseshell.  It really catches your eye and matches the neck binding perfectly.  The idea came to us when designing a Custom Shop bass, and we took that straight over to this guitar, thinking it would be a great feature on a Telecaster Custom.  We picked 1966 as the base model year specficially to be able to keep it "period correct" with binding on both the neck and the body (back & front).  The result is actually better than what we imagined.  Tortoiseshell blocks have never been done on a Teambuilt Telecaster, until now.  They also match the tortoiseshell pickguard nicely.  This, along with the Olympic White body, creates an all around beautiful aesthetic.
 
The tinted quartersawn maple neck sports a 60's Oval "C" shaped profile, which is the most popular for Custom Shop builds.  It's not too fat to play, and not too skinny - it's the perfect amount of wood to grip.  Throughout the years, most players have gravitated towards a 9.5" radius and 6105 (narrow tall) frets - so those are two tweaks that we made on this guitar.  The result is a vintage vibe with modern playability.  
 
The guitar is loaded with Custom Shop 63 Tele pickups, which recreate the early 60's Tele sound that is known and loved by players all over.  Whether you need country twang, hard hitting rock bottoms or glistening clean highs, this one gives it to you.
 
In addition, this one has a 60's Tele bridge with threaded saddles, vintage-style tuning machines, a bone nut and a winged string tree. Includes deluxe hardshell case, strap and Certificate of Authenticity.
 
This is a special Telecaster- and the only one like it in existence.  Having tortoiseshell block inlays, binding and pickguard is truly unique.  You can experience it now by coming to Truetone Music, or by ordering right here to be shipped to your home.

  • Serial # R132398
  • Weight: 7.2 lbs
  • Part # 9231015469
  • Finish Package: Classic Classic
  • Finish: Nitro Lacquer
  • Color:  Olympic White
  • Pickguard: Tortoiseshell
  • Binding:  Tortoiseshell
  • Block Inlays:  Tortoiseshell
  • Neck Pickup:  FCS '63 Telecaster
  • Bridge Pickup:  FCS '63 Telecaster
  • Knobs: Knurled Chrome
  • Switch Tip: Top Hat Black
  • Body: Alder
  • Neck: Quartersawn Maple
  • Tint: Medium
  • Fretboard: Quartersawn Maple
  • Side Dots: Micarta White
  • Neck Shape: '60 Oval "C"
  • Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .820"
  • Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .890"
  • Frets: 21
  • Fretwire: 6105 Narrow Tall
  • Radius: 9.5"
  • Neck Nut Width: 1.650"
  • Neck Butt Width: 2.200"
  • Bone Nut
  • Hardware: Nickel/Chrome
  • Tuners: Vintage
  • Bridge: 63 Telecaster w/ Threaded Saddles
  • Neck plate: Vintage
  • Case: Custom Shop Deluxe Brown