* Sold* 1968 Fender Maple Cap Telecaster

On Consignment is this original 1968 Fender Telecaster in great condition. This guitar has been loved, played, and seen the eras of music evolve around it being 56 years old. Originally Blonde, it has been refinished to Natural. All hardware is original and naturally reliced. The bridge pickup is original but the lipstick has been replaced in its lifetime. ””””””

Maple fingerboards, 1960-1968: available as special order. Different than the 1950s one-piece maple necks. These used an actual slab maple fingerboard glued to the maple neck, and no “skunk stripe” down the back of the neck for the truss rod. This particular instrument not only embodies the timeless appeal of Fender’s craftsmanship but also reflects a pivotal moment in the company’s history—the year 1968 marked the beginning of CBS’s tenure at Fender, ushering in changes that would shape the Telecaster and Fender’s legacy. 1968 marked a significant transition for Fender as it was the first year under the ownership of CBS Corporation. This change in ownership brought about adjustments in Fender’s manufacturing processes and designs, including subtle alterations to the Telecaster. While the core essence of the Telecaster remained intact, there were nuanced shifts in construction techniques and materials, reflecting the evolving ethos of Fender under CBS’s stewardship.

The Telecaster served as the main musical voice of two monumental debut albums recorded in 1968, both by U.K. artists. The first was Black Claw & Country Fever, by virtuoso country/rockabilly/rock/R&B guitarist Albert Lee, subsequently widely known to many as “Mr. Telecaster.” The second was the eponymous debut album by Led Zeppelin, which Jimmy Page had formed from the ashes of the Yardbirds. On Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page played a psychedelic-painted Telecaster (given to him by Jeff Beck) on tracks including “Dazed and Confused,” “Good Times Bad Times,” “Communication Breakdown,” “How Many More Times,” “You Shook Me” and more. A great late-’60s Telecaster ready for the studio and stage!

This guitar has been professionally setup by TGR. Upon purchase, this guitar will be restrung with the buyer’s preferred gauge and strings stretched to pitch. Please call 415.497.7668 with any questions or email [email protected].