What a great guitar.

This one was found more or less across the street from MVG by a friend who also happens to be a very good guitar player. To be completely honest, I wasn't overly excited when it first arrived. For me, a Telecaster traditionally meant single-coil pickups. It did not take long, however, for me to realize how wrong I was.

From an originality standpoint, this 1974 Fender Telecaster Deluxe remains remarkably intact. Aside from a refret, one replaced string ferrule, replaced strap buttons, and two additional capacitors, the guitar is original throughout. The Mocha finish has aged beautifully, and both the neck and overall condition are clean and well preserved.

The Wide Range Humbuckers are the real revelation here. They have a clarity and character that sets them apart from most humbuckers. Clean tones are crisp, articulate, and remarkably free of muddiness, while edge-of-breakup sounds retain excellent note definition and punch.

The moment that really sold me on this guitar was discovering the middle position with the neck pickup rolled back slightly. Suddenly, I found myself in the world of '90s alternative rock — rich, textured, chimey, and inspiring. It is one of those sounds that makes you stop playing licks and start playing music.

The Telecaster Deluxe was Fender's answer to players who wanted more power without giving up Fender feel and ergonomics. Looking back today, it stands as one of the most interesting models of the 1970s Fender lineup, and a good one can be an incredibly rewarding guitar.

Playing it, it suddenly becomes no wonder why bands such as Radiohead, Blur, and Oasis gravitated towards the Telecaster Deluxe.  

Comes in an aftermarket case.