fender telecaster thinline 69
Fender Telecaster Thinline ’69 or ’72?
I’ve got a couple friends with Teles, but it’s always been the Thinlines I’ve got interest in. Problem is that I’ve never actually seen one in person yet, considering the fact that whenever I drop by Guitar Center, they’re always sold out, and I don’t have any friends who own one. So can you tell me about the Telecaster Thinline a bit? Other than the fact it’s a semi-hollow body, what makes it and the original Tele different?
I know there’s the ’69 model and ’72 model. And I know the ’69 has the single coils whereas the ’72 has dual humbuckers.
I play some sort of progressive/rock/jazz. If I were to buy a Telecaster Thinline, would I be better off with the ’69 or ’72?
Thanks in advance.
The 72 Tele was an upgrade from the 69. The distinction between Single coils and humbuckers are one of the the biggest reasons people choose between Strats and Les Pauls.(besides price and whammy bar option)
The 72 will be more like a Tele version of a Paul, whereas the 69 would be more like a Tele version of a Strat. Except without a whammy.
I am pretty sure you can get the Tele’s you speak of in any pick-up configuration you want. If it is not a factory option, it is certainly do-able in a custom shop.
If you are having trouble deciding, keep in mind you can also get a single and humbucker, or the more complex pickups that act both ways.
The main reason for the creation of the Thinline, was it’s lighter weight. I dont think the regular Tele’s weigh as much as a Paul, but the Thinline is even lighter.
And pretty much all Tele’s are cheaper than Pauls.
The selector switch is reminiscent of a Paul as well, but the neck (on the non-squier models) is definitely Fender feeling.
All in all , the Humbucking Tele (thinline or otherwise) is a good guitar for a Fender user who wants a Paul sound, but is used to the Fender neck, or doesn’t want to switch brands.
Good luck.
69 Telecaster.AVI
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