More 75th

More Fender 75th Anniversary goodness from Japan, this finish is bona fide attraction. The burst effect was done on the pickguard as well as the headstock. By the way, the Tele feature a 4-way selector in case you're interested. Currently offered only as an online exclusive for the Japanese market. Bummer.

Pics: Fender

75th UII

In the mean time, Fender has some 75th Anniversary stuff going & this Ultra II Tele is quite a stunner. That flip-flop finish is something that I like. As you can see, these are not meant to emulate the traditional Tele single coil tones as the bridge pickup is a humbucker (Fender's own Fastlane pickup). This one also sports a compound radius, together with the D-profile neck, the guitar moves away from traditional specs. Downright desirable but it's gonna be costly.

Pic: Fender

75th

The Fender 75th commemorative anniversary models were over & done with. These were made in limited quantities for sale in 2021.

These instruments are readily recognized by two special features; the 75th commemorative logo embossed at the rear of the headstock & a similar one engraved on the neck's bolt plate. Also, the serial numbers of these instruments indicate a 2020 - 2021 year of manufacture. If any Fender instruments bear any of these features, these are the official commemorative models.

In that same year of manufacture, Fender stamped other non-commemoorative models with the Fender 75 logo which caused confusion somewhat. We can see this on Mexican & Japanese Fenders as well & they are just there to mark the occasion, nothing else.

Drawing this to your attention because there are individuals out there who believe they are selling a 75th but in fact they are not.

Pics: Zenith / Essex

75th

 

The 75th Anniversary Telecaster is now in stock at Swee Lee (List: $1,299 bag included). 

I'm not too into any commemorative guitars but having said that, I own the Fender 50th Anniversary Strat 😁 The Strat in question was a well made instrument, it sounds awesome as well & more importantly, it was conceived to reflect the Strat heritage so some specs were of historical intention unlike the 75th Anniversary Tele we see here. However, this guitar is definitely an above-average player (at least the one that I handled personally). The construction & fitting are ace. That matching headstock-body finish is a very classy touch as well. Between this one & a Japanese counterpart, it's a very difficult choice if you are into vale-for-money considerations. 

Pics: Fender / Futuremusic