Custom colour Telecasters are always welcome here at ATB Guitars and this Olympic White, early 1968 Fender Telecaster no exception.

1968 was a tumultuous year for many reasons. Whilst the world reeled, in Fullerton an era was well and truly coming to an end. 1968 was to signify the true beginning of the CBS period at Fender and with it came big changes in production techniques and processes that would inevitably lead to a downturn in fortunes. Having said that, there are still many gems to be found from this period which should certainly not be overlooked.

This guitar is in excellent shape. The finish has faded a little which is clearer when you compare the finish under the pick guard. There are a few bumps and knocks but the overall look is quite clean, the advantage of the slightly thicker finish is clear.

The neck too looks good. Apart from a few very minor knocks, there is no damage to the neck and the lacquer hasn’t worn at all. In fact the edge of the fretboard has a crisp edge that makes it feel new. The fretboard and frets are in great shape, free of pitting and the frets have some life left in them. The headstock is fantastic and the decal is still strong.

Electronically everything is correct. Again, as this guitar was from earlier in the year, it was still wired with cloth cable unlike later models that had PVC cable towards the end of 1968.

The guitar comes with a correct or maybe slightly later Black Tolex Fender hardshell case.

This guitar certainly has plenty to offer sonically. The neck pickup delivers a smooth tone with plenty of clarity and a great rhythm tone that evokes a Stax sound. The bridge pickup has all the bite you’d want without getting too far towards the harshness that later incarnations tended to drift. The middle position blends both wonderfully. The neck is very comfortable and it doesn’t take to long to fall for this guitar.

Not the immediate go to for those looking for classic Fender tones but this guitar is worth more than a cursory glance and will definitely surprise you…