1968 Fender Telecaster Paisley Red

Fender's answer to the counterculture movement of the late 1960s, the vibrant Paisley Red and Blue Flower-finished Telecaster guitars and basses built in 1968 and 1969 are without a doubt some of the most iconic and era-defining guitars of the decade. Unfortunately, Fender's attempt to capitalize on the trends and fashions of the late 1960s proved to be a commercial flop, and both Paisley Red and Blue Floral finishes were dropped from the catalog in 1969.

A completely unique finish in the guitar world, the Paisley Red and Blue Floral finishes used a heavily textured self-adhesive cling-foil wrap applied directly to the body, which was then finished over with a thick polyurethane clear coat. The instability of the cling-foil wrap would often cause the polyurethane top coat to crack and peel, something that is thankfully not plaguing this guitar all too badly.

A finely preserved example of a Paisley Red Telecaster, this '68 build boasts a clean, original finish with minimal cracking. The original metallic red burst has faded over the decades, giving the guitar a beautiful, irreplicable vintage aesthetic. There is some chipping around the guitar's edges and neck plate; and, while there is some slight delamination of the cling-foil wrap on the guitar's back, none of the finish has peeled off of the guitar. This Paisley Tele is completely original and unmodified apart from a professional refret in which the fingerboard finish was not touched up or oversprayed. The original frets and nut are in the guitar's case pocket. The two original pickups have their original windings, and all solder joints appear to be untouched.

Built in mid 1968, this Paisley Tele sports a nitro-finished neck that has a wonderful worn-in feel. Fender transitioned to thick polyurethane finishes on their necks in late 1968, drastically changing the feel of their guitars. With its thin nitro finish and "maple-cap" fingerboard, the neck on this Paisley Telecaster offers a playing experience akin to a 1950s Telecaster. The neck carve is a full C profile that is immensely comfortable, and the 1st fret neck depth measures .869”.

This 1968 Paisley is a notably good-sounding Tele. The bridge pickup delivers an open, clear response with a pleasant top-end sparkle. The neck pickup is particularly special, offering a full and powerful voice with excellent definition. While the neck position on a Telecaster can leave something to be desired, the neck pickup on this guitar is certainly an exception to the norm. Both pickups have just the right amount of microphonics, giving this Telecaster an airy and overtone-rich response in every pickup position.

Neck date of July 1968 (3 JUL 68 B) and pot codes of the 17th week of 1966 (304-6617). Pickup DC values of 6k in the bridge and 6.8k in the neck. Scale length of 25.5". First fret depth of 0.869", twelfth fret depth of 0.942", and a nut width just shy of 1-5/8. Weight of 7lbs 11oz.

With original hardshell case.

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