After CBS took ownership of Fender in 1965, they began implementing some changes to the company that lasted throughout the late 60’s and all of the 70’s. CBS offered Fender a much wider advertising platform, new manufacturing techniques, more hands on artist relations and so on. They’re known to have made several alterations to classic models during this time, such as adding binding and block inlays to the offset Jaguar and Jazzmaster guitars. And while many of these were minor cosmetic changes, the CBS period also gave rise to new Fender models. Some were entirely new designs, such as the Coronado (more on that later), and some were updated models with more modern features for the day’s evolving musician.

The Telecaster Deluxe is one of these groundbreaking new designs of the 1970s, when Fender decided to upgrade its original Telecaster design to meet the evolving demands of guitar players seeking more tonal versatility from the then 20+ year old traditional Telecaster design. This led to the birth of the Fender Telecaster Deluxe.

But before we delve into the Telecaster Deluxe’s history, let’s take a quick look at the origins of the Telecaster itself. The Fender Telecaster, also known as the “Tele”, was introduced in 1950 and became the world’s first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar. Designed by Leo Fender and George Fullerton, the Telecaster quickly gained popularity due to its innovative construction, which featured a single-cutaway body made of solid wood, a bolt-on neck, and two single-coil pickups. Its bright, twangy tone appealed to country, rockabilly, and early rock ‘n’ roll guitarists of the 1950’s.

In the late 60’s and 70’s, guitar players began exploring other musical territories and wanted a guitar that offered a broader tonal selection. Concerts had become larger, amps and PA equipment louder and more robust, and many guitarists sought to have more output and power from their Fender guitars. In those days, the common thing to do was to simply modify your Fender by routing the body and replacing one or more of the stock single-coil pickups with full-sized Gibson humbuckers. However, Fender quickly recognized the demand for this and decided to offer a modified version of their classic Telecaster themselves.

Introduced in 1972, the Fender Telecaster Deluxe featured two “Wide Range” humbucking pickups designed by none other than Seth Lover, the man behind the original Gibson P.A.F humbucker design in the mid-50’s. By replacing the original single-coil pickups, the Telecaster could now give players reduced noise and a warmer, fuller sound compared to single-coils, which offered many benefits and distinct tonal differences. Fender also offered “Custom” models, which featured the new pickup design in the neck position only, retaining the traditional single-coil in the bridge.

The Telecaster Deluxe had a solid ash or alder body and featured a new body contour on the back, which was a long requested update by many players to the original Tele design. The guitar was sold in rosewood or maple neck versions as many other Fenders of the time, and the headstock featured the bolder black Fender logo and a set of closed-back “F” tuning machines. Its appearance was completed with a classic three-saddle bridge and a stylish new larger pickguard that the electronics were now mounted to.

While many other guitar models came and went, the Fender Telecaster Deluxe managed to maintain its popularity and continued to be a favorite among musicians worldwide. Even longtime Telecaster players such as Keith Richards would pick one up (more specifically, the Custom version), since it offered a new tone and look in the familiar Tele platform. Its timeless design, excellent craftsmanship, and the versatility of its humbucking pickups have made it an essential tool for countless artists across different genres.

The Fender Telecaster Deluxe stands as a testament to Fender’s ability to adapt and cater to the evolving needs of musicians. Its history is intertwined with the evolution of music itself, and its influence continues to resonate in modern music production. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring guitarist, the Fender Telecaster Deluxe remains an iconic instrument that embodies the spirit of musical exploration and innovation.