SQUIER

40th Anniversary Telecaster, Gold Edition

- ART THOMPSON

FORTY YEARS AGO, Fender launched the Squier series of offshore-made versions of Strats, Teles and Jazz and Precision basses, which quickly became popular with players for their affordability, playability and tone. In celebration of this chapter in guitar-making history, the 40th Anniversary Gold Edition Telecaster, Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster are offered as blinged-out versions of these classics that feature gold hardware, neck binding and a variety of available color finishes.

The Gold Edition Tele on review here looks sharp with its gloss-black finish (also available in Sherwood Green Metallic) and preponderance of gold-plated parts, including the bridge and its three saddles, tuners, front-pickup cover, knurled knobs and control plate, strap buttons and engraved neck plate. Even the pickguard is brushed gold anodized-aluminum. It all made a feast for the eyes as we lifted this guitar from the cardboard box it shipped in. Unfortunately, no gig bag is provided, so order one if you decide to pull the trigger on one of these budget beauties.

SPECIFICATIONS

40th Anniversary Telecaster

CONTACT fender.comer

PRICE $599 street

NUT Bone, 1.650” wide

NECK Maple C shape, gloss finish

FRETBOARD Indian Laurel, 25.5” scale, 9.5” radius, pearloid block inlays

FRETS 21 narrow tall

TUNERS Vintage