800-ZZOUNDS (800-996-8637)
When you call, mention priority code QTN-MY73
close [x]
  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri 8AM - 10PM (EST)
  • Sat 9AM - 6PM (EST)
  • Sun 1PM - 7PM (EST)

Fender American Special Telecaster Electric Guitar (Maple with Gig Bag)

The Fender American Special Telecaster offers US build quality at a surprising price. Texas Special pickups give the American Special Tele a little heat. (23) Read 6 reviews for this product | Rate and Review This Product
Ships to: Can ship to United States Can ship to APO/FPO
close [x]
zZounds.com 800-ZZOUNDS (800-996-8637)
Click to Enlarge 3-Color Sunburst
Take the leap to a genuine American-made Fender with the American Special Telecaster. Sporting two extra-hot Texas Special pickups, this Fender gushes with the quintessential tone of a Tele. Crafted by the masters at Fender's California facility with sturdy hardware and excellent tonewoods, the American Special captures the very best in the Telecaster's long legacy of superb tone and playability.

Classic Tele Tone

Like any Fender Telecaster, the American Special carries the classic sparkle and twang that helped define country music in the '50s. The dual Texas Special single-coils provide plenty of high-output tone to cover your country bases and any other style. For players who want to take a break from the Tele twang now and then, the Greasebucket tone circuit rolls off high-end without affecting bass, providing a more robust sound for anything from hard rock to jazz. Try fiddling with the Greasebucket mid-song and experiment with some funky wah-esque effects.

Features:

- Classic wood combination of alder body, maple neck, and maple fretboard
- Dual Texas Special single-coil pickups for famous Telecaster tone
- Chrome hardware with triple saddle vintage-style bridge
- Comfortable modern C-shape neck profile
- Innovative Greasebucket tone circuit
- Included deluxe gig bag zZounds is an authorized dealer of Fender products.
Specifications
Model Name: American Special Telecaster(R)

Model Number: 011-5802-(Color #)

Series: American Special Series

Body: Alder

Neck: Maple, Modern C Shape, (Gloss Urethane Finish)

Fingerboard: Maple, 9.5 Radius (241 mm)

No. of Frets: 22 Jumbo Frets

Pickups: 1 Texas Special Tele Pickup (Bridge), 1 Texas Special Tele Pickup (Neck)

Controls: Master Volume, Master Greasebucket Tone Circuit, (Rolls Off Highs without Adding Bass)

Pickup Switching: 3-Position Blade:
- Position 1. Bridge Pickup
- Position 2. Bridge and Neck Pickup
- Position 3. Neck Pickup

Bridge: Original Vintage Tele Bridge with 3 Brass Saddles

Machine Heads: Fender(R) Standard Cast/Sealed Tuning Machines

Hardware: Chrome

Pickguard: 3-Ply Black/White/Black

Scale Length: 25.5 (648 mm)

Width at Nut: 1.6875 (43 mm)

Unique Features: Greasebucket(TM) Tone Circuit, 3 Texas Special Pickups, Large 70s Style Decal, Black Pickup Covers and Plastic Parts, Brass Bridge Saddles, Black Dot Position Inlays, Barrel Switch Tip

Strings: Fender USA, Nickel Plated Steel, Gauges: (.009, .011, .016, .024w, .032, .042)

Accessories: Deluxe Gig Bag, Polishing Cloth

Case: Deluxe Gig Bag

Introduced: 1/2010

Notice: Product Prices, Features, Specifications and Availability Are Subject To Change Without Notice
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
3-Color Sunburst
Shipping Weight: 25 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 45 x 17 x 6 in
Olympic White
Shipping Weight: 14 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 43 x 15 x 5 in
Vintage Blonde
Shipping Weight: 22 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 43 x 17 x 7 in
Fender Warranty If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 800-488-1818

Product Description

Fender introduces the American Special Series Telecaster. Everything you want in an affordable U.S.-made guitar is within your reach. Features on the Fender American Special Telecaster include an alder body with gloss urethane finish, 9.5"-radius maple neck, jumbo frets, Texas Specia pickups, and vintage-style three-brass-saddle strings-through-body Telecaster bridge.
Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this product. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!
What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "zZounds is the best! They carry many of the top brands and their Play as you Pay installment plan allows me to split my order into low monthly payments." - customer on May 9, 2013
New, 3-Color Sunburst
$899.99
or 8 payments
of $112.50
details
List: $1,249.99
Savings: $350.00 (28%)
In Stock Will Ship May 28   Seen it for less?
Free Ground Shipping
Faster Shipping
New, Olympic White
$899.99
or 8 payments
of $112.50
details
List: $1,249.99
Savings: $350.00 (28%)
In Stock Will Ship May 28   Seen it for less?
Free Ground Shipping
Faster Shipping
New, Vintage Blonde
$899.99
or 8 payments
of $112.50
details
List: $1,249.99
Savings: $350.00 (28%)
More Expected Soon!More expected Jun 11   Seen it for less?
Free Ground Shipping
Faster Shipping
Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 (23 ratings) Rate and Review This Product
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. "Fender American Special 3 Tone Sunburst"
Sound: You won't believe your ears! And yours eyes!! this Fender American Special Tele not only sounds "Fantastic",the 3TS pictures do not do it justice!You can get so many different sounds out of this guitar that it is unreal.The pick-ups are very hot.You can't go wrong! Feature: The hot alnico pick-ups on this American Special will absolutely blow you away.The 3 way switch is solid quickly lets you achieve the sound you want.At first I was a bit leery about the greasebucket treble roll off while not increasing the bass,but,I do like it..Wish it would have came with a hardshell case,but,the gig bag has ample padding. Ease of Use: To say you can't find the right sound that suits you or the song your playing,is the furthest thing from the truth! The playability was great out of the box. Quality: As I stated earlier,the 3TS finish will blow you away! I was apprehensive about getting the 3 tone sunburst,but it is a very beautiful guitar to say the least! All of the hardware,and the fit of everything appears to be flawless. Value: It is worth every penny!I just wish that it would have came with a hardshell case.... Manufacturer Support: No problems as of yet and don't expect any.... The Wow Factor: The guitar looks fantastic!The comfortability,feel,and playability are second to none. It is surprisingly,not that heavy.Especially,after playing a 3 hour gig.. Overall: Looks,sound,and playability is second to none!If something unfortunate happened to it(which I hope never does),I would buy another in a heartbeat. Hey guys(and gals),you can't go wrong with the Fender American Special. Has my vote, hands down!!
Style of Music: Rock,Classic Rock,Blues,Country,and whatevere sounds/feels good!
12 of 12 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful. "Geezer finds his roots"
Sound: Out of the box, plugged into a Fender Practice amp, the guitar made me smile. The Texas pickups put out a uncluttered blues-friendly sound. There's some hum, but nothing tragic for a stage performance. Like a lot of Tele set-ups, the volume balance between the neck and the bridge is quite stark, but it isn't a deal-breaker for me. Playing this guitar is a blast. It rocks, it twangs and it sounds like my younger days. It took a little fussing to get the intonation right, so I re-strung it with 11's. The increase in presence was noticeable and the strings stay in tune longer. Feature: Not many features. The gut-bucket tone control is good at what it does. I don't much use the roll effect in my playing. The overall output is fine. A Tele is a block of wood cut into a classic shape that you either love or shrug at. The sunburst is handsome and well done. The bridge screams cheap as do the tuners, but they do alright. It is a basic model that simply defines an entire genre of playing. A friend of mine and I were playing and doing the "what-if" game (He's a woodworker and I teach design.) and at one point we realized we had just talked ourselves through the evolution of the electric guitar. This guitar is an instrument at the root – simple and solid. Ease of Use: As you can see from my comments so far, it was plug and play. As with any new guitar, after three months I am still listening carefully while I play and making notes. I had not owned an electric for over twenty years, focusing on my acoustic chops. That said, the guitar plays well. I don't consider changing strings to get in the ballpark of personal preference to be an issue. It took about twenty minutes to find a solid playing zone with my amp. I am a solid blues player, and Tele's are an old love. It was very easy to get started and to find my groove. Quality: The neck is straight and firm and the frets are level and nicely dressed. When I removed the pick-guard to clean up the protective plastic wrap under the screws, I was disappointed to see all the factory dust left in the cavity and under the guard. A blast with a can of air fixed that, but really it should have been dusted during assembly. In all honesty, any other complaint that I can come up with is comparing it to $2K custom-made Tele's. And that would be unfair. I already mentioned the tuners and bridge as less than stellar parts. The finish is quite pretty. If you have issues with urethane varnish, then you will find it a heavy build in comparison to lacquer. However, the paint job is very clean. They have done a pretty good job with an American factory set-up at a decent price. It is road worthy. Value: I think it is a very fair price for what it is. It compares quite favorably to the American Standard and is worth it to me to buy an American made instrument. Manufacturer Support: I have had no need for support, so I won't comment. The Wow Factor: I think this is one sexy Telecaster. I had been looking at a lot of Tele models and variations for a while and this one clawed my checkbook out of hiding. As I have a number of acoustics (and none of them cheap), that this one teased me into going electric after several decades says a lot. Everybody who plays it ends up smiling, Nee too! Overall: I always end up tweaking my guitars, even my handmade custom. I will probably replace the bridge and tuners and maybe even the pick-ups. After that, I will either stop tinkering or keep at it depending on my own weird mental process. Given my history, at some point I will probably get yet another axe to puzzle over. My Gibson L130 has led me on that kind of chase. I still play it every day. This Tele feels that way too.
Style of Music: Blues & avant-guard experiments
18 of 20 people (90%) found this review helpful. Did you?
Thanks for your opinion!
close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

BizRate Customer Certified (GOLD) Site
Questions? Our gear experts can help!
800-zZounds (800-996-8637)
When you call, mention priority code QTN-MY73. Llame Gratis en Español: 800-460-7976
Lunes-Viernes de 1AM a 1AM EST
Customize Search Results for Your Location
Shop with those who respect your privacy — we do. Copyright © 1996-2013, zZounds Music, LLC. Terms of use apply.
[x] close

ALL ACCESS PASS

5 reasons YOU should sign up for the zZounds newsletter

  • 1. Weekly deals
  • 2. News about zZounds giveaways
  • 3. Interviews with cutting edge artists and producers
  • 4. Limited-time payment plan offers
  • 5. Features on your favorite gear
To get your cool stuff, we'll need your address:
close [x]What is this?
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
 
close [x]Faster Shipping Options
2 Day Air$28.99
Overnight$59.99
close [x]Faster Shipping Options
2 Day Air$19.99
Overnight$47.99
close [x]More ExpectedWe have been given a date of Jun 11 for the arrival of this item. This date is not guaranteed, rather an estimate based on either information obtained directly from the manufacturer or historical delivery data for the specific manufacturer.
close [x]Faster Shipping Options
2 Day Air$27.99
Overnight$56.99
close [x]
1 item added to your cart
View Cart Continue Shopping
close [x]
Please select a product:
Add to Cart
close [x]
Available on
orders $249+
learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.
We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.
It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.
No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

close [x]
Available on
orders $249+
learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.
We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.
It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.
No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

close [x]

You don't have to trade service for savings when you shop at zZounds!

We'll beat any price
Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
close [x]

With zZounds you'll never have to worry that you paid too much.

We'll beat any price
Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy
Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link
Next to the item you want, or give us a call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).
close [x]
on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!
No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery
We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!
Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.
close [x]What is this?
A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
close [x]

1. We offer the most flexible payment plans in the biz

zZounds offers a number of different installment payment plans that make it affordable and convenient for you to get the gear you really want today, without racking up risky credit card debt.

Other stores offer house credit cards that require you to fill out an application and pass a credit check--and, if you qualify, leave you vulnerable to exorbitant interest charges once the initial promotional period ends. zZounds payment plans are easy to get and simple to use; plus we'll never charge you interest!

zZounds payment plans details »

2. We guarantee the lowest price

If we don't already have the lowest price, just send us a link to any legitimate competitor's offer, and we'll beat their price as long as we're not losing money on the deal.

To submit a request for a lower price, click "Seen it for less?" on any product page. We answer most lowest price requests within two hours. For extra peace of mind, you also have 30 days after your purchase to find a lower price; if you do, we'll refund the difference.

zZounds.com price match details »

3. You'll get your gear fast

Because we have two well-situated warehouses--one on each coast--nearly three- quarters of the US population is located within our two-day shipping zones. Plus, we keep both warehouses well stocked with all the most popular products, so you'll usually get your gear fast without having to pay more for expedited shipping.

In fact, zZounds offers free two-day delivery on many of our best-selling products!

zZounds.com shipping details »

4. We make returns super easy

You have 30 days to try your gear at home, in your practice space or studio. If you're not absolutely in love with the sound you're getting, just let us know. We'll promptly arrange for an exchange or a refund without the hassles or hidden charges you face with some of our competitors. If there's something wrong with the gear you bought from us, we'll email you an electronic return label so you can return it easily and free of charge.

zZounds.com return details »

5. Our customer service is consistently rated the best

zZounds customer service is consistently rated at or near the top on every major comparison shopping website--probably because we only hire experienced musicians with outstanding customer service skills to work in our call center, and they don't work on commission. To us, this is our most meaningful measure of success. zZounds has served over a million customers since 1996, and they're the only critics whose reviews really matter to us.

zZounds.com customer service »
close [x]
Available on
orders $249+
learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.
We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.
It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.
No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

close [x]
on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!
No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery
We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!
Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.
close [x]

A guarantee so solid, you never have to worry about price when shopping at zZounds

We'll beat any price
Simply click the Seen it for less? link next to the gear you want or call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637)
Got a coupon from another site?
Use it with us - we'll beat those prices, too!
Find a better price after buying from us?
No problem. We'll refund you the difference for 30 days, so you'll never regret buying from zZounds.

You'll still get the trustworthy service you've come to expect from zZounds, without paying more for your gear!