Though always versatile, the Telecaster has never been known as a choice guitar for the gain-to-11 crowd. By loading its Blacktop Telecaster HH with high-gain alnico humbuckers and modern design tweaks, Fender has created one just for them.

A New Blacktop Legend

The Blacktop Telecaster is a response to the playing styles and tastes of today's guitarists, and Fender has embedded many of these qualities in the guitar's design. Upon turning the Tele's alder body over, you'll notice it features a contour on the back side's upper bout. This helps make for a more comfortable playing experience without the guitar "digging" into your side.

The Blacktop Telecaster's maple neck is cut in a modern "C" profile, which has a slimmer feel in the hands than a traditional Tele neck. The rosewood fretboard is loaded with 22 medium jumbo frets.

A Tele With More Roar

Perhaps the most noticeable difference in the Blacktop Telecaster is in its electronics. Rather than the traditional single-coil pickup combination found in most Teles, Fender placed two humbuckers in the Blacktop's neck and bridge slots.

These Hot Vintage Alnico humbuckers not only provide thicker sound than single-coils, but are overwound for higher output. You'll feel right at home playing blues or heavy modern rock on this Tele, as the pickups get the most out of tube amps. The Blacktop's volume control can really clean up the sound when needed. Dialing back on the tone knob can get you into jazz territory -- and… read more country traditionalists, fear not: you can still get a bit of twang with both pickups engaged.

Major-League Features

You'll find another unique update to the Blacktop Tele when dialing in your tone. The volume and tone controls -- capped with amp knobs -- are located above the pickup selector switch. This gives you better access for volume swells or quick tone adjustments on stage. Other appointments on the Blacktop Tele include a hardtail bridge that runs the strings through the body with six block-style saddles and cast tuning machines.

Features:

- Adler body
- 22-fret maple neck in modern "C" profile
- Rosewood fretboard
- Hot Vintage Alnico humbuckers in bridge and neck positions
- Three-position pickup selector switch
- Master volume and tone controls
- String-through body hardtail bridge with six cast saddles

Hear how heavy a Tele can be with Fenders Blacktop Telecaster HH. read less