Fender '72 Telecaster Thinline Electric Guitar (Maple with Gig Bag)
With two Fender Wide-Range humbuckers and an elegant f-hole in its semi-hollow ash body, this faithful reproduction of the '72 Telecaster doesn't disappoint.
Overall User Ratings (based on 143 ratings)
Submitted February 11, 2017 by Kasey Frazier in Killeen, TX
"Great Guitar"
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This was my first purchase from zZounds. I was skeptical at first, and wasn't sure who could be approved through their plans, but found out that nearly everyone is!
Anyways, about the guitar. I fell in love with this guitar the moment my eyes crossed it at another store. Always wanted it (and zZounds made it possible!) I received this guitar in a timely fashion. It comes very well packaged, and safe, so no worries there, stay calm. Not only does it come in the box from fender, but they put THAT box, inside of ANOTHER box for extra safety. It comes with the gig bag, which is okay, AND with a bag containing the manual, warranty info, AND allen wrenches. Some people say these MIM guitars don't come with those things, but I assure you that they do. (If you bought them new at least) After taking the guitar out and tuning it, checking the intonation (which did need a small adjustment) I started playing it.
Very amazing sound through this guitar. You can get a beautiful tele sound from the pickups, and also a heavier sound, due to the double humbuckers. So, not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but it sounds great as well, with many tone options through adjustment of the knobs.
Now...you always read reviews of how awesome things are, and never see people nitpick, and that is kind of scary when you're a real person, wondering who these people are. So i'll do that for you right now. Know that this isn't an american made Fender, it's made in mexico of course. (Don't let that be the deciding factor, because it really is an awesome guitar) But saying that, it's not 100% PERFECT. There aren't many guitars that ARE. So through the eyes of someone that's slightly OCD...I noticed that my neck pickup cover, the chrome, kinda has a wave in the middle of it? It's not huge, or greatly noticable...But if you get up close and personal with your things like I do, you'll notice it. If yours is the same anyways. But that's no big deal. Still amazing. And the only other thing that I noticed, is that I can see a bit of paper in the F hole. Maybe this was used in the build process? I can't really see what it's doing in there, but I tried to grab it, but it's stuck between the wood I guess? You wouldn't really be able to see it if you were watching a show and someone was playing it, but you can see it if you look deep enough in the hole. Again, this is also no big deal, just giving you some nitpicking stuff, and a real review. Other than those two things, there's really no major things I can point out. The tone, sound, cosmetics, and price of this guitar, are all on POINT. You'll absolutely love it, like I do.
All of that being said, I would recommend this guitar to anyone that's thinking about buying it. It really is beautiful, great sounding, and exactly what I wanted/needed. Buy it now!
Musical Background:
10 years on guitar, and some odd years on drums, bass, keyboard, singing, etc
Musical Style:
Blues, Rock
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Submitted January 6, 2016 by Tammy S in Chapmanville, WV
"Smooth as silk"
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I have had standard Mexican Telecasters, but by far this is my keeper. The guitar itself is beautiful, one of the easiest necks I have ever gripped. You can get crispy tones and also beefy tones. You would thank the price would be much more once you see it in person. I highly recommend this guitar, you want be disappointed. I also give zZounds a five star rating for there payment plans.
Musical Background:
been playing guitars for 34 years
Musical Style:
Christian, praise and worship
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Submitted January 27, 2004 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Buy this guitar."
Look no further. This has everything you want. Country, blues, rock, jazz... you can even get a dang sweet metal crunch out of it. What more could you want???
Sound
This guitar is best played through a clean channel on a Fender Twin Reverb amp. It's a wonderful guitar that has a fat tone because of the humbuckers and a slight jazz feel to the timbre because of the semi-hollow body. If you're looking for a Fender but want versatility in sound, this is what you're looking for.
Features
The features on this guitar are pretty standard.
Quality
Fender has always made a good guitar and this one will last you a long time.
Value
This is one of the best guitars in terms of versatility and getting the best bang for your buck. It is definitely one of the best sounding guitars you'll play, and the price is generally lower than most Fenders.
Manufacturer Support
Fender is a huge company and so quality customer service can be hard to come by.
The Wow Factor
I LOVE THIS GUITAR.
Musical Style:
Singer/Songwriter
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Submitted March 9, 2013 by Bruce A in Charleston, WV
"72 Telecaster thinline classic series"
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This guitar is fantastic! Extremely versatile, nice warm sound. This guitar plays as nice as my Gibson ES 335.
Musical Background:
35 years
Musical Style:
Jazz
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Submitted November 18, 2008 by a customer from aol.com
Fender '72 Thinline Tele Customer Review
Since I've only played this guitar for about twenty minutes I really didnt get the full experience. But in that twenty minutes I played the best/most modestly priced guitar in my local guitar center.
Sound
Since I've only played this guitar for about twenty minutes I really didnt get the full experience. But in that twenty minutes I played the best/most modestly priced guitar in my local guitar center.
Features
The pickups are amazing on this guitar and the maple fretboard is so nice to play on.
Ease of Use
This guitar plays AMAZING. easy to use, and great for anyone with a little experience looking for a high quality guitar for a modest price.
Quality
This guitar is light but it is a very well made guitar. The finish on it was stunning, and the feel of the guitar when you pick it up is unmatched.
Value
This is the nicest guitar I found for a price under 900$ which was exactly my price range.
Manufacturer Support
I would not personally know about the service but Fender is an extremely well respected guitar company and all of my friends who own Fenders say that their customer service is good.
The Wow Factor
The "sex appeal" of this guitar comes from its stunning natural wood high gloss finish, and the nice semi-hollow body design. Also, the pickups give it a really sharp look overall.
Musical Background:
Avid musician
Musical Style:
acoutsic, blues, alternative
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Submitted August 1, 2008 by a customer from aol.com
"A GREAT BUY!!!"
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i will keep this guitar for my life it was a smart decision it has played up to my expectations and have been asked by multiple pro's if it ws original.
Sound
this guitar sounds great no matter what!!! Its great acoustically and plugged. gets great clean sounds and great distortion.
Features
great materials!! comes with classy pick guard and 2 humbuckers. I do wish it had a tremola bud its ok cause it just doesnt look like a whammy guitar.
Ease of Use
if u know how to set an amp good its very easy. there are 3 pickup settings and gets great sound of each
Quality
the kneck has a perfect headstock off set. very easy to string holds tune.. great natural wood finish. itfell 4 feet on the headstock/neck ad nothing happened. no dings i took it in to make sure it was ok and nothing broke. yes its mexican but not completely the wood is cut in the us and the humbuckers are assembled all the electronics are fender USA made but it is sent t mexico to be put togerher.
Value
great value easily a 1000 dollar guitar
Manufacturer Support
i havent had problems with this guitar but my old fenders electronics were on te fritz and was able to get new pickups in 4 days
Musical Background:
recording engineer
Musical Style:
southern rock, rock, jas, country guitar is great for all of this stuff
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Submitted March 10, 2015 by Ray Smith in BUCKEYE, AZ
"Great Guitar...No...fantastic guitar"
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At the time I bought this, I owned an Epiphone Custom P3 Riviera, an Epiphone B.B King, and was in the process of trying to sell my entry level Ibanez GRX20Z. Needless to say...something had to go. I advertised and sold the Custom P3.
The Thinline came in, and true to it's hype, it was just plain sweet. Any sound tou want could be created and the feel in my hands was awesome.
You can't go wrong with this guitar. I'm no great player, but I know quality when I feel it in my hands, and when I hear it being played. I didn't call support for anything, but I know Fender and don't have to worry about them
Musical Background:
Intermediate Guitarist. Played bass for over 35 years as a professional and still play, but not professionally
Musical Style:
Old Rock, Jazz, Blues, Jazz blues, Country, Old Standards
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Submitted December 29, 2014 by Ray Smith in BUCKEYE, AZ
"Beautiful"
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I opened up the box and there it was, just gleaming in it's natural finish. I picked it up and immediately noticed how light it was, but when I started playing it, what I noticed was not only could you make it sound like a traditional Telecaster, but could adjust the tone to play any type of music your heart desires, I play mostly jazz & blues and it gives me a nice sweet sound for both. I don't play "Hard" blues with the brash sounds, although this guitar could handle it. I prefer more of the jazz blues. This is just a great guitar
Musical Background:
I came out of retirement as a musician after 25 years away from it. I had been a bass guitarist for over 35 years.
Musical Style:
I play bass guitar and now learning lead guitar. As a bassist, I played Country, Classic Rock, Swing, and old standards.
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Submitted April 27, 2014 by Larry Merriweather in Fords , NJ
"Love my Telecaster "
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Great guitar.
Musical Background:
Guitar, Bass, Keyboards and Drums the
Musical Style:
All
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Submitted March 29, 2018 by Thomas c in Eastern , WA
"Sweeter than sweet"
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Nice Guitar...really nice. Very light weight and a chunky neck. The frets could be taller for me but it plays great. The pickups do the job. I ordered a blemished one....I think they screwed up. There is not a mark on this thing. Gorgeous ash body.
Musical Background:
Everything
Musical Style:
Blues , country or rock, bring it on.
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Submitted May 11, 2005 by a customer from aol.com
"1972 Fender Telecaster Thinline"
I love Fender guitars - it's all I'f play and I have a couple. To me Fender guitars are as shoes are to women, you can't ever have enough.
Sound
I am rather keen on the sound, rich and deep. As a devoted, vintage Stratocaster owner/player I never much cared for the Telecaster but became increasingly interested after reading a review by a player owning one so I tried it out.
Features
I was disappointed that the guitar was made in Mexico and as such came with NO additional supplies or material. However, I could not afford an actual 1969 or 72 Thinline so...
Quality
The ash body is beautiful and the pearl pick guard fabbie. I will say that on mine (noticed later in the light of day) that the F scroll was not completely finished. For now it's a bother but my grandson will probably say in 20 years it's relic.
Value
In short yes. It's a bloody Fender and I got it at a very reasonable price indeed.
Manufacturer Support
Portland Music Co. was very accomodating. I noticed the guitar at a another music store for $30 less and when I brought it to their attention refunded me the difference immediately. Wow.
The Wow Factor
My boss (a very discerning palate) thought it quite beautiful.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Blues
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Submitted August 23, 2010 by a customer from gmail.com
"Buy it!"
Sound
The sound would probably be more appreciated by Gibson 335 and Stratocaster lovers rather than pure telecaster.
It is really nice, warm and bluesy on the neck, "Under the bridge" like in the middle position and screaming more like a telecaster on the bridge.
Ease of Use
Very easy, holds the tune very well...even though I live in Hong Kong with average 90% humidity rate...
Quality
Seems really well made.
I had no grounding or buzzing or whatsoever issues.
Value
I think you would hardly find a better guitar for this price.
Looks and sounds awesome and its' really easy to plays.
Moreover you can play it unplugged still have a nice sound...i think this is very useful when you want to exercise but it is 3 am! :)
It's probably a great value for money.
Manufacturer Support
cannot tell, as I have no experience on it.
Musical Background:
hobbyist
Musical Style:
Old School Rock, Blues, jazz. Good music! From Lynard Skynard, to The Faces to Red Hot, Ben Harper ...
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Submitted November 3, 2008 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Nice axe"
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I have had inlast 8 years, Washburn 335, Gibson ES333, MIM Strat, USA Strat, Gibson Studio, Epi Joe Pass, Deluxe USA Tele, Dark MIM Tele,Johnson 335, Godin ? and a few others. Out of all these, I like the Thinline the best, still have the Godin and Johnson, play through a Crtae V33 212.
Sound
Great sound, like a mix of a Tele and a LP
Features
MIM guitars have no hand book, allen wrentch, etc.
Ease of Use
3 distinct sounds from 3 positions
Quality
Looks great except for the F hole finish. I had huge pickguard static, crackle so I had it shielded and as quite as a mouse. I highly recommend the shielding to the pickguard and routings.
Value
Good value as far as guitars are over priced these days because of mass production, machine made.
Manufacturer Support
Not yet
The Wow Factor
Sexy little girl
Musical Background:
Garage band
Musical Style:
Rock, blues, oldies
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Submitted July 27, 2014 by Rick Riner in Houston, TX
"sweet guitar!"
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this guitar was suggested to me by one of zZounds guitar guys, for my needs etc... I absolutely love this guitar! It is so versatile, I have a good Marshall amp and this thinline can deliver and sound I ask it to, country, rock, jazz, it does it all. It's semi light but solid, tuners are good, pickups are super sounding, had it a month and cant say one bad thing about it. If you want a expensive sound, and not spend the $, this is the guitar you want, you will love it!
Musical Background:
intermediate, jam at home, with friends, entertainment
Musical Style:
rock, country, jazz, whatever..
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Submitted July 21, 2014 by Richard Riner in Houston, TX
"Awesome!"
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I love this guitar, it is just what I was looking for, I play rock and country and play around with some other stuff. I have a good marshall amp and this guitar can produce any sound I want, it is so versatile, light yet solid, it sounds great no matter what I play. The tone is beautiful, good pick ups, I don't have huge hands and this neck fits just fine. I highly recommend if you don't want to spend thousands but want to sound like you did..
Musical Background:
intermediate, jam at home, with friends, entertainment
Musical Style:
country, rock, blues,
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Submitted November 30, 2011
"AMAZING. that about sums it up"
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if you want a good guitar, BUY THIS ONE
Sound
flat out awesome. Seriously the best sounding guitar ive ever played, especially through a Fender Blues Deluxe.
Features
Wood sounds great, humbuckers are great.. amazing
Ease of Use
Plays beautifully, sounds amazing
Quality
cant go wrong with Fender
Value
The best guitar you can get for this price, if you have the money for something more expensive, save it and get this.
Manufacturer Support
Fender all the way
The Wow Factor
Great playability, amazing tone, nice looks, what else do you need?
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Submitted August 23, 2009 by a customer from aol.com
"The nicest surprise I've had in a long, long time."
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I plan on owning this guitar until I hand it down to one of my grandchildren. (Thank God that should be a long, long time from now). I looked at a lot of other Fender Telecasters and quit-frankly the price and the humbuckers were the deciding factors. I figured if I didn't like the pickups I'd replace them with Gibson 57 humbuckers. Now, after playing this guitar I don't fell the need to replace them. I would definitely replace this guitar with the exact same type of guitar in a heart beat.
Sound
This guitar has a great clean sound and you can get a pretty nice snarl out of it as well. I wasn't to sure about ordering one, because no one seems to know what kind of humbucker pick-ups it has. I was extremely pleased with it when it arrived. It is one of my favorite guitars and I own Strat's, Les Paul's, SG's, Hammers, Carvins etc.
Features
It's a strait forward no frills kind of guitar and I like that about it.
Ease of Use
This guitar is very user friendly. It takes no time at all to get a fantastic clean sound out of it. I use Marshall and Line 6 amps. It's just as easy to get an over driven sound out of it as well. Although, I use my Les Paul Studio and SG for the rough stuff.
Quality
I was and have been amazed at the quality of this guitar right out of the box. I set-up all of my guitars my self and always have. This is the first guitar I have ever bought that I haven't had to do a single thing to. The intonation was dead on, the action was perfect. Everything from nut to wiring was set to go. I was extremely pleased.
Value
I don't like to type this but, I think this guitar is worth a lot more than I paid for it.
Manufacturer Support
I can't rate this, as I have never had to use the support system set in place by Fender.
The Wow Factor
This is a beautiful looking guitar. I got the natural finish. It is the most comfortable guitar I own. Truly, from it's weight to the feel of the neck, I'd rather be playing this guitar than any of my other guitars. I play the others only when I am in need of their individual sound.
Musical Background:
Active Musician - Audio Engineer
Musical Style:
Contemporary Christian, Blues, Rock, Jazz etc.
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Submitted March 8, 2006
"A great guitar that grows with the player."
Fantastic guitar, great for a beginner whose serious about getting into playing. It will grow with you, and allow you to venture into all different types of styles and playing.
Sound
The sound from this is soo versitle. I play rock, and blues mainly. The only thing I've had problems with is a really heavy tone, but if you're in a death metal band the look of the guitar probably already put you off. I'd say it excels with blues and country. It has a great trebley tone, very twangy.
I have a carvin 100 watt tube amp, and it sounds quite good through its clean channel, but I actually prefer it through my Blues Jr. for a distorted tone.
Features
Pickup switch, tone, and volume. This was my first guitar, and the simplicity is what drew me to it. What more can you ask for?
Ease of Use
My only complaint is the fretboard finish. I think all maple boards are like this, so its not specific to this guitar, but the finish kinda slows my playing down. Its a very minor gripe though, and not a huge deal.
Quality
It's held up for 5 years, and is going strong. I gave it a good bang when dropping it on a stair corner. It chipped the finish, but sounds fine, and no electronics are rattling around. It's certainly more than gig worthy. I guess I'd like smoother tuners, but it keeps tune so I'm fine with them.
Value
I was put off by it being made in Mexico, but my friends American made Strat is in worse off shape than mine. Plus, there's nothing wrong with it. It's a quality product at a reasonable price.
Manufacturer Support
Never dealt with them.
The Wow Factor
I love the finish, and the shape. I don't like the pearl pickguard though. Someday I'll paint it, or replace it.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Blues
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