Fender Telecaster Bass 1969
Originally launched in 1968, the Fender Telecaster Bass was a reissue of the original 1951 Precision Bass, introduced to re-establish the early slab-body design with its signature single-coil pickup and classic slab aesthetics. This 1969 model predates the 1971 update, which featured a larger humbucking pickup.
This particular example has been refinished in a now nicely aged Olympic White nitrocellulose lacquer and has had Stratocaster-style body contours added. It also has a routing for a Jazz Bass style pickup, which is clearly visible in the photos. All hardware is original. Pots have been replaced, the original single-coil pickup is dated 1969, and the neck is dated 1968.
Playability has been enhanced with a modern jumbo fret refret, and the bass plays beautifully with excellent resonance. Weight is lovely and light at 4250g. It includes its original Fender export case.
Famous users of the Telecaster Bass include Dusty Hill of ZZ Top, who favored the early single-coil models, and Paul Simonon of The Clash, who played a later version. The single-coil Telecaster Bass delivers bright, articulate tones with vintage bite—ideal for rock, roots, and punk.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Body: Ash (most commonly), slab-style, refinished in Olympic White nitro
- Body Contours: Modified with added Strat-style forearm and belly contours
- Neck: One-piece maple, skunk stripe, large Tele-style headstock
- Neck Finish: Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
- Scale Length: 34″ (864 mm)
- Frets: Replaced with modern jumbo frets
- Pickup: Single-coil, original, dated 1969
- Controls: Volume, tone (pots replaced)
- Bridge: Original 2-saddle string-through-body bridge
- Tuners: Original cloverleaf reverse-wind tuners
- Pickguard: Black 1-ply
- Weight: 4250g
- Case: Original Fender export case included
