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  1. News

Fender Roadworn 72 Telecaster Custom: First look

By Matthew Parker
published 8 March 2010

The guitar
List of things we could sell to raise the cash: old amp, computer, kidneys(?)

The guitar

Here’s a 'first look' at one of the most desirable planks of wood TG has seen in the past few months, the Fender Roadworn 72 Telecaster Custom.

It’s a Mexican-made custom model that features a three-position switch, a Wide Range humbucker (at the neck), an ‘ashtray’ bridge and retro ‘top hat’ tone pots. However, the most striking feature of this guitar is the Roadworn ‘ageing’, which seems a little more accomplished and realistic than Fender’s earlier efforts.

Finally, the ‘nitro’ finish is a nice touch and it causes the cool hairline cracks that appear all over the guitar’s body. If - like most of the TG and Guitarist team members - you decide that owning one of these is a higher priority than paying your rent, expect to fork-out upwards of £660.

Keep an eye out for a review in a future TG.

View more First Look posts

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
The body
Artificial ageing can split opinion, but this guitar does it very well...

The body

Here’s a 'first look' at one of the most desirable planks of wood TG has seen in the past few months, the Fender Roadworn 72 Telecaster Custom.

It’s a Mexican-made custom model that features a three-position switch, a Wide Range humbucker (at the neck), an ‘ashtray’ bridge and retro ‘top hat’ tone pots. However, the most striking feature of this guitar is the Roadworn ‘ageing’, which seems a little more accomplished and realistic than Fender’s earlier efforts.

Finally, the ‘nitro’ finish is a nice touch and it causes the cool hairline cracks that appear all over the guitar’s body. If - like most of the TG and Guitarist team members - you decide that owning one of these is a higher priority than paying your rent, expect to fork-out upwards of £660.

Keep an eye out for a review in a future TG.

View more First Look posts

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
The body (reverse)
Note the authentic 'belt buckle wear' patch.

The body (reverse)

Here’s a 'first look' at one of the most desirable planks of wood TG has seen in the past few months, the Fender Roadworn 72 Telecaster Custom.

It’s a Mexican-made custom model that features a three-position switch, a Wide Range humbucker (at the neck), an ‘ashtray’ bridge and retro ‘top hat’ tone pots. However, the most striking feature of this guitar is the Roadworn ‘ageing’, which seems a little more accomplished and realistic than Fender’s earlier efforts.

Finally, the ‘nitro’ finish is a nice touch and it causes the cool hairline cracks that appear all over the guitar’s body. If - like most of the TG and Guitarist team members - you decide that owning one of these is a higher priority than paying your rent, expect to fork-out upwards of £660.

Keep an eye out for a review in a future TG.

View more First Look posts

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
The headstock
We hate to admit it, but that 'custom' tag does have a certain appeal.

The headstock

Here’s a 'first look' at one of the most desirable planks of wood TG has seen in the past few months, the Fender Roadworn 72 Telecaster Custom.

It’s a Mexican-made custom model that features a three-position switch, a Wide Range humbucker (at the neck), an ‘ashtray’ bridge and retro ‘top hat’ tone pots. However, the most striking feature of this guitar is the Roadworn ‘ageing’, which seems a little more accomplished and realistic than Fender’s earlier efforts.

Finally, the ‘nitro’ finish is a nice touch and it causes the cool hairline cracks that appear all over the guitar’s body. If - like most of the TG and Guitarist team members - you decide that owning one of these is a higher priority than paying your rent, expect to fork-out upwards of £660.

Keep an eye out for a review in a future TG.

View more First Look posts

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
The volume and tone pots
This tele has individual tone and volume controls for each of its pickups

The volume and tone pots

Here’s a 'first look' at one of the most desirable planks of wood TG has seen in the past few months, the Fender Roadworn 72 Telecaster Custom.

It’s a Mexican-made custom model that features a three-position switch, a Wide Range humbucker (at the neck), an ‘ashtray’ bridge and retro ‘top hat’ tone pots. However, the most striking feature of this guitar is the Roadworn ‘ageing’, which seems a little more accomplished and realistic than Fender’s earlier efforts.

Finally, the ‘nitro’ finish is a nice touch and it causes the cool hairline cracks that appear all over the guitar’s body. If - like most of the TG and Guitarist team members - you decide that owning one of these is a higher priority than paying your rent, expect to fork-out upwards of £660.

Keep an eye out for a review in a future TG.

View more First Look posts

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
The neck pickup
This is Fender's Wide Range humbucker

The neck pickup

Here’s a 'first look' at one of the most desirable planks of wood TG has seen in the past few months, the Fender Roadworn 72 Telecaster Custom.

It’s a Mexican-made custom model that features a three-position switch, a Wide Range humbucker (at the neck), an ‘ashtray’ bridge and retro ‘top hat’ tone pots. However, the most striking feature of this guitar is the Roadworn ‘ageing’, which seems a little more accomplished and realistic than Fender’s earlier efforts.

Finally, the ‘nitro’ finish is a nice touch and it causes the cool hairline cracks that appear all over the guitar’s body. If - like most of the TG and Guitarist team members - you decide that owning one of these is a higher priority than paying your rent, expect to fork-out upwards of £660.

Keep an eye out for a review in a future TG.

View more First Look posts

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
The bridge pickup
And there is a traditional Tele singlecoil in the bridge position

The bridge pickup

Here’s a 'first look' at one of the most desirable planks of wood TG has seen in the past few months, the Fender Roadworn 72 Telecaster Custom.

It’s a Mexican-made custom model that features a three-position switch, a Wide Range humbucker (at the neck), an ‘ashtray’ bridge and retro ‘top hat’ tone pots. However, the most striking feature of this guitar is the Roadworn ‘ageing’, which seems a little more accomplished and realistic than Fender’s earlier efforts.

Finally, the ‘nitro’ finish is a nice touch and it causes the cool hairline cracks that appear all over the guitar’s body. If - like most of the TG and Guitarist team members - you decide that owning one of these is a higher priority than paying your rent, expect to fork-out upwards of £660.

Keep an eye out for a review in a future TG.

View more First Look posts

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
Matthew Parker
Matthew Parker
Social Links Navigation

Matt is a freelance journalist who has spent the last decade interviewing musicians for the likes of Total Guitar, Guitarist, Guitar World, MusicRadar, NME.com, DJ Mag and Electronic Sound. In 2020, he launched CreativeMoney.co.uk, which aims to share the ideas that make creative lifestyles more sustainable. He plays guitar, but should not be allowed near your delay pedals.

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