While the Standard Telecaster reigns as one of the most popular solidbody guitars of all time, Fender’s humbucker-equipped Telecaster variations—like the Custom and Deluxe, both introduced in 1972—have more of a cult following. However, both models have found favor with great players who don’t always run with the herd. Keith Richards is one of a handful of guitarists who adopted the Telecaster Custom and its unique humbucker neck/single-coil bridge configuration, while Thom Yorke, Lee Ranaldo and Dave Grohl count among the dual-humbucker Telecaster Deluxe’s devoted fans.

Fender recently added Telecaster Custom and Deluxe models to its expanding, popular line of Road Worn guitars, which have the aged look and worn-in feel of a well-loved battle-ax. Both models are relatively accurate reproductions of the original versions, but they sell for three to four times less than what you’d pay for their vintage counterparts.



Keith Richards fans are certain to gravitate toward the Road Worn Telecaster Custom, which looks almost identical to the black 1975 Tele Custom that he often plays in concert. While previous Road Worn models have included several modern “hot-rodded” enhancements, those modifications are absent and missed on the Tele Custom. Fender opted for vintage-style frets, which are lower profiled, thinner and an acquired taste along with the Custom’s 7 1/2–inch curved radius, but then again, this ax is for players who are already familiar with vintage guitars. The single-coil Tele bridge pickup provides more jangle than twang, but the neck humbucker is a welcome addition that gives added punch to open G–tuning rhythms.

The Deluxe has medium jumbo frets, but they are a little on the small side. However, the flatter 12-inch radius feels good under the fingers. The pair of humbuckers gives the guitar attractive fat tone that’s almost like single-coil P90 pickups but with a little more weight. This is a great guitar for pounding out “wall of sound” rhythms (no wonder so many rhythm guitarists have leaned toward this model), but it also holds its own quite nicely for lead players who desire bold, aggressive tones for solos.

I’m not sure why Fender decided to revive the much-disparaged three-bolt Micro-Tilt neck mounting design, but the neck felt solid and secure throughout my trials, and the tonal benefits outweigh the initial set-up hassles.