The 2006 Fender USA 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster in Natural is a special commemorative electric guitar celebrating six decades of Fender craftsmanship and innovation. Produced as part of an exclusive limited run of just 1,000 instruments worldwide, this American-made Telecaster combines early-1950s styling, premium tonewoods and carefully selected vintage-inspired appointments with distinctive anniversary detailing.

Built around a premium ash body with a transparent nitrocellulose lacquer finish, this limited-edition Telecaster showcases the natural beauty of the wood while paying tribute to the earliest Fender solid-body electric guitars. Its one-piece maple neck, vintage 7.25-inch fingerboard radius and traditional three-saddle bridge provide the familiar playing experience associated with early Telecaster designs.

At the heart of the instrument are two Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster single-coil pickups, designed to capture the bright attack, muscular midrange and expressive response associated with Fender's earliest electric guitars. These are complemented by vintage-style controls and a traditional string-through-body bridge with brass saddles.

One of the model's most distinctive features is its 60th Anniversary Diamond emblem, created using decorative wood inlays on the front of the body. Combined with an individually numbered commemorative neck plate, this gives the guitar a visual identity that distinguishes it from standard production Telecasters.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 7.76 lbs (approximately 3.52kg) and comes complete with a hardcase.

For players and collectors seeking an American-made Fender Telecaster with traditional Nocaster-inspired tone, striking Natural ash construction and genuine limited-edition heritage, this 60th Anniversary model offers a particularly appealing opportunity.

At A Glance

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This Fender USA 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

The Natural finish highlights the character of its ash body, while the traditional black pickguard, maple neck and vintage-style hardware give the instrument an unmistakably early-Fender appearance.

The decorative anniversary inlay is an important part of the model's visual identity, distinguishing it from more conventional natural-finish Telecasters.

Specific scratches, finish marks, hardware wear or other cosmetic imperfections have not been individually documented. Customers should carefully study the product photographs to assess the individual cosmetic condition of this guitar.

Limited-Edition Identification

The 2006 Fender 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster was produced in a numbered run of 1,000 instruments.

The model features an individually numbered commemorative neck plate and a distinctive 60th Anniversary wood-inlay emblem on the body.

The individual production number and serial number of this particular guitar have not been supplied and should be confirmed from its markings before publication.

Weight

This provides a comfortable, balanced weight for an ash-bodied electric guitar, making it suitable for rehearsals, recording and extended performances.

Hardcase Included

A hardcase is supplied with this instrument, providing useful protection for storage and transportation.

The original factory package for this model included a special 60th Anniversary case; however, the hardcase accompanying this individual example has not been confirmed as the original commemorative case.

What's Included

• Fender USA 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster Natural

• Hardcase

No additional accessories, case candy, certificates, bridge cover or original documentation have been confirmed.

Originality & Modifications

The guitar has been identified as the 2006 limited-edition model. Its factory specification includes Custom Shop '51 Nocaster pickups, a vintage-style bridge, Fender/Gotoh tuners and commemorative details.

The originality of each individual component and any historical modifications have not been independently documented. These should be confirmed through an inspection of the instrument if full collector-grade originality is to be stated.

Service & Setup

A vintage-specification Telecaster such as this features an adjustable truss rod, bridge saddles and conventional passive electronics, allowing appropriate adjustments to action, neck relief and intonation. The three-saddle bridge requires a slightly different approach to intonation from a modern six-saddle Telecaster, while the 7.25-inch fingerboard radius and vintage-style frets should be considered when selecting the preferred playing action. Individual setup measurements and test results have not been supplied. Please note that guitar setups can naturally change over time due to fluctuations in humidity, temperature and environmental conditions, which may affect neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

• 2006 Fender Diamond Anniversary Model: Celebrates 60 years of Fender, founded in 1946.

• Limited Production of 1,000: A distinctive, numbered American-made commemorative Telecaster.

• Premium Ash Body: Traditional Fender tonewood with attractive natural grain.

• Natural Nitrocellulose Finish: Thin lacquer finish designed to showcase the body wood.

• Decorative Diamond Anniversary Inlay: Multi-wood commemorative emblem on the front of the body.

• One-Piece Maple Neck: Vintage-inspired construction with a traditional U-shaped profile.

• 7.25-Inch Fingerboard Radius: Classic early-Fender playing feel.

• 21 Vintage-Style Frets: Traditional Telecaster specification.

• Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster Pickups: Authentic early-1950s-inspired single-coil tones.

• Vintage-Style Three-Saddle Bridge: Traditional brass saddles and string-through-body design.

• Fender/Gotoh Vintage-Style Tuners: Classic appearance and traditional tuning operation.

• Black Single-Ply Pickguard: Faithful early-Telecaster styling.

• Numbered Anniversary Neck Plate: Distinctive limited-edition identification.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: Attractive presentation with light signs of previous use.

• Hardcase Included: Protection for storage and transportation.

Why You'll Love It

The Fender 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster is particularly special because it combines the familiar simplicity of an early-1950s Telecaster with commemorative craftsmanship and a genuinely limited production run.

The premium ash body, one-piece maple neck and vintage-specification hardware create a direct connection to Fender's earliest solid-body electric guitars, while the Custom Shop '51 Nocaster pickups provide the expressive tone that has made these instruments so influential.

The Natural nitrocellulose finish is another major attraction, allowing the character and grain of the ash body to remain visible rather than being concealed beneath a solid colour.

For collectors, the individually numbered anniversary design and distinctive decorative wood inlay offer additional interest. For players, the straightforward two-pickup electronics and responsive vintage-style construction deliver a traditional Telecaster experience.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Premium Ash Body & Natural Nitrocellulose Finish

The body is constructed from premium ash, a wood closely associated with Fender's earliest Telecaster designs. Ash is particularly appreciated for its clear attack, strong note definition and lively response, making it well suited to the direct, articulate sound of a traditional Telecaster. The transparent Natural finish allows the grain to remain clearly visible, while the factory's thin nitrocellulose lacquer specification creates a more traditional appearance and feel than many modern high-build finishes. The combination gives the instrument a distinctly vintage-inspired character without obscuring the beauty of the underlying wood.

Exclusive 60th Anniversary Wood Inlay

One of the most distinctive features of this limited edition is its decorative Diamond Anniversary emblem, created using contrasting wood inlays on the front of the guitar. The commemorative design incorporates mahogany, cocobolo, maple and rosewood, creating a visual tribute to Fender's 60-year history. Unlike a conventional printed decal, the inlaid emblem forms part of the body decoration, making it an immediately recognisable feature of the model. Together with the commemorative neck plate, this detail gives the instrument additional collector appeal.

One-Piece Maple Neck & Vintage U Profile

The 2006 limited-edition Telecaster features a one-piece maple neck with a vintage-inspired U-shaped profile and nitrocellulose lacquer finish. This construction pays tribute to the substantial neck shapes associated with Fender's early electric guitars, offering a reassuring feel that can be particularly rewarding for players who prefer more traditional neck dimensions. The maple fingerboard provides a bright, direct playing response, while the familiar 25.5-inch scale length contributes to the strong articulation and string definition characteristic of the Telecaster design.

7.25-Inch Fingerboard Radius & Vintage Frets

The fingerboard has a traditional 7.25-inch radius with 21 vintage-style frets, closely reflecting the specifications used on many early Fender instruments. The relatively rounded fingerboard profile can feel particularly comfortable for chord playing and traditional rhythm techniques, while the vintage-style fret dimensions offer a different playing experience from modern tall or medium-jumbo frets. Players who favour extremely low action and wide string bends may prefer a suitably adjusted setup to accommodate the instrument's traditional fingerboard geometry.

Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster Pickups

The Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster pickups are a highlight of this model, designed to capture the distinctive character of Fender's earliest Telecaster-style instruments. The bridge pickup delivers the bright attack, detailed articulation and strong midrange bite associated with traditional Telecaster twang, making it particularly effective for country, blues and vintage rock. The neck pickup provides a warmer, rounder sound suitable for melodic lead playing and expressive clean tones. Together, they offer the unmistakable combination of clarity, responsiveness and character that continues to define vintage-inspired Fender electric guitars.

Vintage-Style Pickup Switching

The original factory specification of this limited-edition Telecaster used vintage-style Nocaster wiring, rather than necessarily following the conventional modern Telecaster switching arrangement. This period-inspired system provides a distinctive selection of pickup sounds designed to reflect early Fender electric guitar circuitry. Since older-style Telecaster wiring is sometimes modified by owners to provide more familiar modern pickup combinations, the actual switching configuration on this individual guitar should be confirmed before making claims about its precise current wiring.

Traditional Three-Saddle Telecaster Bridge

The guitar's factory bridge is a vintage-style Telecaster design featuring three brass saddles and through-body string anchoring. Brass saddles are strongly associated with early Fender tone and provide a characteristic attack and sustain, while the traditional bridge assembly contributes to the instrument's recognisable appearance. The original package also included an ashtray-style bridge cover, although that accessory has not been confirmed as present with this example. The three-saddle arrangement offers classic styling and tone, with intonation adjusted across paired strings.

Vintage-Style Fender/Gotoh Tuning Machines

Fender/Gotoh vintage-style tuning machines complement the guitar's early-1950s aesthetic while providing a familiar and straightforward tuning arrangement. Their traditional design works particularly well with the one-piece maple neck, black pickguard and three-saddle bridge, maintaining the instrument's cohesive vintage appearance. For musicians accustomed to classic Fender guitars, this hardware offers an instantly recognisable feel, while careful string installation and appropriate nut maintenance can help support reliable tuning performance.

Limited-Edition American Craftsmanship

Manufactured in the United States as part of Fender's 2006 Diamond Anniversary celebrations, this special-run Telecaster combines vintage-inspired features with commemorative appointments unavailable on most standard production instruments. The original limited run of 1,000 guitars, decorative wood inlay and individually numbered neck plate distinguish it from conventional ash-bodied Telecasters. For enthusiasts of Fender history, the model provides an interesting connection to the company's earliest solid-body designs and its development into one of the most influential electric guitar manufacturers.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Fender Enthusiasts: An excellent choice for players who appreciate early-1950s Telecaster specifications, traditional hardware and Nocaster-inspired pickups.

Collectors: The limited run of 1,000 instruments, numbered neck plate and unique Diamond Anniversary inlay make this an interesting commemorative model.

Blues Guitarists: Responsive single-coil pickups and traditional Fender construction suit expressive lead playing and dynamic amplifier overdrive.

Country Guitarists: The vintage-style bridge and Nocaster bridge pickup offer the articulate attack associated with classic Telecaster country tones.

Classic Rock Players: Strong midrange character and natural pickup response work particularly well with valve amplifiers and overdrive pedals.

Recording Musicians: An excellent source of distinctive Fender single-coil sounds for rhythm guitar, melodic parts and vintage-inspired arrangements.

Playing Styles & Applications

The 60th Anniversary Telecaster is well suited to blues, country, rockabilly, classic rock, rhythm and blues, indie, soul and vintage-inspired guitar music.

The bridge pickup delivers the clear attack and bite required for articulate rhythm playing, while the neck pickup offers warmer sounds for melodic passages and expressive clean guitar.

Combined with a responsive valve amplifier, the guitar can produce a wide range of traditional Fender tones, from bright cleans to gritty blues and classic rock overdrive.

Its simplicity makes it particularly appealing in the recording studio, where a traditional Telecaster can provide strong note definition and a distinctive tonal contrast to humbucker-equipped instruments.

How It Compares

60th Anniversary Limited Edition vs Fender American Vintage '52 Telecaster

Both models draw inspiration from Fender's earliest Telecaster specifications, sharing traditional styling, maple-neck construction and vintage-style hardware. The 60th Anniversary Limited Edition distinguishes itself through its exclusive commemorative wood inlay, numbered production run and special anniversary appointments. Players seeking a traditional 1950s Telecaster experience may enjoy either model, while collectors interested in commemorative instruments may find the limited-edition anniversary version particularly attractive.

60th Anniversary Limited Edition vs Fender American Standard Telecaster

The American Standard Telecaster generally offers more contemporary specifications, including a flatter fingerboard radius, updated hardware and a more modern neck profile. The 60th Anniversary Limited Edition focuses on traditional Fender characteristics, including the 7.25-inch radius, vintage-style frets, U-shaped neck and three-saddle bridge. The choice largely depends on whether the player prioritises vintage accuracy or modern playing convenience.

60th Anniversary Limited Edition vs Fender Custom Shop Nocaster

A Fender Custom Shop Nocaster is designed to recreate the details and playing experience of an early Fender solid-body electric guitar, often offering additional custom specifications and ageing options. The 60th Anniversary Limited Edition delivers many traditional Nocaster-inspired characteristics through its Custom Shop pickups, ash body and vintage hardware, while adding unique commemorative details. Players seeking a specific Custom Shop recreation may favour the Nocaster, whereas those drawn to limited-production Fender anniversary models may prefer this edition.

Fender's 60th Anniversary Heritage

Fender's story began in 1946, when Leo Fender established the company that would help transform the design of electric guitars and amplification.

The early solid-body instruments developed by Fender fundamentally changed popular music, offering reliable construction, distinctive single-coil tones and straightforward designs that could withstand the demands of professional performance.

The Telecaster emerged in the early 1950s and quickly became one of the most influential electric guitars ever produced, establishing a design that remains recognisable more than seven decades later.

In 2006, Fender celebrated its Diamond Anniversary with a range of commemorative instruments, including this special limited-edition Telecaster.

Produced in a run of just 1,000, the model combines traditional Telecaster construction with special anniversary detailing, celebrating both the company's history and the enduring appeal of its earliest electric guitars.

Technical Specifications

The following specifications relate to the 2006 Fender USA 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster Natural, rather than other Fender 60th Anniversary Telecaster models.

Power Requirements

The Fender 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster uses passive single-coil pickups and conventional guitar electronics.

No batteries or external power supply are required.

The guitar connects to a suitable amplifier, effects processor or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

🎵 Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict ★★★★★

The 2006 Fender USA 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster Natural is a particularly appealing instrument that combines traditional early-Fender design with genuine commemorative significance.

Its premium ash body, thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish and one-piece maple neck provide a distinctly vintage-inspired playing experience, while the Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster pickups deliver the articulate, dynamic single-coil character that makes classic Telecasters so desirable.

The multi-wood Diamond Anniversary emblem is a standout feature, adding a distinctive visual detail without compromising the simplicity of the original Telecaster design.

With just 1,000 examples produced, this model is also of particular interest to Fender collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate limited-production American instruments.

This particular guitar is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 7.76 lbs and includes a hardcase.

Best Suited For: Vintage Fender enthusiasts, experienced guitarists, collectors and musicians seeking authentic early-1950s-inspired Telecaster tones.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Fender Player and American Standard Telecasters, conventional modern Telecasters and other vintage-inspired single-coil instruments.

Most Commonly Paired With: Fender Deluxe Reverb and Princeton-style amplifiers, low-gain overdrive pedals, spring reverb and analogue delay.

Our Tip: Explore the bridge pickup through a clean or lightly driven valve amplifier to appreciate its clear attack and vintage Telecaster character. Experiment with the guitar's tone control and amplifier EQ before introducing additional effects.

Showroom Advice: When considering a limited-edition Fender, the original electronics, numbered neck plate and commemorative accessories are particularly important details to establish. We recommend confirming these with the individual instrument before treating it as a fully original collector-grade example.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Fender 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to own a distinctive American-made commemorative instrument from Fender's history.

Our experienced team understands the importance of clear condition descriptions, accurate model identification and transparent information about original components when presenting premium and collectable guitars.

This particular guitar is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and includes a hardcase.

For guitarists and collectors interested in special Fender models, purchasing pre-owned instruments can also provide access to limited editions that are no longer available through normal production.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

As Birmingham's largest independent music store, we specialise in new, used, vintage and collectable musical instruments, amplifiers, effects pedals and accessories.

Our experienced, musician-led team provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers understand the features, specifications and condition of individual instruments.

Customers benefit from our established reputation, competitive pricing, secure online ordering, UK delivery options and our Birmingham showroom.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including vintage Fender guitars, modern electric and acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers and effects pedals.

Your existing instrument could help towards the cost of this Fender 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year is this Fender 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster?

The Natural-finish limited-edition model was produced in 2006 as part of Fender's Diamond Anniversary celebrations.

How many were made?

Fender produced a limited run of 1,000 examples of this commemorative Telecaster.

Was this guitar made in the USA?

Yes. The 2006 60th Anniversary Limited Edition Telecaster was manufactured in the United States.

What condition is this example in?

It is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does it come with a hardcase?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The included case has not been confirmed as the original commemorative Fender case.

What wood is the body made from?

The guitar features a premium ash body.

What finish does it have?

The factory specification is a transparent Natural nitrocellulose lacquer finish.

Does the guitar have a solid maple neck?

Yes. The model features a one-piece maple neck and fingerboard.

What neck profile does it have?

The factory specification features a vintage-inspired U-shaped neck.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The fingerboard has a traditional 7.25-inch radius.

How many frets does it have?

It features 21 vintage-style frets.

What pickups are fitted?

The original factory specification includes two Fender Custom Shop '51 Nocaster single-coil pickups.

Are the pickups original to this guitar?

Custom Shop '51 Nocaster pickups are the correct factory specification, but the originality of the pickups fitted to this particular instrument has not been independently confirmed.

What is special about the anniversary inlay?

The model features a decorative Diamond Anniversary emblem made using contrasting wood inlays, commemorating 60 years of Fender.

Does it have a numbered neck plate?

Yes. The model was produced with an individually numbered commemorative neck plate.

What is this guitar's production number?

The individual production number has not been supplied.

Does it have a three-saddle bridge?

The factory specification includes a vintage-style Telecaster bridge with three brass saddles.

What is the scale length?

It uses Fender's traditional 25.5-inch scale length.

How much does the guitar weigh?

This particular example weighs 7.76 lbs, approximately 3.52kg.

Is it suitable for blues guitar?

Yes. Its Nocaster-style pickups and traditional construction make it particularly effective for expressive blues and blues-rock playing.

Is it suitable for country music?

Yes. Its articulate bridge pickup, vintage bridge and traditional Telecaster response make it especially well suited to country guitar.

What is the difference between this and a regular Telecaster?

The 60th Anniversary Limited Edition combines premium ash construction, a nitrocellulose finish, vintage specifications, Custom Shop pickups and special commemorative detailing in a numbered production run.

Is this the same as the 2011 60th Anniversary Telecaster?

No. The 2006 model commemorates Fender's founding in 1946, while the 2011 anniversary models celebrate 60 years of the Telecaster itself.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this Fender?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers electric guitars, acoustic guitars, amplifiers and other musical equipment for part exchange.