The 2016 Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline in Natural takes the unmistakable Telecaster formula and combines it with semi-hollow construction, premium American Elite appointments and a highly refined modern neck design.

Built in the USA around a semi-hollow ash body with traditional F-hole, the American Elite Thinline offers more acoustic resonance and noticeably less weight than a typical solid-body Telecaster while retaining the familiar attack and clarity players expect from the design.

A pair of Fender 4th Generation Noiseless Tele pickups delivers classic Tele-style snap and definition with significantly reduced unwanted hum, while the integrated S-1 switch adds an additional series pickup sound for a thicker, higher-output alternative to the standard parallel middle position.

The maple neck features Fender’s sophisticated compound Modern “C” to “D” profile, combined with a 9.5"–14" compound-radius maple fingerboard, 22 medium-jumbo frets and an asymmetrical heel for excellent upper-register access.

This Pre-Owned example is finished in Natural, is in Very Good condition, weighs an exceptionally manageable 6.3 lbs, carries serial number US16056934, and includes a hardcase.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	Fender
Model	American Elite Telecaster Thinline
Year	2016
Serial Number	US16056934
Country	USA
Finish	Natural
Body	Semi-Hollow Ash
Fingerboard	Maple
Pickups	4th Generation Noiseless Tele
Weight	6.3 lbs
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned
Case	Hardcase Included

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned 2016 Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline in Very Good condition.

The Very Good condition grade reflects an instrument that has been well cared for overall while showing the light signs of previous use expected from a Pre-Owned guitar.

Serial number: US16056934.

This individual guitar weighs just 6.3 lbs, making it notably light for a full-size electric guitar.

A hardcase is included.

KEY FEATURES

• Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline

• 2016 USA production

• Natural finish

• Semi-hollow ash body

• Traditional F-hole

• Bolt-on maple neck

• Maple fingerboard

• Compound Modern “C” to “D” neck profile

• 9.5"–14" compound fingerboard radius

• 25.5" scale length

• 22 medium-jumbo frets

• Rolled fingerboard edges

• Synthetic bone nut

• 4th Generation Noiseless Tele neck pickup

• 4th Generation Noiseless Tele bridge pickup

• 3-way pickup selector

• S-1 switching

• Master Volume

• No-Load Master Tone

• Elite Suspension Bridge

• Deluxe locking tuners

• Heel-mounted spoke-wheel truss rod adjustment

• Asymmetrical neck heel

• Chrome hardware

• Actual measured weight of 6.3 lbs

• Very Good Pre-Owned condition

• Hardcase included

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

The American Elite Telecaster Thinline manages to retain the directness and attack of a Telecaster while feeling considerably more refined than a traditional vintage-spec model.

Its semi-hollow ash body adds extra air and resonance while also helping bring this individual guitar down to an excellent 6.3 lbs.

The compound neck profile and compound fingerboard radius are equally important. The neck feels comfortably rounded towards the lower frets but gradually becomes more performance-oriented as you move higher up the fingerboard.

Combined with Noiseless pickups and S-1 switching, this makes the American Elite Thinline equally comfortable handling traditional Telecaster sounds or more modern stage and studio work.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Semi-Hollow Ash Body

The American Elite Thinline uses a semi-hollow ash body, reducing weight and adding acoustic resonance compared with a conventional solid Telecaster.

The traditional F-hole gives the guitar its unmistakable Thinline appearance.

Natural Finish

The Natural finish works particularly well with the ash construction, allowing the grain of the body to remain an important part of the guitar’s appearance.

It gives this model a clean, understated look that suits the Thinline design beautifully.

Made in USA

The American Elite range represented Fender’s premium production line before the introduction of the American Ultra series.

This example carries serial number US16056934, consistent with 2016 USA production.

Compound Neck Profile

The maple neck uses Fender’s compound back shape, beginning with a Modern “C” profile towards the nut and gradually transitioning towards a Modern “D” shape further up the neck.

This gives comfortable support for chord work lower down while creating a flatter, faster feel in the upper register.

Maple Fingerboard

The maple fingerboard provides a crisp, immediate playing feel and complements the Natural ash body particularly well visually.

9.5"–14" Compound Radius

The fingerboard begins with a comfortable 9.5" radius around the lower frets and gradually flattens to 14" towards the upper register.

This allows comfortable chord work while also making larger bends and faster lead playing easier higher up the neck.

Rolled Fingerboard Edges

The fingerboard edges are rolled to provide a smoother, more played-in feel straight away.

22 Medium-Jumbo Frets

The 22 medium-jumbo frets provide a comfortable balance between traditional Fender feel and modern lead-guitar playability.

4th Generation Noiseless Pickups

The American Elite Thinline is equipped with two Fender 4th Generation Noiseless Tele pickups.

They are designed to retain the clarity, snap and attack associated with Telecaster single coils while significantly reducing the mains hum normally associated with traditional single-coil pickups.

Bridge Pickup

The bridge pickup provides the bright attack, bite and definition expected from a Telecaster.

It works particularly well for country, rock, blues, funk and cutting rhythm work.

Neck Pickup

The neck pickup provides a warmer and rounder tone while retaining plenty of definition.

It works well for clean rhythm, blues and smoother lead sounds.

S-1 Switching

The Master Volume control incorporates Fender’s S-1 switch.

With both pickups selected, the S-1 circuit allows an alternative series wiring mode that produces a thicker, more powerful sound than the conventional parallel combination.

Three-Way Pickup Selector

The traditional 3-way selector provides:

1. Bridge pickup

2. Bridge + Neck

3. Neck pickup

The S-1 system then adds further tonal flexibility without cluttering the control layout.

No-Load Tone Control

The Master Tone uses Fender’s No-Load design.

When turned fully clockwise, the tone circuit is effectively removed from the signal path, allowing maximum brightness and direct pickup output.

Elite Suspension Bridge

The model uses Fender’s Elite Suspension Bridge, designed to provide precise adjustment, stability and effective transfer of string vibration.

Locking Tuners

Fender Deluxe cast/sealed locking tuners make string changes quicker and help maintain a clean string path around the posts.

Asymmetrical Neck Heel

The sculpted asymmetrical heel improves access to the upper frets compared with a traditional blockier Telecaster neck joint.

Spoke-Wheel Truss Rod Adjustment

The truss rod is adjusted using an accessible heel-mounted spoke wheel, allowing easier neck-relief adjustments than traditional designs that require greater disassembly.

6.3 lbs Actual Weight

This individual guitar weighs just 6.3 lbs.

That is one of the standout practical features of this particular instrument and makes it especially attractive for players who want a lightweight stage guitar.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline is particularly well suited to players who love classic Telecaster tones but want lighter weight, lower noise and more modern playability.

It works equally well for country, blues, rock, indie, pop, funk and session work.

It should also appeal to players who prefer premium USA Fender construction but find more traditional vintage-spec necks limiting.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The American Elite Telecaster Thinline works particularly well for:

• Country

• Blues

• Rock

• Indie

• Pop

• Funk

• Alternative

• Clean rhythm

• Lead guitar

• Session work

• Live performance

The S-1 series setting also gives it additional thickness for more driven rhythm and lead applications.

HOW IT COMPARES

American Elite Thinline vs Standard Telecaster

A conventional solid-body Telecaster generally has a tighter, more direct acoustic response.

The Thinline’s semi-hollow ash body gives the guitar extra resonance while also reducing overall weight.

Noiseless vs Traditional Tele Pickups

Traditional Telecaster pickups have the familiar single-coil tone but can generate noticeable electrical hum.

The 4th Generation Noiseless pickups aim to retain the characteristic clarity and attack while reducing that unwanted noise.

American Elite vs Vintage-Spec Telecaster

Vintage-style Teles typically use a fixed-radius fingerboard, traditional neck heel and simpler electronics.

The American Elite adds a compound-radius fingerboard, compound neck profile, locking tuners, asymmetrical heel, S-1 switching and accessible truss-rod adjustment.

Thinline vs Solid Body

The semi-hollow construction brings extra air into the response and helps reduce weight.

At 6.3 lbs, this particular guitar is especially appealing for long rehearsals, sessions and live performances.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Fender
Model	American Elite Telecaster Thinline
Year	2016
Serial Number	US16056934
Country of Manufacture	USA
Finish	Natural
Body Shape	Telecaster Thinline
Body Type	Semi-Hollow
Body Material	Ash
Body Finish	Gloss Polyurethane
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Profile	Compound Modern “C” to “D”
Neck Finish	Satin Urethane with Gloss Headstock Face
Fingerboard	Maple
Fingerboard Radius	9.5"–14" Compound
Scale Length	25.5" / 648mm
Frets	22 Medium Jumbo
Nut	Synthetic Bone
Nut Width	1.685" / 42.8mm
Position Inlays	Large Black Pearloid Dots
Truss Rod	Dual Action
Truss Rod Adjustment	Heel-Mounted Spoke Wheel
Pickup Configuration	SS
Neck Pickup	Fender 4th Generation Noiseless Tele
Bridge Pickup	Fender 4th Generation Noiseless Tele
Electronics	Passive
Controls	Master Volume with S-1, Master No-Load Tone
Switching	3-Way Pickup Selector
Additional Switching	S-1 Series/Parallel Function
Bridge	Fender Elite Suspension Bridge
Tuners	Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking
Hardware	Chrome
Weight	6.3 lbs
Case	Hardcase Included
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

None.

The Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline uses passive electronics and requires no battery or external power supply.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Players wanting premium USA Telecaster tones with lower noise, lighter semi-hollow construction and considerably more modern neck playability.

Customers usually upgrade from: Fender Player and Standard Telecasters, traditional Telecaster Thinlines and mid-priced American-style instruments.

Most commonly paired with: Clean valve amplifiers, compression, overdrive, boost, delay and reverb.

Our tip: Make full use of the S-1 switch. The standard middle setting gives the familiar open two-pickup Tele sound, while the alternative series setting adds enough thickness to cover sounds you might otherwise reach for a humbucker-equipped guitar to achieve.

Showroom feedback: At only 6.3 lbs, this is an especially appealing example of the American Elite Thinline. The semi-hollow body feels extremely manageable, while the compound neck and Noiseless electronics make it an excellent working guitar for players who want classic Fender character without strictly vintage ergonomics.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline offers the opportunity to own a premium discontinued USA Fender with a distinctive combination of modern specifications and traditional Telecaster character.

This example is in Very Good condition, weighs just 6.3 lbs, carries serial number US16056934, and includes a hardcase.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging Fender, Pre-Owned and vintage guitars.

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.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with Fender and Pre-Owned guitars

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

• Request a Video Demo option

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of this Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own a guitar or other musical equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your current equipment to go directly towards your next instrument.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned Fender American Elite Telecaster Thinline in Very Good condition.

What year was it made?

Serial number US16056934 is consistent with 2016 USA Fender production.

Where was it made?

It was made in the USA.

What finish does it have?

It has a Natural finish.

Is it fully hollow?

No. It uses semi-hollow Thinline construction.

What is the body made from?

It has an ash body.

Does it have an F-hole?

Yes. It features the traditional Telecaster Thinline F-hole.

What is the neck made from?

It has a maple neck.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has a maple fingerboard.

What is the neck profile?

It uses Fender’s compound Modern “C” to “D” neck profile.

What is the fingerboard radius?

It has a 9.5"–14" compound radius.

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 medium-jumbo frets.

What is the scale length?

It uses Fender’s standard 25.5" scale length.

What pickups are fitted?

It has two Fender 4th Generation Noiseless Tele pickups.

Are the pickups hum-cancelling?

Yes. They are designed to reduce the hum normally associated with traditional single coils.

What does the S-1 switch do?

It adds an alternative pickup wiring option, providing a thicker series sound when both pickups are used together.

Where is the S-1 switch?

It is integrated into the Master Volume control.

What is a No-Load Tone control?

At its maximum setting, the tone circuit is effectively removed from the signal path for maximum brightness and output.

Does it have locking tuners?

Yes. It uses Fender Deluxe locking tuners.

How is the truss rod adjusted?

The guitar uses a convenient heel-mounted spoke-wheel adjuster.

Does it require a battery?

No. The electronics are passive.

How much does it weigh?

This individual guitar weighs just 6.3 lbs.

Is 6.3 lbs light for a Telecaster?

Yes. That is a particularly manageable weight and is one of the strongest practical advantages of this individual guitar.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

What condition is it in?

This example is in Very Good condition.

Is it suitable for country?

Yes. The bridge Noiseless pickup retains plenty of the attack and definition associated with traditional Telecaster sounds.

Can it handle rock and overdrive?

Yes. The bridge pickup works well with drive, while the S-1 series setting can provide a thicker sound for rock rhythm and lead work.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. A video demo is particularly useful for hearing the standard pickup combinations and the additional S-1 setting.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers guitars and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.