Fender American Professional Telecaster®, Maple Fingerboard, Butterscotch Blonde

Fender American Professional Telecaster — Butterscotch Blonde, Maple Fingerboard

Some guitars make you want to plug straight in and get on with it. This Telecaster brings that familiar snap and direct two-pickup layout together with V-Mod III pickups, an ash body and a maple fingerboard. Butterscotch Blonde keeps the look classic; the rolled edges, sculpted heel and updated bridge make the playing experience thoroughly current.

This is the refreshed 2026 American Professional model, with V-Mod III pickups. It is a different specification from American Professional II and American Professional Classic. A deluxe moulded hard case is included.

Key features

• Two V-Mod III Telecaster single-coil pickups with push-push series switching
• Ash body in Butterscotch Blonde with maple fingerboard and black pickguard
• Three-saddle top-load/string-through bridge with ClassicGear compensated brass Bullet saddles
• Master volume and tone controls with ClassicGear Precision potentiometers
• Deep “C” maple neck, rolled fingerboard edges and sculpted heel
• 25.5-inch scale, 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, 22 narrow tall frets and bone nut
• Made in Corona, California, USA; deluxe moulded hard case included

Why you’ll love it

The core sounds are easy to reach: bridge bite, a blended middle position and a rounder neck voice. Series mode adds a fuller alternative when a part needs more weight. You get extra range without losing the simple controls that make a Tele such good company on a gig.

Sound, feel and the useful details

V-Mod III pickups: start with your hands

The V-Mod III Telecaster pickups are voiced for their neck and bridge positions. Explore the bridge pickup for definition and attack, the neck for a warmer contrast and the combined setting for a different balance. The push-push tone control engages series mode, connecting both pickups for a thicker alternative to the usual combined sound.

A traditional bridge layout with practical refinements

The three compensated brass Bullet saddles retain the familiar Telecaster layout, with compensation to help intonation. The bridge accepts top-loaded or through-body strings, giving you and your technician options when setting the instrument up. Pick the string gauge and playing feel you prefer rather than assuming one loading method is right for everyone.

A neck that gets out of your way

The maple neck has a Deep “C” profile, rolled fingerboard edges and a “Super-Natural” satin urethane finish on the back. The 9.5-inch radius and 22 narrow tall frets combine a familiar Fender curve with room for expressive playing. A sculpted heel improves access when your part heads towards the upper frets.

Neck comfort is personal. If you are moving from a slimmer neck or a vintage-style radius, compare the feel before deciding. Our team can help you work through those differences.

Who is it for?

A strong starting point for guitarists upgrading to a USA-built Telecaster, gigging players who value direct controls and recording musicians who want contrasting single-coil voices. If you need a bridge humbucker or tremolo as a central part of your sound, compare the relevant Stratocaster models before deciding.

Playing styles and applications

Country, blues, rock, pop and rhythm-led music are natural places to start. The neck pickup offers contrast for cleaner passages, while the bridge responds well when you need a part to cut through. Series mode provides another option for a thicker rhythm part or lead passage. Let the song choose the setting.

How does it compare?

American Professional or American Professional II?

The refreshed 2026 Telecaster moves to V-Mod III pickups and the updated ClassicGear compensated brass Bullet saddles. The Deep “C” profile and rolled-edge approach continue a familiar idea. If your American Professional II already feels and sounds right, compare these specific changes rather than upgrading simply because a new model exists.

Telecaster or Hotshot Telecaster?

This model keeps the familiar two-pickup Telecaster layout. The Hotshot adds a Strat-style middle pickup for more combinations. Choose this one for the more direct layout; compare the Hotshot if the extra middle-pickup sounds are important to your music.

For the wider picture, read our American Professional buying guide or compare the current guitars and basses.

Product specifications

Power and compatible essentials

The passive pickup system does not need a battery. Connect the guitar to a suitable amplifier or audio interface using a standard instrument cable. A strap, tuner, spare strings and a suitable stand are sensible additions; choose any effects around the music you play. Ask our team about string gauge or setup preferences before ordering.

🎵 Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict ★★★★★

A familiar Telecaster recipe with thoughtful modern details: V-Mod III pickups, a comfortable neck and an additional series voice. This ash-body, maple-fingerboard version is worth a close look if Butterscotch Blonde is your idea of a proper Tele.

• Best suited for: Players wanting a USA-built two-pickup Telecaster with a fuller series option
• Customers usually upgrade from: A natural next comparison after a Player-level Telecaster; existing American Professional owners should compare the specific changes
• Most commonly paired with: A responsive amplifier, overdrive, tuner and instrument cable
• Our tip: Compare the standard middle position with series mode at similar volume to hear the tonal difference
• Showroom feedback: Ask our Birmingham team to help you compare the scale, neck and switching in a hands-on demonstration

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.

Our Birmingham showroom and knowledgeable team are here to help you compare guitars, understand the controls and choose equipment that suits your playing. Shop securely online or speak to us about a showroom visit. We work with new and pre-owned instruments, so we can help you weigh up an upgrade alongside the gear you already own.

Ask about inspection and setup requirements for your chosen guitar, current availability and after-sales support. If you would like a closer look before deciding, use the Request a Video Demo tab to ask about a demonstration.

Buy • Sell • Trade — Part Exchange / Trade-In

Your next guitar could start with the one you already own. Talk to Fair Deal Music about trading in or part exchanging suitable gear towards this Telecaster. Tell us the model and condition so the team can assess a no-obligation valuation. Trade in, trade up and put your budget towards the instrument you want to play.

Frequently asked questions

Is this an American Professional III / American Pro 3?

Those are search terms some players use for the refreshed 2026 American Professional range. Fender’s official model name is American Professional. This listing is identified by model number 0111142750 and V-Mod III Telecaster pickups; it is not an American Professional II or American Professional Classic.

Does it come with a hard case?

Yes. Fender supplies this model with a deluxe moulded hard case.

What is the scale length?

25.5 inches / 648 mm. It is the familiar full-length Telecaster scale.

What does the push-push control do?

It activates series mode for the two pickups, offering a fuller alternative to the standard combined setting.

Are the tuners locking?

Fender specifies standard cast/sealed staggered tuners for this model, rather than locking tuners.

Can I arrange delivery or collect it?

Check the available delivery methods and charges at checkout, or contact the team about collection from Birmingham. Please confirm current availability and any deadline before ordering.

Is finance available?

Check the finance options shown for this product or speak to our team. Finance is subject to eligibility, status and the applicable terms.

What about warranty and support?

Contact Fair Deal Music for the applicable Fender warranty terms and help with any product question. Keep your proof of purchase; our team can explain the support process before you order.

What’s in the box?

• Fender American Professional Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde with maple fingerboard
• Fender deluxe moulded hard case

Find your next favourite Fender

If you want classic Telecaster character with useful modern refinements, this Butterscotch Blonde American Professional is ready for a closer look. Order from Fair Deal Music, or speak to our team about a demonstration, setup preferences and part exchange before you decide.