Fender American Professional Telecaster®, Rosewood Fingerboard, Natural

Quick Product Summary

The Fender American Professional Telecaster® in Natural with Rosewood Fingerboard takes the direct, unmistakable character of the Telecaster and refines it around the needs of today's working guitarist.

This particular version pairs an ash body with a Natural polyurethane finish, allowing the grain of the wood to become a major part of the guitar's appearance. A rosewood fingerboard, white dot position markers and 3-ply black pickguard add contrast while retaining the clean, purposeful look associated with the Telecaster.

Two V-Mod III Single-Coil Tele® pickups provide the familiar snap, clarity and definition players expect from a Tele, while a push-push tone control activates an additional series mode for a thicker, stronger-output sound. Fender's Deep "C" maple neck, rolled fingerboard edges, 9.5" radius and 22 Narrow Tall frets give the guitar a modern, comfortable playing platform.

The 3-saddle top-load/string-through Tele bridge with ClassicGear™ Compensated Brass Bullet™ saddlescombines traditional brass-saddle character with improved intonation and flexible stringing options.

A Fender Deluxe Molded Case is included.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	American Professional
Model	American Professional Telecaster®
Model Number	0111140721
Finish	Natural
Body	Ash
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Neck Profile	Deep "C"
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Pickups	Two V-Mod III Single-Coil Tele® pickups
Configuration	SS
Special Switching	Push-Push Tone Control Activates Series Mode
Bridge	3-Saddle Top-Load/String-Through Tele®
Pickguard	3-Ply Black
Country of Origin	USA
Included Case	Deluxe Molded Case
Best For	Gigging, recording, country, rock, blues, indie and versatile professional use

What's Included?

✔ Fender American Professional Telecaster®, Natural, Rosewood Fingerboard
✔ Fender Deluxe Molded Case
✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Why Choose The Fender American Professional Telecaster?

V-Mod III Telecaster Pickups

The American Professional Telecaster uses two V-Mod III Single-Coil Tele pickups, retaining the direct response and articulation that make the Telecaster such a useful live and studio instrument.

The bridge pickup provides the sharper attack, bite and definition traditionally associated with the Tele design, while the neck pickup offers a smoother alternative for rhythm work, cleaner passages and warmer lead sounds.

Series Mode For A Bigger Sound

The standard three-way selector gives you the familiar bridge, bridge-and-neck and neck pickup settings.

A push-push function on the tone control activates series mode, giving you an additional thicker and stronger-output sound.

This is one of the most useful upgrades on the American Professional because it expands what a traditional two-pickup Tele can do without cluttering the control plate with extra switches.

Deep "C" Neck With Rolled Fingerboard Edges

Fender's Deep "C" maple neck is designed to offer a substantial but comfortable playing feel.

Smooth rolled fingerboard edges help soften the transition between the neck and rosewood fingerboard, while the 9.5" radius and 22 Narrow Tall frets provide a modern playing surface suited to chord work, bends and lead playing.

The “Super-Natural” satin urethane finish on the back of the neck helps maintain a smooth playing feel during long rehearsals and gigs.

Ash Body With Natural Finish

This version uses an ash body beneath its Natural polyurethane finish, making the character of the wood a visible part of the instrument.

The lighter natural appearance is contrasted by the dark rosewood fingerboard and black pickguard, giving this Telecaster a distinctive look without relying on an unusual painted finish.

Compensated Brass Saddles

The 3-saddle bridge retains a classic Telecaster-style brass saddle arrangement, but Fender uses ClassicGear™ Compensated Brass Bullet™ saddles to improve intonation compared with a basic uncompensated three-saddle design.

The bridge also supports both top-load and string-through-body stringing, allowing players to tailor the setup to their preference.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

American Professional Telecaster vs Stratocaster

A Stratocaster gives you three pickups, five-way switching and a tremolo system, making it the more obvious choice for players who prioritise a wide variety of traditional single-coil combinations and expressive vibrato.

The Telecaster is more direct. Its two-pickup layout, fixed bridge design and straightforward control arrangement create a particularly immediate playing experience.

The American Professional's series mode gives this Tele extra flexibility without taking away that simplicity.

American Professional Telecaster vs Vintage-Style Telecaster

A vintage-inspired Telecaster typically concentrates on period-correct neck dimensions, fret sizes, bridge designs and fingerboard radii.

The American Professional uses a more contemporary 9.5" radius, Narrow Tall frets, Deep "C" neck, rolled fingerboard edges and sculpted heel, making it better suited to players who want classic Telecaster character with modern everyday playability.

American Professional Telecaster vs Humbucker Guitar

A traditional dual-humbucker guitar normally provides more output and a naturally thicker sound than a standard Telecaster.

The American Professional remains a single-coil instrument at heart, providing greater clarity and attack, but the additional series mode gives you access to a fuller sound when required.

For players who need definition first but occasionally want additional body and output, that makes this Telecaster particularly versatile.

American Professional Telecaster vs Intermediate Telecaster

An intermediate Telecaster can be an excellent gigging and recording instrument.

The American Professional is aimed at musicians looking for a premium USA-made Telecaster with refined neck detailing, V-Mod III pickups, compensated brass bridge saddles, upgraded electronics and a Deluxe Molded Case included.

For a player who already knows the Telecaster format suits them, it represents a serious long-term professional option.

Who Is It For?

The Fender American Professional Telecaster is especially well suited to:

• Professional and semi-professional guitarists

• Regularly gigging musicians

• Studio and session players

• Existing Telecaster owners looking for a premium upgrade

• Players moving into their first USA-made Fender

• Guitarists who prefer straightforward controls

• Players who want traditional single-coil clarity with an additional thicker series sound

• Musicians who favour rosewood fingerboards

• Guitarists looking specifically for a Natural ash-body Telecaster

• Serious home players investing in a long-term instrument

Playing Styles & Applications

The Telecaster's direct sound and uncomplicated controls have made it useful far beyond the styles with which it is traditionally associated.

This American Professional Telecaster is particularly well suited to country, blues, rock, indie, pop, soul, alternative, roots music, studio recording, session work and live performance.

The bridge pickup delivers the definition required for articulate rhythm playing and cutting lead parts, while the neck pickup provides a warmer alternative.

Engaging series mode broadens the instrument further, giving driven amps and pedals a stronger signal when you need a thicker rhythm or lead sound.

What Does The Telecaster Series Mode Do?

In a conventional middle pickup-selector position, the Telecaster's bridge and neck pickups operate together in the familiar standard configuration.

The American Professional adds an alternative series mode, activated through the push-push tone control.

In series, the signal travels through both pickups differently, creating a fuller and stronger-output sound than the conventional combined-pickup setting.

For the player, the important part is practical: you gain a fourth distinctly useful voice from a guitar that still looks and operates like a straightforward Telecaster.

It can be particularly useful when moving from cleaner rhythm sounds into a heavier section without immediately reaching for another guitar.

Why Choose A Natural Ash Telecaster With A Rosewood Fingerboard?

This configuration has a very different appearance from the more familiar Butterscotch Blonde, Sunburst or solid-colour Telecasters.

The Natural finish leaves the ash grain visible, making the individual character of the body wood part of the guitar's appearance. The darker rosewood fingerboard and black pickguard then provide strong visual contrast.

For players who like natural wood finishes but prefer the feel and appearance of rosewood rather than an all-maple neck, this is a particularly appealing combination.

Top-Load vs String-Through Telecaster – What's The Difference?

The American Professional bridge allows you to install the strings either through the body or through the rear of the bridge plate.

String-through-body installation follows the familiar traditional Telecaster approach, with the strings passing through the body before reaching the bridge saddles.

Top-loading lets the strings anchor directly at the bridge instead.

Neither option is automatically correct for every player. Having both gives you the freedom to experiment with feel and setup while retaining the same compensated three-saddle bridge.

Compatibility & Recommended Essentials

The Fender American Professional Telecaster uses Fender's established 25.5" scale length and comes fitted with Fender USA 250L Nickel Plated Steel strings in .009-.042 gauges.

Useful additions include:

• Quality electric guitar amplifier

• Standard 1/4" instrument cable

• Comfortable guitar strap

• Chromatic tuner

• Spare .009-.042 electric guitar strings

• Guitar stand

• Strap locks if preferred

• Overdrive or boost pedal

• Delay and reverb

• Compressor

• Fuzz or distortion for heavier sounds

A Deluxe Molded Case is already included, so there is no immediate need to purchase a separate hard case.

Looking for advice on choosing the right amplifier, strings, pedals or accessories for your Fender Telecaster? Our experienced Fair Deal Music team can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context

The roots of the Fender Telecaster stretch back to the early 1950s, when Fender established one of the first commercially successful mass-produced solid-body electric guitar designs.

Its bolt-on neck, simple control layout and easily serviceable construction helped create an instrument that was practical for working musicians as well as distinctive in sound.

The Telecaster's two-pickup format and bridge design became particularly recognisable, producing a direct attack and clarity that found a place in country, blues, rock, pop and countless studio recordings.

The American Professional interpretation develops that established design rather than replacing it. Fender retains the fundamental Telecaster layout while refining areas modern players interact with every day: neck feel, upper-register access, pickup performance, bridge intonation and switching flexibility.

This Natural ash-body and rosewood-fingerboard version combines those contemporary refinements with a stripped-back visual style that lets the character of the wood take centre stage.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	American Professional
Model	American Professional Telecaster®
Model Number	0111140721
Formatted Model Number	011-1140-721
UPC	197955168715
Product Type	Electric Guitar
Country Of Origin	USA
Orientation	Right-Handed
Finish	Natural
Body Shape	Telecaster®
Body Material	Ash
Body Finish	Polyurethane
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	Deep "C"
Neck Finish	“Super-Natural” Satin Urethane Finish on Back of Neck with Gloss Urethane Headstock Face
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	9.5" / 241 mm
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number Of Frets	22
Fret Size	Narrow Tall
Position Inlays	White Dot
Side Dots	White
Nut Material	Bone
Nut Width	1.685" / 42.8 mm
Bridge Pickup	V-Mod III Single-Coil Tele®
Neck Pickup	V-Mod III Single-Coil Tele®
Pickup Configuration	SS
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Pickup Switching	3-Position Blade: Bridge / Bridge & Neck / Neck
Auxiliary Switching	Push-Push Tone Control Activates Series Mode
Bridge	3-Saddle Top-Load/String-Through Tele® with ClassicGear™ Compensated Brass Bullet™ Saddles
Tuning Machines	Fender® Standard Cast/Sealed Staggered
Control Knobs	Knurled Dome
Hardware Finish	Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard	3-Ply Black
Strings	Fender® USA 250L Nickel Plated Steel, .009-.042
Case / Gig Bag	Deluxe Molded Case included

Power Requirements

The Fender American Professional Telecaster uses passive single-coil pickups and electronics, so no battery is required for normal operation.

Connect the guitar to an amplifier, audio interface, pedalboard or suitable recording equipment using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender American Professional Telecaster in Natural with Rosewood Fingerboard is a strong choice for players who love the simplicity of a Tele but want meaningful modern refinements rather than a strict vintage recreation.

The V-Mod III pickups retain the articulation and directness a Telecaster needs, while the push-push series mode is a genuinely useful addition for players who sometimes want more thickness and output.

The Deep "C" neck, rolled fingerboard edges and Narrow Tall frets make it well suited to long rehearsals, sessions and gigs, while the compensated brass saddles improve the practicality of the classic three-saddle bridge concept.

The Natural ash body, rosewood fingerboard and black pickguard are the standout visual combination, giving this professional Telecaster a distinctive but understated appearance.

Best suited for: Gigging, recording and professional players wanting a versatile USA-made Telecaster

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level and intermediate Telecaster-style guitars

Most commonly paired with: A responsive valve or modelling amplifier, quality instrument cable and overdrive, compressor, delay or reverb pedals

Our tip: Don't overlook the series mode. It gives the guitar a significantly fuller additional voice and makes this two-pickup Telecaster more versatile than the traditional control layout initially suggests.

Showroom feedback: The familiar three-way switching keeps the guitar immediately approachable, while the Deep "C" neck, rolled edges and compensated bridge provide the type of practical refinements that become increasingly valuable when an instrument is being played regularly.

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.

From our Birmingham showroom, our knowledgeable musician-led team helps customers choose the right instruments and equipment for their playing style, experience and budget.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

• Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians

• Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment

• Competitive prices on leading music brands

• Secure UK-wide delivery

• Friendly support before and after your purchase

• Secure online ordering

• A large Birmingham showroom

• Decades of experience helping musicians choose the right gear

Whether you're moving up to your first USA-made Fender, replacing an existing Telecaster or adding another professional guitar to your collection, our team can help you choose the right instrument and complete your setup.

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, bass, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Natural American Professional Telecaster made from ash?

Yes. This specific Natural / Rosewood Fingerboard model 0111140721 uses an ash body with a polyurethane finish.

What fingerboard is fitted?

This version has a rosewood fingerboard with white dot position markers.

What pickups does it use?

It has two V-Mod III Single-Coil Tele pickups, one in the bridge and one in the neck position.

What does the push-push tone control do?

The push-push tone control activates series mode, giving you an additional thicker, stronger-output sound using the two pickups together.

Does it still have standard Telecaster switching?

Yes. The normal three-way blade selector gives you bridge pickup, bridge and neck together, or neck pickup.

What neck profile does it have?

The maple neck uses Fender's Deep "C" profile with rolled fingerboard edges.

What is the fingerboard radius?

The rosewood fingerboard has a 9.5" / 241 mm radius.

Can the bridge be top-loaded?

Yes. The bridge supports both top-load and string-through-body stringing.

Why does it use three saddles rather than six?

The three-saddle layout is an important part of traditional Telecaster bridge design. Fender uses compensated brass saddles here to retain that familiar format while improving intonation compared with basic straight three-saddle designs.

What string gauge comes fitted?

The guitar is supplied with Fender USA 250L Nickel Plated Steel strings in .009-.042 gauges.

Can I fit heavier strings?

Yes, but a substantial change in gauge can affect neck relief, intonation and nut fit. A setup is advisable after moving significantly away from the factory string specification.

Is this suitable for higher-gain rock?

Yes. The bridge pickup provides good attack and clarity for driven sounds, while the series mode offers a thicker option when you need more output. Players requiring consistently humbucker-like output may still prefer an HH or HS guitar.

Is a hard case included?

Yes. A Fender Deluxe Molded Case is included.