Fender Vintera® III Mid '60s Telecaster®, Rosewood Fingerboard, Vintage Blonde Electric Guitar

Quick Product Summary

The Fender Vintera® III Mid '60s Telecaster® in Vintage Blonde is built for players who want their Telecaster to feel authentically vintage rather than simply look the part. Combining an ash body with a round-laminated rosewood fingerboard, Mid ’60s “C” neck profile and vintage-style Mid ’60s single-coil pickups, it captures a particularly important period in Fender Telecaster development.

Its 7.25" fingerboard radius, 21 vintage-tall frets and 1.650" bone nut create a distinctly old-school playing experience, while the three-saddle bridge uses threaded steel saddles for period-inspired Telecaster response and appearance.

The translucent-looking Vintage Blonde aesthetic, parchment pickguard and dark rosewood fingerboard give this version a striking mid-1960s Fender character. Supplied with a Deluxe Gig Bag, it is a strong choice for players who want vintage Telecaster feel and tone without moving directly into the considerably more expensive American Vintage II range.

At A Glance

Feature	Details
Brand	Fender
Series	Vintera® III
Model	Mid '60s Telecaster®
Model Number	0149270353
Finish	Vintage Blonde
Body	Ash
Neck	Maple, Mid ’60s “C”
Fingerboard	Round-Laminated Rosewood
Radius	7.25"
Frets	21 Vintage Tall
Pickups	Vintage-Style Mid ’60s Telecaster® Single-Coils
Bridge	3-Saddle Vintage Style with Threaded Steel Saddles
Condition	New
Included Item	Deluxe Gig Bag
Main Appeal	Authentic mid-1960s Telecaster feel, hardware and pickup character
Best For	Vintage Fender fans, blues, rock, country, indie, Americana and recording

What’s Included?

• Fender Vintera® III Mid '60s Telecaster® in Vintage Blonde

• Fender Deluxe Gig Bag

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

As with the new electric guitars we sell, this Fender Vintera III Mid '60s Telecaster is checked by the Fair Deal Music team before leaving the shop.

We assess its general playing condition, tuning hardware, pickups, three-way selector, volume and tone controls, bridge and output so that obvious issues can be identified before dispatch.

Guitar setups can naturally move slightly during delivery as instruments respond to changes in temperature and humidity. Players also have individual preferences for neck relief, string height and overall playing feel, so minor adjustment after the guitar has acclimatised can occasionally be beneficial.

Why Choose The Fender Vintera III Mid '60s Telecaster?

A Proper Mid-’60s Fender Neck Feel

The combination of a Mid ’60s “C” profile, 7.25" radius and round-laminated rosewood fingerboard is central to this guitar's identity.

The neck begins relatively slim and gradually fills out as you move towards the higher frets, providing a traditional Fender feel that is noticeably different from the flatter, rolled-edge necks found on modern Player-series guitars.

Vintage-Style Mid ’60s Telecaster Pickups

Two vintage-style Mid ’60s single-coils provide the direct, articulate character that makes a traditional Telecaster such a useful instrument.

The bridge position delivers plenty of bite, twang and definition, while the neck pickup provides a warmer and smoother alternative. Selecting both creates the familiar balanced Telecaster middle position.

Threaded Steel Bridge Saddles

The three-saddle bridge uses threaded steel saddles, an important part of Fender's mid-1960s-inspired specification.

It retains the traditional shared-saddle Telecaster format rather than replacing it with six individually adjustable saddles, making the bridge feel and look much closer to the instruments that inspired the Vintera III.

Vintage Blonde Over Ash

This particular variant uses an ash body, making the Vintage Blonde finish especially appropriate. The combination recalls some of Fender's most recognisable blonde-finished instruments while the dark rosewood fingerboard gives it a distinctly ’60s appearance.

Fender Vintera III Mid '60s Telecaster vs Popular Alternatives

Vintera III Mid '60s Telecaster vs Vintera III Late '50s Telecaster

The Vintera III Late '50s Telecaster moves further back into Telecaster history with a one-piece maple neck and maple fingerboard, a different vintage neck profile and steel barrel bridge saddles.

Choose the Late ’50s model if maple-board Telecasters and late-1950s Fender feel are what you have in mind. Choose the Mid ’60s version if the darker rosewood board, threaded steel saddles and slightly later Fender aesthetic are more appealing.

Vintera III Mid '60s Telecaster vs Limited Edition Vintera III Early '60s Custom Telecaster

The Limited Edition Vintera III Early '60s Custom Telecaster adds the elegant double-bound body treatment associated with the Custom Telecaster and uses vintage-style 1963-spec pickups.

The standard Mid ’60s model is better suited to someone who wants the straightforward, unbound Telecaster formula, while the Custom is the more decorative option for players who specifically want early-1960s Custom Tele styling.

Vintera III Mid '60s Telecaster vs Fender Player II Telecaster

The Player II Telecaster is noticeably more contemporary. Its Modern “C” neck, 9.5" fingerboard radius, rolled edges, 22 medium-jumbo frets and six-saddle bridge prioritise easy modern playability.

Choose the Player II if you prefer a flatter fingerboard and more individually adjustable hardware. Choose the Vintera III if the traditional 7.25" radius, vintage neck character and three-saddle bridge are an important part of why you want a Telecaster.

Vintera III Mid '60s Telecaster vs American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster

The American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster takes the period-recreation concept further with American construction, Pure Vintage ’63 pickups, nitrocellulose lacquer and more detailed vintage specification.

The Vintera III provides many of the important playing characteristics – including the 7.25" round-laminated rosewood fingerboard and threaded-steel three-saddle bridge – at a more accessible level. The American Vintage II is the premium choice when maximum period detail and USA manufacture justify the additional investment.

Who Is The Fender Vintera III Mid '60s Telecaster For?

This guitar is particularly well suited to players who actively prefer vintage Fender specifications.

If you enjoy a rounder fingerboard, traditional three-saddle bridge and a neck that feels closer to an older Telecaster than a contemporary Player-series model, the Vintera III makes a lot of sense.

Blues, country, Americana, rock and indie players should find plenty to like, while studio guitarists can take advantage of the simple two-pickup layout and the way a traditional Telecaster can occupy very different places in a mix depending on pickup choice and playing technique.

It also makes a strong step-up instrument for somebody who has owned a Squier Classic Vibe or entry-level Fender and wants to move further into genuine period-inspired construction.

Looking for advice on choosing between a Vintera III, Player II, American Vintage II or another Fender Telecaster? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in our Birmingham showroom.

Suitable Genres & Playing Styles

The Vintera III Mid ’60s Telecaster is particularly well suited to:

• Blues

• Country

• Americana

• Rock

• Indie

• Alternative

• Pop

• Soul

• Funk

• Punk

• Singer-songwriter work

• Clean rhythm guitar

• Overdriven rhythm

• Lead guitar

• Studio recording

• Effects-based guitar rigs

The bridge pickup is ideal when attack and definition matter, while the neck pickup gives you a smoother voice for warmer clean sounds and lead playing.

What Makes A Mid-’60s Telecaster Different From A Modern Telecaster?

The most obvious difference is the neck and fingerboard specification.

The Vintera III uses a traditional 7.25" radius rather than the flatter 9.5" radius found on guitars such as the Player II Telecaster. Its 21 vintage-tall frets and Mid ’60s “C” profile also provide a deliberately period-inspired feel rather than being designed purely around contemporary preferences.

Hardware is another important distinction. Three threaded-steel saddles mean each saddle supports two strings, whereas many modern Telecasters use six separate saddles. Neither system is inherently the correct choice – they simply provide different approaches to feel, adjustment and vintage authenticity.

If you want the guitar to remind you of a mid-1960s Fender every time you pick it up, the Vintera III specification is the more appropriate choice.

Story & Context

The Telecaster had already transformed electric guitar design by the time the 1960s arrived, but the instrument continued to evolve in subtle and important ways.

Fender began introducing rosewood fingerboards to Telecaster models in 1959, creating a noticeably different look from the one-piece maple necks strongly associated with the earlier 1950s instruments.

During the following years, Fender moved towards the round-laminated rosewood fingerboard construction associated with many instruments of the mid-1960s. Threaded steel bridge saddles and changing cosmetic details also helped distinguish this era from earlier blackguard and late-1950s Telecasters.

The Vintera III Mid ’60s Telecaster draws together those period cues in a modern Fender production instrument. Rather than simply applying a vintage finish to a modern Player-style Telecaster, the neck shape, radius, fingerboard construction, pickups, bridge and hardware are all selected to create a more convincing mid-1960s experience.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Brand	Fender
Model	Vintera® III Mid '60s Telecaster®
Model Number	0149270353
Series	Vintera® III
Colour	Vintage Blonde
Orientation	Right-Handed
Body Shape	Telecaster®
Body Style	Solid Body
Body Material	Ash
Body Finish	Gloss Polyester
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Shape	Mid ’60s “C”
Neck Construction	4-Bolt Standard
Neck Finish	Gloss Urethane
Fingerboard Material	Round-Laminated Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	7.25" / 184.1 mm
Scale Length	25.5" / 648 mm
Number of Frets	21
Fret Size	Vintage Tall
Nut Material	Bone
Nut Width	1.650" / 42 mm
Position Inlays	Aged-White Pearloid Dots
Side Dots	White
Truss Rod	Vintage-Style Butt Adjust
Bridge Pickup	Vintage-Style Mid ’60s Single-Coil Tele®
Neck Pickup	Vintage-Style Mid ’60s Single-Coil Tele®
Pickup Configuration	SS
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Switching	3-Position Blade
Bridge	3-Saddle Vintage Style Tele® with Threaded Steel Saddles
Bridge Mounting	4-Screw Vintage-Style
Tuning Machines	Fender® Vintage-Style
Hardware Finish	Nickel/Chrome
Pickguard	3-Ply Parchment
Neck Plate	4-Bolt with “F” Logo
Pickup Covers	Neck: Chrome; Bridge: Black
Control Knobs	Knurled Flat-Top
Switch Tip	Top Hat Style, Black
String Tree	Butterfly
Strap Buttons	Vintage-Style
Strings	Fender® USA 250L Nickel Plated Steel, .009–.042
Case / Gig Bag	Deluxe Gig Bag

Power Requirements

The Fender Vintera III Mid ’60s Telecaster uses passive single-coil pickups and requires no battery or external power supply.

Connect it to a suitable guitar amplifier, audio interface, modelling system, multi-effects processor or pedalboard using a standard ¼" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict 🎵

★★★★★ 5/5

The Fender Vintera III Mid ’60s Telecaster is a particularly convincing choice for anyone who wants a properly vintage-feeling Telecaster without moving immediately into American Vintage II territory.

The round-laminated rosewood fingerboard, 7.25" radius, Mid ’60s “C” profile and threaded-steel three-saddle bridge give it far more historical personality than a modern Telecaster dressed in a vintage colour.

The Vintage Blonde version is especially appealing because its ash body and dark rosewood board create a distinctive combination of early Fender colour tradition and unmistakably 1960s neck styling.

Best suited for: Vintage Fender enthusiasts, blues, country, rock and indie players who prefer traditional neck dimensions and hardware.

Customers usually upgrade from: Squier Classic Vibe Telecasters, Fender Standard, Player and Player II models.

Most commonly paired with: Fender-style valve or modelling amplifiers, quality instrument cable, overdrive, compressor, delay and reverb pedals.

Our tip: Compare the 7.25" fingerboard directly with a Player II's 9.5" board if possible. The radius and three-saddle bridge have a much greater effect on the overall Vintera experience than the finish alone.

Showroom feedback: This is the model for the player who says they want a Telecaster to feel vintage as soon as they pick it up. The Mid ’60s neck, dark rosewood board and threaded steel saddles give it a clear identity rather than making it feel like another modern Tele with retro styling.

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 has spent decades helping beginners, enthusiasts and experienced players choose instruments and equipment that genuinely suit their needs.

Whether you're comparing vintage-inspired Fender models, buying your first serious Telecaster or deciding between Vintera III and American Vintage II, we're happy to offer practical advice before and after your purchase.

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 music showroom

• Decades of experience with both new and pre-owned guitars and musical equipment

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, 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 the 7.25" fingerboard radius difficult to play?

No. It simply feels rounder than the 9.5" radius found on many modern Fender guitars. Players who enjoy vintage Fender instruments often actively prefer it, particularly for chord work and traditional rhythm playing.

What does round-laminated rosewood mean?

Rather than using a thick flat slab of rosewood, a thinner layer of rosewood follows the curved surface of the maple neck beneath it. This construction became associated with Fender guitars during the 1960s and is an important part of this model's period-inspired specification.

What do vintage-tall frets feel like?

Vintage-tall frets retain relatively traditional proportions while giving slightly more height than very small vintage frets. This can make techniques such as bends and vibrato feel more manageable without moving to large modern fret wire.

Why does the bridge only have three saddles?

Traditional Telecasters use one saddle for each pair of strings. The Vintera III retains this layout to reproduce the hardware style and playing character associated with vintage Telecasters.

Can I fit compensated saddles later?

Yes, compatible aftermarket compensated Telecaster saddles can be fitted if you want to retain the three-saddle format while changing the available intonation adjustment.

Are the pickups hum-cancelling?

No. These are traditional-style single-coil pickups, so some electrical hum can occur depending on amplifier settings, gain levels and the surrounding electrical environment.

Can the Vintera III handle overdrive and distortion?

Absolutely. The bridge pickup's strong attack and definition work especially well with overdrive and distortion, making the guitar suitable for blues, rock, indie, punk and alternative styles as well as traditional country tones.

Is the Vintera III better than the Player II Telecaster?

Neither is universally better. The Vintera III is better suited to players specifically wanting vintage neck dimensions, traditional hardware and period-inspired pickups. The Player II is better suited to players prioritising flatter modern fingerboard geometry, rolled edges and six individual bridge saddles.

How does this compare with an American Vintage II 1963 Telecaster?

The American Vintage II takes the period-recreation concept further with USA construction, Pure Vintage electronics, nitrocellulose lacquer and a higher overall specification. The Vintera III offers many of the key vintage playing characteristics at a more accessible level.

Should I choose the rosewood or maple Vintera III Mid ’60s Telecaster?

Choose the rosewood version if you want the darker fingerboard appearance and a specification strongly associated with 1960s Fender guitars. The maple-cap version provides a lighter visual aesthetic while retaining the same fundamental Mid ’60s neck concept. Personal preference should be the deciding factor.

The Fender Vintera III Mid ’60s Telecaster in Vintage Blonde succeeds by concentrating on the details that actually change how a vintage-inspired Telecaster feels: the neck profile, round-laminated rosewood board, traditional radius, period-style pickups and threaded-steel three-saddle bridge. For the player who wants genuine mid-’60s Fender character rather than simply retro looks, it is a very strong choice.

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