Gear article
Fender American Professional Classic Telecaster RW Faded Dakota Red
The Fender American Professional Classic Telecaster in Faded Dakota Red is a high-performance electric guitar that blends vintage 1960s aesthetics with modern playability standards. Featuring an alder body, Coastline 63 single-coil pickups, and a rosewood fingerboard, it is designed as a professional-grade workhorse for contemporary musicians.
See live pricesOverview
The Fender American Professional Classic Telecaster RW in Faded Dakota Red represents a refined take on the traditional Telecaster design. Manufactured in the United States, this model is built with a gloss urethane-finished alder body, providing a resonant and lively foundation. It is equipped with specific hardware and electronics, such as the Greasebucket tone circuit and Coastline 63 pickups, to offer a balance between historical 'twang' and modern tonal control.
Technical Specifications and Playability
The guitar features a maple neck with a Modern 'C' profile, designed to be comfortable for various playing styles. The 9.5" radius rosewood fingerboard is equipped with 22 medium jumbo frets, offering a faster feel than traditional vintage 7.25" radii. A satin finish on the back of the neck ensures the surface remains slick even under intense stage lighting.
Hardware stability is managed by ClassicGear staggered tuners, which maintain a tidy headstock appearance while ensuring consistent tuning. The bridge is a vintage-style 3-saddle string-through-body design featuring slotted brass barrels, which contribute to the instrument's sustain and harmonic richness.
Sound and Electronics
The core of this model's sound lies in its pair of Coastline 63 single-coil Telecaster pickups. These units are voiced to deliver the classic 'bite' and clarity associated with early 1960s instruments. A notable inclusion is the Greasebucket tone circuit, which allows players to roll off high frequencies without adding bass or losing gain, preventing the sound from becoming 'muddy' at lower tone settings.
Suitability and Artist Use
This Telecaster is aimed at professional and semi-professional players who require a reliable, multi-genre instrument. Its versatile pickup configuration makes it suitable for country, rock, blues, and indie music. The model has gained visibility through use by artists such as Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green, who utilise its specific blend of vintage character and modern reliability.
Market Comparison
Within the Fender catalogue, this model sits between the standard American Professional II series and the more expensive Custom Shop offerings, such as the '61 Telecaster Relic. While it shares the rosewood fingerboard tradition with the American Professional II Stratocaster, it offers a distinct Telecaster snap that differentiates it from Stratocaster-style alternatives. Compared to contemporary Gibson models like the Les Paul Standard 50s P90, this Telecaster provides a brighter, more percussive attack and a longer scale length.
Artists who play it
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Frequently asked questions
- What body wood is used for this Telecaster?
- The guitar features an alder body finished in a gloss urethane. Alder is traditionally chosen for its balanced resonance and lively response across the frequency spectrum.
- What is the specific neck profile of this model?
- It features a Modern 'C' maple neck. This profile is designed to provide a comfortable grip that suits both chordal work and lead playing.
- What type of pickups are installed?
- The guitar is equipped with a pair of Coastline 63 single-coil Telecaster pickups. These are specifically voiced to provide classic Telecaster twang and clarity.
- What is the Greasebucket tone circuit?
- The Greasebucket circuit allows the player to roll off high frequencies without the tone becoming bass-heavy or losing gain. This helps maintain definition when the tone control is turned down.
- What kind of bridge does this guitar have?
- It uses a vintage-style 3-saddle string-through-body bridge. It is equipped with slotted brass barrels to enhance sustain and provide a firm note attack.
- How many frets does the rosewood fingerboard have?
- The fingerboard has 22 medium jumbo frets. This provides a larger playing surface compared to the 21 frets found on many vintage-reissue models.
- What is the fingerboard radius?
- The guitar features a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius. This is a modern standard that allows for easier string bending without 'choking out' compared to vintage radii.
- What tuners are used on the headstock?
- It is fitted with Fender ClassicGear staggered tuners. These provide a vintage look while offering modern tuning stability and keeping the headstock layout clean.
- What is the typical price range for this model?
- The typical price for this specific Fender American Professional Classic Telecaster is approximately GBP 1399. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and regional taxes.
- What finish is applied to the back of the neck?
- The back of the maple neck has a satin finish. This is intended to prevent the neck from feeling sticky under hot stage lights, ensuring a slick playing experience.
- How does the Faded Dakota Red finish look?
- The Faded Dakota Red is a gloss urethane finish. It provides a classic, slightly muted red aesthetic that references Fender's historical custom colours.
- Which artists are known to use this guitar?
- Notable users of this specific gear model include Daniil Leshchynskyi and Emily Green. They are associated with the instrument's blend of classic tone and modern performance.

