Fender Telecaster Plus Version One

The Fender Telecaster Plus (Version One) is becoming one of the most collectible Teles of the last twenty years. This first version was built from

1989 to 1995. It had a short style bridge that is similar to the one you'd find on a Stratocaster. It also came equipped with Lace Sensor Noiseless Pickups.....a "Dually Red-Red" in the bridge and "Blue" in the neck. The control plate also differed from the standard Telecaster due to an extra mini switch between the tone and volume knobs which was used to select different pickup settings giving the guitar an expanded range of different tones. The Dually Red can produce a fat Humbucker tone or use the mini-toggle to split the coils for more of a traditional Strat sound. Whatever your preference, the Plus is one of the most versatile production Teles ever made.

So what makes them collectible? One reason would have to be Jonny Greenwood, lead guitarist for the alternative rock group Radiohead, who has gathered somewhat of a guitar player's cult following. The Tele Plus is his signature guitar and for those who are looking to capture Greenwood's sound, the Plus is a great place to start. Another reason, I believe, is that this is a custom Tele without all the frills. No bound Strat-like contour body, roller nut, or locking tuners. You can get all that stuff if you like in the Tele Plus Version Two or more recently the Tele Deluxe. The V1 is just a plain old Tele with upgraded electronics. I think that is what has made this guitar so appealing to collectors. It's not pre-CBS but hey.......if you don't have an extra 20K or more to fork over for a 50's or early 60's Tele, I think the Tele Plus Version One would be a great investment. And they are definitely fun to play as well!