- Fender celebrates the Telecaster's 75th anniversary with an anniversary collection that also includes Precision Bass models.
- The Vintera II Road Worn 1951 in Butterscotch Blonde faithfully recreates the very first Tele with an aged nitro finish.
- The Cabronita LTD features TV Jones TV Classic Filter’Tron-style pickups: a uniquely voiced, USA-made Tele.
- On the bass side, the Player II P-Bass and American Professional II PJ Bass reinterpret the Precision legacy in modern and collector versions.
Even though I’ve seen hundreds of electric guitars come and go, every Fender anniversary still gives me the same thrill. The Fender Telecaster has been around for 75 years, and it hasn’t aged a day. To mark the occasion, Fender is releasing an anniversary collection that pays tribute to the original Tele while throwing in a few surprises. And since the Precision Bass is also part of the family, several P-Bass models are joining the celebration. Let’s take a closer look at the four flagship pieces in this collection.
75 years of Telecaster: the guitar that started it all
When Leo Fender introduced the Broadcaster in 1950 — renamed the Telecaster in 1951 — he didn’t know it yet, but he had just invented the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar. A solid body, two pickups, and a direct, punchy sound. It was the foundation everything else was built on.
From Keith Richards on Honky Tonk Women to Bruce Springsteen on Born to Run, through the country riffs of Brad Paisley and Jonny Greenwood’s cutting tone in Radiohead, the Tele has crossed genres without ever going out of style. Its secret? Effective simplicity. No frills, just sound.
The Telecaster is the first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar in history. Before it, electric guitars had hollow bodies and were prone to feedback. Leo Fender changed the rules of the game forever.
In 2026, Fender is celebrating this 75th anniversary with a range designed for every type of player. A closer look at two Telecasters, two Precision Basses, and four takes on the same Fender DNA. Let’s dive in.
A faithful tribute to the very first 1951 Telecaster. Ash body, 1951 “U”-profile maple neck, and Road Worn nitrocellulose finish for authentic vintage patina straight out of the case.
The two Pure Vintage '51 single-coil pickups deliver the crystalline twang and snappy attack that defined the Telecaster sound. A 3-saddle brass bridge, string-through-body construction, Vintage Tall frets on a 7.25" radius, and a bone nut round out the package.
Made in Mexico and supplied in a tweed case, this is the Tele for purists who want the period look, sound, and feel — with no compromises.
This Butterscotch Blonde Vintera II Road Worn 1951 is a trip back in time. Its ash body and thick “1951 U” maple neck profile recreate the feel of the first Tele ever made. The artificially aged nitrocellulose finish gives it instant history — as if it had already been on the road for years.
Tone-wise, the Pure Vintage ’51 pickups stay true to the original spirit. Bridge position: razor-sharp steel-string twang. Neck position: a rounder, almost jazzy chime. The 3-saddle brass string-through-body bridge boosts sustain and that signature snappy attack. Ideal for country, rockabilly, blues, or rock ’n’ roll.
A 75th anniversary limited edition, this USA-made Cabronita reimagines the Telecaster with two TV Jones TV Classic pickups with Filter'Tron character. Tight lows, precise mids, and sparkling highs without harshness.
Modern “C”-profile maple neck, 9.5" radius maple fingerboard, 22 Medium Jumbo frets, and a synthetic bone nut. The glossy Candy Apple Red alder body and vintage 3-saddle steel string-through bridge complete a guitar designed for both stage and studio.
Minimalist wiring — one master volume and a 3-way switch — lets the full personality of the TV Jones pickups shine through. Supplied with a Deluxe gig bag.
The Cabronita is the Tele that colors outside the lines. No single-coils here: Fender has fitted two TV Jones TV Classic pickups, Filter’Tron-style pickups with a unique voice. The result? Tight bass, highly defined mids, and brilliant highs without aggression. A sound somewhere between a Tele and a Gretsch.
Made in the United States, this limited edition sports a striking Candy Apple Red finish. The Modern “C” neck and Medium Jumbo frets offer modern comfort, while the ultra-simple wiring — one volume, one selector switch — lets the pickups do the talking. From rockabilly to classic rock, as well as indie and blues, it covers a wide tonal range with plenty of character.
The Vintera II Road Worn 1951 and the Cabronita LTD represent two opposite Telecaster philosophies. The former focuses on historical accuracy with its Pure Vintage ’51 pickups and period-correct “U” profile. The latter breaks the rules with TV Jones pickups and a modern neck. Two Teles, two identities — it’s up to you whether you’re after pure twang or a thicker voice.
A 75th anniversary edition in the Player II series. Alder body, Modern “C”-profile maple neck, 9.5" radius rosewood fingerboard, and 20 medium jumbo frets with rolled edges for immediate comfort.
The 75th anniversary Thunderbolt split-coil pickup delivers the Precision signature: tight lows, solid mids, and controlled highs. The alder body brings balance and projection, while the rosewood fingerboard softens the attack.
Exclusive Diamond Dust Sparkle finish, 4-ply pearloid pickguard, 4-saddle steel bridge, and Deluxe gig bag included. Made in Mexico.
The Precision Bass also has something to say for this anniversary. This Player II in Diamond Dust Sparkle finish won’t go unnoticed onstage. Beneath the sparkle, you’ll find the P-Bass DNA: an alder body, a comfortable Modern “C” neck, and a rosewood fingerboard that slightly softens the attack.
The 75th anniversary Thunderbolt split-coil pickup is the real new feature. It delivers the classic Precision sound — tight lows and mids that cut through the mix — with a touch of modern definition. From rock to soul, funk to indie, this bass gets the job done with remarkable versatility. Made in Mexico and supplied with a Deluxe gig bag.
A limited 75th anniversary edition of the American Professional II in PJ configuration. Alder body, 2-Color Sunburst finish, and gold hardware for a collector look.
The exclusive V-Mod II PJ pickup set combines a split P in the middle position for its legendary foundation and a single J at the bridge for attack and articulation. 1963 “C”-profile maple neck, maple fingerboard, 20 Narrow Tall frets, and a HiMass Vintage bridge.
Made in the United States and supplied in a Deluxe molded hardshell case. Two volumes + Master Tone for precise control of the PJ blend.
At the top end of the bass lineup, this is the one. This USA-made American Professional II PJ Bass combines a split P pickup and a bridge J single-coil through the exclusive V-Mod II PJ set. The result: the dense Precision “thump” in the middle position and the precise attack of a Jazz Bass when you turn up the bridge pickup volume.
The 1963 “C” neck profile is a classic for good reason: it fits perfectly in your hand. The HiMass Vintage bridge enhances sustain and intonation. And the collector details — gold hardware, 2-Color Sunburst finish, Deluxe molded hardshell case — make it as beautiful to look at as it is to play.
On a PJ configuration like this American Pro II, play around with the blend between the two volume controls. P pickup alone for warm vintage lines, J pickup alone for a leaner, more articulate sound, and both together for rich mids that fill out the mix. That’s a huge sonic playground with just three knobs.
Which 75th anniversary Fender should you choose?
The choice depends on your profile and what you’re looking for. The Vintera II Road Worn 1951 is aimed at pure vintage lovers, those who want the original twang in an instrument with a lived-in look. The Cabronita LTD will suit guitarists looking for a Tele with a different personality, more body, and more versatility thanks to the TV Jones pickups.
On the bass side, the Player II Precision Bass is an excellent entry point into the anniversary collection: reliable, versatile, and with an unbeatable stage-ready look. The American Professional II PJ Bass is for demanding bassists who want PJ flexibility in a high-end, USA-made instrument.
FAQ — Fender 75th Anniversary Telecaster and Precision Bass
Which Fender models are part of the 75th anniversary collection?
The collection includes several models, including the Vintera II Road Worn 1951 Telecaster, the Cabronita Telecaster LTD, the Player II Precision Bass, and the American Professional II PJ Bass. Other anniversary models are also available in the Fender 2026 catalog.
What is the difference between the Vintera II Road Worn 1951 and the Cabronita?
The Vintera II faithfully recreates the 1951 Telecaster with Pure Vintage ’51 single-coil pickups and a period-correct “U” neck profile. The Cabronita replaces the single-coils with TV Jones TV Classic pickups (Filter’Tron-style humbuckers), delivering a fatter, more mid-focused sound. The Vintera is made in Mexico, while the Cabronita is made in the United States.
What is a Filter’Tron pickup on a Telecaster?
A Filter’Tron is a type of humbucking pickup originally developed by Gretsch. It delivers a warmer, rounder sound than a traditional Tele single-coil while retaining excellent clarity and strong string-to-string definition. It is the signature pickup of Gretsch guitars, here fitted to a Telecaster through the TV Jones TV Classic.
What is the difference between the Player II P-Bass and the American Pro II PJ Bass?
The Player II is equipped with a single split-coil Precision pickup (Thunderbolt) and made in Mexico. The American Professional II PJ adds a Jazz Bass pickup in the bridge position (V-Mod II set), a HiMass Vintage bridge, and gold hardware, all made in the United States. The PJ therefore offers greater tonal versatility and premium craftsmanship.
Are Fender 75th anniversary models limited editions?
Some are. The Cabronita Telecaster and the American Professional II PJ Bass carry the “LTD” (Limited Edition) designation, meaning they are produced in limited quantities. The Vintera II and Player II are part of anniversary series but are not explicitly labeled as limited. In any case, these special finishes will not remain in the catalog indefinitely.
75 years and still going strong
With this anniversary collection, Fender proves that the Telecaster and the Precision Bass remain essential pillars. Whether you’re into pure vintage, a fan of more unconventional sounds, or a bassist looking for a collectible instrument, there is bound to be a model in this selection that speaks to you. 75 years after its birth, the Tele continues to bring people together — and it shows no signs of stopping.
