Are you stuck in that age-old guitar dilemma: should I get a Telecaster or a Stratocaster? Why not have a little of both? In this Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster review, I’ll tell you why this guitar has design elements that make it sound and play like a Tele with a generous helping of Strat attitude.
If you favor “Tele Twang” but are looking to get a little more for your money, then check out the Nashville Tele, which could be Leo Fender’s ultimate vision for an electric guitar.
Read on to get the complete low-down.
What Is The Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster?
The Nashville Tele is part of the deluxe line of guitars from Fender. It combines vintage design with modern features to make it more versatile. The result is an instrument that plays and sounds like a Tele but gives you a Strat pickup in the middle position.
Fender wanted to create a guitar to honor the Nashville players that helped make the Telecaster the go-to instrument for country music and other genres.
What Makes The Nashville Telecaster Different From Other Telecasters?
Giving you a look, feel, and overall sound of a Telecaster with the ability to conjure some of the best tones of a Strat is the main thing that sets this Nashville Deluxe apart from other Telecasters.
If you like the “midrange-quack” that comes from a Strat with a 5-position switch, then this might just be the guitar you have been looking for all these years.
Please keep reading to learn more about what makes it unique!
Deluxe Nashville – Cheat Sheet
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ☆ 9.7 Out Of 10
A “hybrid” guitar that gives you a lot of playability and functionality for your money.
Adds a middle-position Strat pickup for “Strat” and Tele sounds.
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If you want to go directly to the Deluxe Tele specs then click here
PROS
✅ Fast 12-Inch Fingerboard
✅ Vintage Noiseless Tele & Strat Pickups
✅ Strat Tones Combine Excellently With Tele Sounds
CONS
❌ Comes With Gig Bag Instead Of Hardshell Case
❌ Color Choice Is Limited
❌ No Optional S1 Switching System
Design
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.7 Out Of 10
Overall Quality
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.6 Out Of 10
Functionality
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.8 Out Of 10
Price
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
9.6 Out Of 10
Fender Company Profile
Unless you just started playing the guitar today, you are undoubtedly familiar with the Fender brand. These guitars have literally helped define rock n’ roll and blues history. Their original factory was in Fullerton California.
Fender guitars are now made in many parts of the world, with the American-made and Custom Shop guitar lines still made with pride in the USA.
The Fender Broadcaster was first introduced in the autumn of 1950. It became known as a “Nocaster” after the Broadcaster label was removed from the headstock to avoid a trademark lawsuit from Gretsch over their “Broadkaster” drum set. The guitar was re-branded the Telecaster and the rest is history!
Who Is The Nashville Telecaster For?
The Nashville Tele is for the player that enjoys pushing the limits of what a Telecaster can do. This guitar is more than just a Tele with three pickups. It has many other upgrades like a faster neck with locking tuners and six bridge saddles that give it better tuning stability and intonation.
If you ever wanted to mod a Tele to take it to the next level, then Fender has already done this for you at a price you can live with.
Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster Specs
Here are the basic specifications for this guitar.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body | Alder With Polyester Gloss Finish |
| Colors | White Blonde, 2-Color Sunburst, Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red |
| Neck Heel | Contoured Neck Heel for easy access to all frets |
| Neck | |
| Neck Shape | Modern C-Shape with Pearloid Dot Inlays, Satin Finish |
| Neck Scale | 25.5 Inch |
| Fingerboard Wood | Maple or Pau Ferro |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12 inch |
| Frets | 22 Narrow-Tall Frets |
| Nut | Synthetic Bone, Width: 1.650 Inch |
| Electronics | |
| Controls | Master Volume and Master Tone |
| Switch | 5-Way Blade |
| Pickups | Bridge Pickup: Vintage Noiseless Tele Pickup Middle Pickup: Vintage Noiseless Strat Pickup Neck Pickup: Vintage Noiseless Tele Pickup |
| Hardware | |
| Tuners | Fender Locking Tuners |
| Bridge | Modern, with String Through Body Design |
| Bridge Saddles | 6 Modern-Style (Block) Saddles |
| Transport | Deluxe Gig Bag Included |
| Price | $1,000 (street) |
How The Nashville Telecaster Works
The Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster has three pickups instead of the usual two. All three pickups are Fender Vintage Noiseless.
The bridge and neck positions both have Telecaster pickups, while the middle position has a Stratocaster pickup.
This pickup combination essentially gives you two guitars in one. The pickups are connected to a 5-way switching system to provide you with all five combinations.
- Bridge Pickup
- Bridge & Middle Pickups
- Middle Pickup
- Middle & Neck Pickup
- Neck Pickup
Here is a video from Fender, where Patrick Droney demonstrates the sound and versatility of the Fender Deluxe Nashville Tele. Check it out!
Features And Benefits Of The Nashville Telecaster
This Guitar Can Save You Money!
If you don’t want to put out with the cash to buy a good quality Tele and a Strat, this guitar can save you some money, which you can use to buy a nice amp or whatever else you need.
You’ll never miss a standard Tele unless you have your heart set on a vintage model or a 1-pickup Fender Esquire.
Check Out These Great Features
This guitar is available with both a maple or pau ferro fingerboard, depending on your particular preference. Both necks make the guitar play great.
Locking tuners make it easy to change strings quickly and help keep the guitar in tune, especially if you do big string bends.
The body has a contoured heel that gives you easy access to all 22 frets. It makes playing notes at or above the 19th fret very comfortable. This feature is usually found on Fender’s higher-priced guitars.
If you like a guitar with a lot of natural sustain, then you’ll appreciate the string-through-the-body bridge design, which helps a Tele sing.
The six individual bridge saddles give you a more modern look with accurate intonation.
It Comes In Great Vintage Colors
Fender has chosen some of their most popular vintage colors that give the guitar a retro vibe. However, you might find it challenging to decide which one you like best.
White Blonde
The white-blonde Tele looks incredibly sharp with the matte black pickguard.
It comes paired with a maple fingerboard, which is a classic combination for a Telecaster.
If you don’t already have a white guitar, then here’s your chance to own a natural beauty!
Daphne Blue
Daphne Blue is my favorite color in a Fender guitar, and it looks even better as the finish ages.
The pau ferro fingerboard looks very cool gives it a bit of a 50s “surf” feel.
If you already have a Daphne Blue Strat, this Tele would make a matching set!
Fiesta Red
Fiesta Red is a real eye-catcher and looks very sporty, just add a racing stripe decal, and you’re good to go!
This color fades beautifully as it ages, which gives it an authentic vintage look.
It has a pau ferro fingerboard that blends nicely with the finish.
2-Color Sunburst
If you’re looking for a modern take on old-school vintage, then get the 2-Two Color Sunburst Finish.
On closer inspection, the middle pickup will make other guitar players do a double-take.
As you can see, the maple fingerboard and black fingerboard work well together.
Where is the Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster made?
The Deluxe Nashville Telecaster is proudly made in Mexico (MIM). I would not be concerned about purchasing a Mexican Strat since Fender’s build quality is generally excellent there.
I own a few MIM and Japanese-made Strats and Teles that are well-built, play great, and sound terrific. My red MIM Strat sounds so iconically early-60s that I play it every chance I get!
You certainly get a lot for your money! However, don’t expect to get Fender Custom Shop quality in a guitar at this price.
What I like About The Fender Deluxe Nashville Tele
There is so much to like about the Nashville Tele that you may find it hard not to take it home after playing one.
The C-shaped neck sits comfortably in the hand and pairs well with the flat 12-inch fingerboard. The neck edges feel good, and the frets are well-dressed, without burs or sharp edges. It has a nice satin-smooth finish.
The 12-inch fingerboard radius and narrow-tall frets make string bending a breeze, although it might feel a little strange at first if you’re used to playing a Tele with a 7.25-inch neck radius and vintage-size frets.
The pau ferro fingerboard is gorgeous to behold, with a nice tight grain that helps make it a pleasure to play.
I like the sound of the middle vintage noiseless Strat pickup. It blends excellently with the neck and bridge Tele pickups. Also, the in-between neck-middle and bridge-middle pickup settings give you the “Strat” tones that make the guitar so versatile.
What I Don’t Like About The Fender Nashville Deluxe Telecaster
There’s not too much to talk about in this department, but I could mention a few things.
The guitar comes with a gig bag, but it is a nice one. Unfortunately, I believe that all guitars in the $1000 range and up show come with a hardshell case. Still, Fender is giving you a lot of guitar for your money, so I can easily look past this and buy a case.
I would like to see the guitar finished in more colors, even though the available ones look great. It’s a minor point, but we all have our favorite choices.
The addition of an S1 switching system would give the guitar an additional five pickup combinations, for a total of ten. That would genuinely put this guitar in a class all by itself, and I would gladly pay extra to get it as an added option. Are you reading this, Fender?
Final Thoughts On The Nashville Tele
The Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster is a “hybrid” guitar that gives you a lot of playability and functionality for your money. Adding a middle-position Strat pickup to a Tele is a brilliant idea!
If you are looking for a Tele that can bring “Strat” sounds to your playing, then the Nashville Tele can take you to your next gig with one guitar instead of two.
This guitar has a neck that can easily cater to the “country double-stop bender” and the “serious shredder.” Once you play the Nashville Tele, you’ll be hooked on its versatility and stunning good looks.
For more info, see Best Telecaster Players – These Tele Masters Will Shock You! and Tele Vs Strat Sound – Find Out Which Guitar Is Right For You.
Tell Me What You Think
Please leave a comment below if you enjoyed this Fender Deluxe Nashville Telecaster review, have any questions about this product, or want to leave your own review. I will be happy to help you.
- Do you already own a Fender Nashville Deluxe Telecaster? What do you think of it? How has it changed the way you play?
- Could this guitar ever replace your Strat?
- As a “Tele Purist”, would a guitar like this appeal to you?
- Would you consider buying this guitar after readining this article?
Hello there,
I read the article with delight and intrigued to check out the instrument and research more! I play a violin and pretty basic compared to the product that you are describing!
The video inspired me to learn more and understand how the guitar works and plays. The table that you provided gives a breakdown on the specifications in much detail – great review!!!
Hi, Farah
Thank You for your comments!
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the article.
The violin is an awesome instrument! Fretless fingerboards are great for learning performance precision and developing your musical ear.
You should give the guitar a try. Adding another stringed instrument will be a natural transition and it’s always good to extend to your skillset. I promise that you’ll have great fun in the process!
Frank
Hi Frank,
You certainly make a compelling case for the Deluxe Telecaster. I own a Stratocaster Squier and perhaps this is the guitar I will move up to. I’ll have to go try this out as I have small fingers and need to feel comfortable moving from chord to chord. The demo video blew me away. The sound of this guitar is awesome. It’s a little pricey for me, but when the time comes to move up, pricing is secondary. I can definitely see myself with this instrument. Thanks for the article. Well done.
Hi Warren,
Thank You for your comments!
I’m thrilled that you found the article helpful!
Squier Strats are really legit instruments for the money. If you’re a fender guy, then the next logical step for you might be a Tele. It’s always a good idea to “try before you buy.” The Nashville Tele is a great-sounding and nice-looking axe!
The guitar is on the pricey side, but I did not list that as a “con” in my review because you get a lot for your money. They could have included a hardshell case, which would sweeten the deal. I would say that the majority of players that spend this kind of money on a guitar play in a band and want a decent case to transport it in.
If you go for a “third” guitar after that, think about getting a Gibson SG or Les Paul. But, hey, you can never have too many guitars!
The neck size is sort of in-between something really chunky like a vintage Tele and something very thin like an Ibanez shredder.
What kind of amp are you playing through?? Your final sound is always amp-dependent, no matter how good your guitar is. If you want an amp that sounds great and is weight-friendly, read my article on the Fender Tone Master Super Reverb.
Warren, please come back and revisit my site. There will be lots of info that I think you will find helpful.
Frank
Believe me, its worth every penny. Super workmanship for a guitar in this price range. I have a 2020 Nashville and I love it!
Hi, Rich
I totally agree! The Nashville Tele is an excellent way to go!
Frank
I have a 2020 Nashville in daphne blue. Love this guy! I also have an Epiphone Les Paul protop plus with coil tapping which I played previously, but since I picked up the Nashville I seem to be devoting most of my time to it! Got it at $200 with a veterans discount below the current price which was a bonus. Love the versatility and playability. I’ve never been sorry for picking this one up.
Hi, Rich
Thank You for your comments!
I love Daphne Blue, especially as it ages a while. I totally agree with you, it’s an incredible guitar. $200 is a great price & Thank You for your service! I had a Tele many years ago that I modded with a middle pickup, a 5-position switch, and a pickup upgrade. It sounded a lot to like the Nashville Tele.
Epiphone LPs are nicely built. They sound great and are fun to play. A Les Paul and a Nashville Tele is an awesome guitar combination. You can cover pretty much any electric-based music. The Nashville middle pickup (which is a Strat pup) will give you some nice Strat in-between sounds.
Have fun with your guitars & Keep on playing,
Frank
I purchased one of these online about 2 years ago. Mine is Fiesta Red, but it does have a Maple fingerboard and a more traditional pick guard than the white one pictured I know some Tele pickers will start a fight over the white pick guard! This guitar does everything I want it to do. Yes, it has that perfect twang for country, and is a sweet instrument for blues. But it can handle the harder stuff very, very well too! For me, not a professional musician but someone who wanted to make a major upgrade, this was the answer to a prayer!
Hi, Mark
Thank You for your comments!
You made an awesome purchase! It doesn’t matter what pickguard you choose to have on your Tele, as long as you like it. It’s the perfect guitar to play pretty much anything electric.
Next week I’ll post my review on the Player Plus Nashville Tele, so come back and check it out. It’s essentially the same guitar with a few minor changes and a push-pull switch on the tone knob to select the bridge and neck pick together or all three pickups at once. That’s an easy modification to make on your guitar if you really want it.
Thanks again for stopping by,
Frank
I own a 2019 Deluxe Nashville Tele. While it does offer a lot of tonal choices and some great features, there is one major issue for me. These frets need serious filing/dressing on the edges and I don’t like the “tall” fret wire at all. My main guitar is an older Tele with 7.25 radius and typical frets. I’ve also Owens Strats with a compound radius. Not a huge fan of 12” radius guitars in general. It’s still a great guitar at that price point and for someone who wants to have many tone options in 1 guitar it’s a great choice. FYI…..I’m 60 years old and have been playing professionally off and on since about the age of 12. I have owned too many guitars to count ?
Hi, Rick
Thank You for your comments!
If you prefer 7.25 inch fretboards with vintage height frets I can understand why you’re not crazy about the tall frets. You can always file them down and crown them if you know how to do that properly without damaging the guitar.
Here’s the file I use to dress the fret ends: https://www.stewmac.com/luthier-tools-and-supplies/types-of-tools/files/fret-end-dressing-file/
I’ve been playing about the same amount of time, pro on & off. I have over sixty guitars, so I can definitely understand where you’re coming from! ?
Frank
Hello! I went out in 2006, and was looking for an acoustic guitar that was playable for under 1k. I went to every shop in the area, and could not find a thing. But the last one I went to had a 60th anniversary Nashville tele in sunburst. I realized that I had never played a tele, so I picked it up, and wow! I actually thought it was out of tune, because the strings were so easy to bend. Well, I still have my 65 jazzmaster, so it was a great match. I reversed the switch plate, and have never had a problem with it. I also have been playing since 68, but have never sold the jazzmaster, dad bought it new.. and I’ll bet you I’ll never sell the tele, either. Great guitar!
Hey, Wizweird
I appreciate your comments!
I’m glad you grabbed that 60th Anniversary Nashville Tele. It is an awesome axe! The Nashvilles sound a little different than the two-pickup models for obvious reasons. Your guitar probably had ‘.009’s on it when you bought it, which play super easy compared to acoustic guitar string gauges.
I have reversed the switch plates on a few of my Teles. I assume you also reversed the wiring so that the Volume knob is closest to your picking fingers. It makes volume swells a breeze! Callaham makes a great pre-wired unit if you’re ever in the market.
The ’65 Jazzmaster is totally awesome, dude! I wouldn’t ever sell it either, especially if my dad gave it to me!
Please come back and re-visit my site,
Frank
Totally agree with your comments, Frank. Just acquired a 2016 Fiesta Red Tele Nashville (MIM), and it’s incredible.
For someone who owns a Gibson 335 and Les Paul Gold Top, this was the “missing” guitar I always needed.
I was lucky. Got a mint example. Never been played. Just needs fret dressing, pro set up, and upgraded to S1 switch with the Rockinger control plate (better spacing between volume, tone and 5-way switch). Apart from that – it’s epic.
Can’t stop picking it up now. Totally happy with this guitar. If you’re on the lookout for a Nashville, then the 2016 Delux models are great value and built to last.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Love the comments too. It just reinforces the need to buy another tele. This time an Ultra (well…the one to play when my MIM is safely away in the case)!
Hi, Chris
Thanks so much for your excellent comments!
So glad you love your Deluxe Nashville Tele!
I’ll definitely have to check out that Rockinger control plate. Yes, you can never have too many Teles or any guitar, for that matter! ?
The Ultra Teles are great, too!
I hope you re-visit my site soon,
Frank ?
Hello Frank.
I think I’m a convert to Fender (after 30 yrs with Gibson). Love the Tele and will circle back to your excellent blogs from now on.
Hope the link to the Tele Control Plate is of interest to other readers. I’ll ping a pic when mods are done (mid-Sept).
https://www.rockinger.com/en/parts/pickguards-plates/control-plates/474/rockinger-control-plate-for-tele-special
Keep up the great posts.
Kind regards,
Chris
Hi, Chris
Thanks for your vote of confidence on my website! It means SO much coming from a fellow guitar player! ?
I love the idea of the Rockinger Tele control plate! I’ll probably use one on the next Tele I build.
When it comes to electrics, I was brought up mainly playing Fenders, but I also love playing Gibsons, especially SGs and Les Pauls. It’s a crazy thing, but my “favorite” guitar I always the one I just happen to be playing.
Frank
Just a note to let you know I have some useful feedback on the mods done to my newly acquired 2016 Fender Deluxe Nashville Tele and thought it may be useful to share on the blog.
You may remember I bought the guitar at a very reasonable price on Reverb, but had yet to put it into my guitar tech, Pete Allen (ex-Patrick Eggle Factory Manager and Luthier god).
http://www.guitartechnicalservices.co.uk/professional-setup/index.html
Here is a summary of the work done, and some of the issues you get when you buy a guitar off the internet. In the end, there were some obvious problems which needed sorting, but at the guitar was cheap and factory fresh (for a 6 year old instrument that had NEVER been set up properly) – it was well worth a gamble.
Pro set-up, plus mods;
New GraphTech Tusq nut (original Fender one way out of alignment on treble)
Frets milled, reprofiled and dressed to remove sharp edges (high frets in two areas of the neck; 9-11 and 16-22)
Frets had to be removed and re-glued in (they came loose from neck shrinkage) Solid tone now!
S1 Switch fitted (now Ultra Spec) – hard to get hold of a 500k pot for some reason.
Treble bleed kit fitted (Six String Supplies)
New Rockinger chrome control plate fitted (better spacing than Fender)!
Kluson brass saddles added to give a warmer tone.
Pick up height(s) adjusted to give equal volume and tone
10-46 David Gilmore Boomer strings fitted
String action set at (Bass) 3.5mm (Treble) 2mm
String action before set up (Bass) 4mm and (Treble) 4mm)
Only issues were the ‘gardening’ called for in the switch cavity to accept the new S1 gubbins.
This is now the exact Tele I wanted, and you still can’t get close to it with the Ultra. They do not make a Nashville equiv.
Fantastic addition to my home studio now.
Hi, Chris
Thanks for the feedback!
Wow, the mods on this Tele came out awesome! ?
I love the sound of the TUSQ nut and brass saddles on Teles!
The S1 switch was a good choice, too.
Boomers are great strings but I’ve never tried the David Gilmour set. I have a Strat I made with his EMG active pickup system (DG20) and it really rocks. Maybe I’ll give them a try.
The Rockinger control plate is perfectly spaced for optimal control access!
Please copy and paste your specs into the comments section of the Nashville Tele article on my website so that others can benefit from it, too!
Great Job!
Always a pleasure speaking with you, and hope to hear from you again, Chris!
Keep on Rockin’ ?
Frank ?
You’re very welcome, John! ?
Frank
Hello Frank. I’m a 68 year old rookie having just getting started playing. Just bought a 2017 Nashville Tele and I love it. However, it’s been modified and the strat pup removed so basically it’s pretty much standard.
I’ve been practicing on an Epiphone acoustic and an old 1960 Danelectro belonging to my brother.
Really enjoyed reading the comments here. Thanks!!
Hi, Greg
Thank You for your comments!
Big congrats on beginning your guitar journey! ?
It sounds like you’re loving it!
That’s interesting. Why was the middle Strat pickup removed on your Nashville Tele?
Haha, the secret to getting better on electric is playing an acoustic! It helps build finger strength for increased speed and improves accuracy.
I love those vintage Danelectro guitars! I have an original and two reissues.
Looking forward to your future comments here! ?
Let me know if you have any questions, and I’m happy to help!
Rock On! ?
Frank ?