Fender American Select Telecaster with Maple Fretboard 2012 - Violin Burst

This is a seriously special 2012 Fender American Select Telecaster in Violin Burst—one of the higher-end USA-made Telecasters Fender offered during the short-lived Select series. It takes the classic Tele platform and elevates nearly every part of it, with a chambered ash body, highly figured flame maple top, natural maple binding, birdseye maple neck and fretboard, upgraded hardware, and a level of visual detail that genuinely makes it feel closer to a Custom Shop guitar than a typical production Tele.

The Violin Burst finish is absolutely the centerpiece here. The flame maple top has intense, consistent figuring across the entire face of the guitar, with rich amber and honey tones through the center that fade into darker brown edges. It is one of those tops that immediately grabs your attention from across the room, and the natural maple binding sets it off perfectly. Paired with the white pickguard and birdseye maple neck, it has an elegant, almost boutique look that is far more refined than a standard Telecaster.

The chambered ash body keeps the guitar resonant and lively while helping it feel more comfortable and responsive than a typical solid ash Tele. It still has the punch, attack, and clarity you want from the design, but there is a little more air and openness to the way it responds. The sculpted back contour and beveled neck heel are also great touches that make it feel much more player-friendly than a traditional square-edged Tele body.

The birdseye maple neck and fretboard are equally impressive. It has strong figuring throughout, not just a few small spots, and it gives this guitar a level of visual character that you usually do not see outside of premium limited runs or Custom Shop instruments. The neck has a comfortable Modern C feel, a compound-radius fretboard, and 22 medium-jumbo frets. It feels substantial enough to be reassuring in the hand, but still fast, smooth, and easy to play.

Factory specs for this model included Fender Select Telecaster single-coil pickups, a three-way selector, master volume, and a no-load tone control. Since I have not removed the pickups or confirmed their markings, I am listing the pickup set as unknown. The electronics function exactly as they should, and the guitar sounds amazing with the familiar Tele mix of bite, clarity, warmth, and snap.

This one has been recently set up by a shop and plays extremely well. The neck is straight, the action feels great, intonation is spot on, and the frets are in excellent shape. It is one of those guitars that immediately feels dialed in when you pick it up.

Condition-wise, the top and neck are excellent, and the guitar presents beautifully from the front. The back and sides tell a more honest story of use, with a fair amount of finish rash, scratches, small dings, bumps, and a few chips around the body. Nothing is structural—there are no breaks, cracks, or repairs to report—but I want to set expectations clearly. It remains an incredibly striking guitar, especially considering how clean and impressive the front and neck remain.

Weight: 7.64 pounds on my scale.

It includes the original Fender Select tweed hardshell case with the matching Fender Select emblem inside.

What stood out to me

• 2012 Fender American Select Telecaster
• USA-made premium Select Series model
• Violin Burst finish
• Exceptionally figured flame maple top
• Natural maple binding
• Chambered ash body
• Comfortable body contour and beveled neck heel
• Birdseye maple neck
• Matching birdseye maple fretboard
• Strong birdseye figuring that feels closer to a Custom Shop-level piece
• Modern C neck profile
• 9.5–14-inch compound-radius fretboard
• 22 medium-jumbo frets
• Excellent fret condition
• Factory-spec Fender Select Telecaster single-coil configuration
• Pickup set listed as unknown because I have not independently confirmed the markings
• Three-way pickup selector
• Master volume and no-load tone control
• Modern string-through Tele bridge with six bent-steel saddles
• Fender locking tuners
• Recently set up by a shop
• Straight neck
• Great action
• Spot-on intonation
• Excellent top and neck condition
• Honest finish rash, scratches, dings, and small chips on the back and sides
• No breaks, cracks, or structural issues
• Original Fender Select tweed hardshell case included
• Matching Fender Select case emblem inside the case

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and insured.

⏳ Quick note: These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 1–5 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!