Fender American Select Telecaster with Maple Fretboard 2012 - Violin Burst

This is a 2012 Fender Select Telecaster in Violin Burst, and it is exactly the kind of guitar that made the short-lived Select series so cool. These were high-end USA-built Fenders with premium woods and upgraded appointments, and this one has clearly been played hard for a reason—it feels fantastic.

The body pairs a honeycomb-chambered ash back with a solid flame maple top, finished in a beautiful Violin Burst with natural wood binding around the edge. The top still looks incredible. There is a lot of movement in the flame, and the darker burst around the outside gives it a really rich, almost vintage furniture look. At only 6.62 pounds on my scale, it is also ridiculously light for a full-size Telecaster.

The birdseye maple neck is another major highlight. It has figuring everywhere, from the fretboard all the way through the headstock, and it has that smooth, broken-in feel that you just cannot fake. The compound-radius fretboard and contoured heel make it noticeably more comfortable than a traditional vintage-style Tele, especially when bending or playing farther up the neck.

The electronics work exactly as they should, including the three-way selector and no-load tone control. This guitar sounds awesome—clear, lively and warm, with that immediate Tele response that makes you want to keep playing. It has the kind of feel where the guitar seems to react right along with your hands rather than fighting you.

This is absolutely a player’s guitar. It has been gigged and shows plenty of honest wear, including scratches, dings, finish wear and buckle rash across the back. There is a larger worn area on the back along with scattered marks around the body and neck, but there are no breaks or serious structural damage. The top has held up much better and still presents beautifully. Personally, I think the wear fits this one. It looks like a great Tele that has actually lived a life instead of sitting untouched in a case.

The current setup feels great, the intonation is spot on, and the frets are in very good condition with plenty of life remaining. It includes the pictured Fender hard case marked “Chris Shiflett,” along with the pictured Fender paperwork and case candy.

What stood out to me

• Beautiful flame maple top in Violin Burst
• Honeycomb-chambered ash body
• Extremely light at 6.62 pounds on my scale
• Heavily figured birdseye maple neck and fretboard
• Smooth compound-radius fretboard
• Comfortable contoured heel
• Great broken-in neck feel
• Warm, clear and responsive Tele sound
• No-load tone control
• Current setup feels excellent
• Spot-on intonation
• Honest gigging wear with no breaks or serious damage
• Pictured Fender hard case and paperwork included

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 3–7 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!