AVRI, AV (Pure Vintage?), AO, & AV II Telecaster Models?

[colchar]

Can anyone give me a rundown, or a link to a rundown, of the Telecaster models available in the AVRI, AV, AO, & AV II lines?

I have decided to search one out, but need to know the models first so that I have things straight before I do. I am interested in all of the models, but have a strong preference for a '60s model as I like rosewood boards better than maple.

Thanks in advance.

 

[H. Mac]

Here’s a thread that may help. The bottom line though is that they’re good guitars, so it’s hard to go wrong. Good luck with your search!

American Vintage, AV, AVRI vs American Vintage II

So.. Is there a definitive guide to what the differences are between the Telecaster 52 Model with the names: American Vintage, AV, AVRI and now the new American Vintage II? For reference I am looking at a potential purchase of NOS 2015 American Vintage 52 Tele for $1400. No I know the line...

www.tdpri.com

 

[colchar]

Here’s a thread that may help. The bottom line though is that they’re good guitars, so it’s hard to go wrong. Good luck with your search!

American Vintage, AV, AVRI vs American Vintage II

So.. Is there a definitive guide to what the differences are between the Telecaster 52 Model with the names: American Vintage, AV, AVRI and now the new American Vintage II? For reference I am looking at a potential purchase of NOS 2015 American Vintage 52 Tele for $1400. No I know the line...

www.tdpri.com

Thanks, but it didn't give me exactly what I want. I am wondering what models were involved in each line - so AVRI '52, AVRI '64, etc. Like which year/model was included in each line.

 

[John C]

Thanks, but it didn't give me exactly what I want. I am wondering what models were involved in each line - so AVRI '52, AVRI '64, etc. Like which year/model was included in each line.

Okay; I'll take a stab at it:

- 1st Generation - called Vintage, US Vintage, and finally American Vintage in the catalogs (1982 - 1984; fall 1985 - mid-1998): Original models; there is a hiatus when Fender was sold that lasts from roughly January-October 1985 while Fender moves and sets up their new factory. Guitar models are '52 Tele, '57 Strat and '62 Strat

- 2nd Generation American Vintage (mid-1998-August 2012): Starts with the '52 Tele, '57 Strat and '62 Strat. In 1999 adds '62 Custom Tele, '62 Jazzmaster and '62 Jaguar. In 2005 adds 70s Strat. In 2011 adds '69 Tele Thinline, '72 Tele Thinline and '72 Tele Custom - note that these models added in 2005 and 2011 will run into 2013 but the other models are replaced by the 3rd Generation American Vintage in August 2012

- 3rd Generation American Vintage (Ausgust 2012-2017): Models are '52 Tele, '58 Tele, 64 Tele, '56 Strat, '59 Strat, '65 Strat, '65 Jazzmaster and '65 Jaguar

- American Original (2018-2022): Models are 50s Tele, 60s Tele (which is bound like a Custom Tele), 50s Strat, 60s Strat, 60s Jazzmaster and 60s Jaguar EDIT: Completely forgot that Fender added 2 models in 2020 - a 60s Tele Thinline and a 70s Tele Custom

- American Vintage II (2022-present): Models are the '51 Tele, '63 Tele, '72 Tele Thinline, '75 Tele Deluxe, '77 Tele Custom, '57 Strat, '61 Strat, '73 Strat, '66 Jazzmaster

Fender starts using the name "American Vintage" at the beginning of 1998 to refer to the 1st Generation models, and used that name through 2017. That being said it's become "internet shorthand" to call everything before the August 2012 Generation "American Vintage Reissues" or "AVRI" even though Fender only applied that name - and the use of it was pretty spotty - to the '52 Tele, '57 Strat, '62 Strat and 70s Strat, probably because they had "Hot Rod Vintage" versions of those models (except for the 70s Strat - I always wondered if there was a Hot Rod 70s Strat with a humbucker and a Floyd Rose in the works that got scrapped). And it is the "internet shorthand" to only call the August 2012-2017 3rd Generation models "American Vintage" or AV.

 

[colchar]

Okay; I'll take a stab at it:

- 1st Generation - called Vintage, US Vintage, and finally American Vintage in the catalogs (1982 - 1984; fall 1985 - mid-1998): Original models; there is a hiatus when Fender was sold that lasts from roughly January-October 1985 while Fender moves and sets up their new factory. Guitar models are '52 Tele, '57 Strat and '62 Strat

- 2nd Generation American Vintage (mid-1998-August 2012): Starts with the '52 Tele, '57 Strat and '62 Strat. In 1999 adds '62 Custom Tele, '62 Jazzmaster and '62 Jaguar. In 2005 adds 70s Strat. In 2011 adds '69 Tele Thinline, '72 Tele Thinline and '72 Tele Custom - note that these models added in 2005 and 2011 will run into 2013 but the other models are replaced by the 3rd Generation American Vintage in August 2012

- 3rd Generation American Vintage (Ausgust 2012-2017): Models are '52 Tele, '58 Tele, 64 Tele, '56 Strat, '59 Strat, '65 Strat, '65 Jazzmaster and '65 Jaguar

- American Original (2018-2022): Models are 50s Tele, 60s Tele (which is bound like a Custom Tele), 50s Strat, 60s Strat, 60s Jazzmaster and 60s Jaguar

- American Vintage II (2022-present): Models are the '51 Tele, '63 Tele, '72 Tele Thinline, '75 Tele Deluxe, '77 Tele Custom, '57 Strat, '61 Strat, '73 Strat, '66 Jazzmaster

Fender starts using the name "American Vintage" at the beginning of 1998 to refer to the 1st Generation models, and used that name through 2017. That being said it's become "internet shorthand" to call everything before the August 2012 Generation "American Vintage Reissues" or "AVRI" even though Fender only applied that name - and the use of it was pretty spotty - to the '52 Tele, '57 Strat, '62 Strat and 70s Strat, probably because they had "Hot Rod Vintage" versions of those models (except for the 70s Strat - I always wondered if there was a Hot Rod 70s Strat with a humbucker and a Floyd Rose in the works that got scrapped). And it is the "internet shorthand" to only call the August 2012-2017 3rd Generation models "American Vintage" or AV.

Perfect, this is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

 

[John C]

Perfect, this is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

You're welcome!

I edited my post because I left 2 models out from the American Original series: in 2020 they added a 60s Tele Thinline and a 70s Tele Custom

 

[Dukex]

"...have a strong preference for a '60s model as I like rosewood boards better than maple."


'62 AVRI

 

[colchar]

"...have a strong preference for a '60s model as I like rosewood boards better than maple."


'62 AVRI

View attachment 1127722

Oh my.

 

[AlbertaGriff]

Yeah you're basically looking for one of:

-1999-2012 AVRI '62 Custom Telecaster (binding, AVRI '62 pickups, nitro finish/poly undercoat)
-2012-2017 AV '64 Telecaster (no binding. PV '64 pickups, thin nitro finish)
-2017-2022 AO '60s Telecaster (binding. PV '64 pickups, nitro finish/poly undercoat)
-2022-present AVII '63 Telecaster (no binding, PV '63 pickups, nitro finish/poly undercoat)

Those are the 60's style rosewood board Tele's.

 

[ChrisDowning]

those rosewood boards are a big + on the vintage models. Probably s/h is a good option if you don't mind the search and driving to see lots of guitars (but you could limit your mileage radius to make that more palatable). I like the late 90s Tele's - I had a '96 50th Anniversary model I wish I still had. Must get another. I preferred those cases as well - not so bloody huge as the current one. And the rosewood was nice back then (wherever it was coming from).

The good thing about s/h is that any settling of the neck or cracking in the finish has already happened in the first 20 years. Whereas, luthiers tell me a few horror stories - I know you get a couple of years guarantee - but ......

I have a great enthusiasm for the videos Joe Bonamassa has made about guitar safaris - he makes them look like the best way to be spending the day - and it always has when I've done it.

 

[colchar]

I am looking second hand.

Currently there are no '60s models available anywhere near me. I deal with Canada's largest gear retailer regularly, and they are great about checking inventory for me. They have no '60s models available right now and I cannot find any elsewhere either. I will check with the store to see how often they are available. If they come available regularly then it is worth waiting, but if they never come up then why bother?

Right now they have two '52 reissues available, both for $1899. One is a 2012 version, the other I am not sure about. If the '60s version don't become available often, maybe I might as well grab a '52 (or '58 if one comes up).

Currently, my Tele stockpile consists of:
Partscaster '60s Custom (rosewood)
Squire '60s Custom Esquire (rosewood)
Schecter PT (maple)
Limited edition Vintera '70s (maple)

 

[colchar]

I just checked with the store, and it doesn't look like it is worth waiting for the '58, '62, or '64 versions.

The last white blonde '58 they sold was in 2020, and the last sunburst was in 2018. For the '62 model, they haven't sold any in any colour since 2019. For the '64 model in sunburst they have sold none in the last five years; in aged white they sold 3 in 2018 and two in 2017, but none since; and Lake Placid blue they sold one this year, but prior to that none since 2015.

So in other words, people are simply not trading in their AV models. There are a couple available in local classifieds but the asking prices are bordering on the moronic. I will check Reverb, but we all know pricing there is completely stupid.

That being said, the '52s are far more common, so are traded in more often, but even then there are only two in the country right now. Luckily, both are within my region. One is available now and my local store is going to get info on it tomorrow. The other is on a police hold (not sure why as it was traded in by a customer who originally bought it from them, which usually negates the need for a hold) and they will get info on that one for me too. Even if it is on a police hold, I can put money down to reserve it and they will transfer it to me once the hold expires at the end of the month.

So unless I buy new, which I am reluctant to do at current prices, it looks like I will have to go for a '52 rather than a '60s model.

 

[AlbertaGriff]

I do see AV '64s pop up on kijiji once in a while, but as you say it isn't often and they tend to sell on the quicker side. Also, prices have definitely creeped up on the 2012-2017 AV models over the last few years. With the AVII '63 models going for 2899 CAD plus tax, you're probably looking at around $2200-$2500 CAD for a used AV '64, as they are really well regarded.

So on one hand, they are worth hunting and waiting for. On the other hand, those '52 reissues from the same era are also awesome.

 

[jdgladw]

Have you thought about the Jason Isbel model or the Japanese made TL-62 models?

 

[TeleBluesMan]

Saw this on reverb: https://reverb.com/item/69192394-fender-american-vintage-64-telecaster-2013-lake-placid-blue

 

[moosie]

Okay; I'll take a stab at it:

- 1st Generation - called Vintage, US Vintage, and finally American Vintage in the catalogs (1982 - 1984; fall 1985 - mid-1998): Original models; there is a hiatus when Fender was sold that lasts from roughly January-October 1985 while Fender moves and sets up their new factory. Guitar models are '52 Tele, '57 Strat and '62 Strat

- 2nd Generation American Vintage (mid-1998-August 2012): Starts with the '52 Tele, '57 Strat and '62 Strat. In 1999 adds '62 Custom Tele, '62 Jazzmaster and '62 Jaguar. In 2005 adds 70s Strat. In 2011 adds '69 Tele Thinline, '72 Tele Thinline and '72 Tele Custom - note that these models added in 2005 and 2011 will run into 2013 but the other models are replaced by the 3rd Generation American Vintage in August 2012

- 3rd Generation American Vintage (Ausgust 2012-2017): Models are '52 Tele, '58 Tele, 64 Tele, '56 Strat, '59 Strat, '65 Strat, '65 Jazzmaster and '65 Jaguar

- American Original (2018-2022): Models are 50s Tele, 60s Tele (which is bound like a Custom Tele), 50s Strat, 60s Strat, 60s Jazzmaster and 60s Jaguar EDIT: Completely forgot that Fender added 2 models in 2020 - a 60s Tele Thinline and a 70s Tele Custom

- American Vintage II (2022-present): Models are the '51 Tele, '63 Tele, '72 Tele Thinline, '75 Tele Deluxe, '77 Tele Custom, '57 Strat, '61 Strat, '73 Strat, '66 Jazzmaster

Fender starts using the name "American Vintage" at the beginning of 1998 to refer to the 1st Generation models, and used that name through 2017. That being said it's become "internet shorthand" to call everything before the August 2012 Generation "American Vintage Reissues" or "AVRI" even though Fender only applied that name - and the use of it was pretty spotty - to the '52 Tele, '57 Strat, '62 Strat and 70s Strat, probably because they had "Hot Rod Vintage" versions of those models (except for the 70s Strat - I always wondered if there was a Hot Rod 70s Strat with a humbucker and a Floyd Rose in the works that got scrapped). And it is the "internet shorthand" to only call the August 2012-2017 3rd Generation models "American Vintage" or AV.

Nice work.

Since you've created a near-definitive list, would you care to add in a few specials that the OP may stumble across (if that lucky)?

I'm thinking of the "1st 46" in 2012, the 54 Strat which was only available in ... 2014? And any more like that you can think of.

And because you're @John C, I wonder if you can comment on the colors of all the Teles mentioned (OK, Strats, too), including limited stuff.

Too much? It's the stuff I'd like to have in one place if I were on the hunt.

 

[moosie]

Saw this on reverb: https://reverb.com/item/69192394-fender-american-vintage-64-telecaster-2013-lake-placid-blue

That's a winner.

Ignore the paint chips - the nitro of the first year or so of the 2012-17 models was "too thin". Too thin, perhaps, but also too awesome in my opinion.

 

[ElvisNixon]

Nice work.

Since you've created a near-definitive list, would you care to add in a few specials that the OP may stumble across (if that lucky)?

I'm thinking of the "1st 46" in 2012, the 54 Strat which was only available in ... 2014? And any more like that you can think of.

And because you're @John C, I wonder if you can comment on the colors of all the Teles mentioned (OK, Strats, too), including limited stuff.

Too much? It's the stuff I'd like to have in one place if I were on the hunt.

The 2020 only 70th Anniversary Esquires and Broadcasters are some of the USA “special editions”.

Of course they are maple boards and not what the OP is asking for, but that’s a great breakdown from @John C and the 70th Anniversary models are really nice and relatively inexpensive for a USA Fender.

The Broadcaster was only available in traditional blackguard butterscotch and there were Custom Shop versions both team and master built.

The Esquires came in Lake Placid Blue, white blonde, 2 color sunburst, and Surf Green.

 

[fenderchamp]

you should be able to, with just a bit of googling download original FMIC catalogs and get the scoop for yourself too.

 

[colchar]

I do see AV '64s pop up on kijiji once in a while, but as you say it isn't often and they tend to sell on the quicker side. Also, prices have definitely creeped up on the 2012-2017 AV models over the last few years. With the AVII '63 models going for 2899 CAD plus tax, you're probably looking at around $2200-$2500 CAD for a used AV '64, as they are really well regarded.

So on one hand, they are worth hunting and waiting for. On the other hand, those '52 reissues from the same era are also awesome.

Getting a '52 gets me into the AV game. If I am happy with it then great, but if not I an always offer it up in trade for a '58 or '64.

And based on the prices people are asking for used ones, these two at $1899 are good deals.