Conference napalm::guitar

	The "thinline" series of Telecasters involved three models
one which was a semi acoustic(like a Gibson 335) one that was half
solid and half hollow and the deluxe which was solid. All had a different
humbucking pickup assortment. They were really never very popular except
the deluxe which was considered a poormans "Les Paul" by some people
	A rythmn guitarist in one of my bands years ago had one which
I played a couple of times. It had dual humbucking pickups and it had a 
kinda of tinny acoustic sound and would not stay in tune. I think he payed 
around $150 for it.(197?)I remember it looked new and also had a feedback 
problem. It could have been just his guitar and other's may be different. 
And maybe a few adjustments and new tuners would have fixed it up. There was 
something strange about the bridge as it was different from a stock Tellie.
	I once had a Telecaster Deluxe which was completely solid with
one Fender humbucker and a stock tellie pickup and bridge.I replaced the
Fender humbucker with a Dimarzio Paf in the front position which improved the 
sound to my ear. 
	Unless you are into collecting Fender guitars I would pass especially
if it's going to cost you an arm! Your ear may tell you alot more about it
than it's history or price.

    I owned a Fender Telecaster Thinline when I was in high school and
    shortly thereafter (1974-1976). The tele I bought was used and I
    picked it up for 125.00 in 1974. The guitar was in excellent condition
    and I loved the sound and action. It had a walnut finish (dark)
    with a maple neck, a pearl-chip pickguard, and humbucking pickups.
    I sold it in 1977 with a Fender Super Reverb Amp and have been kicking
    myself since. I liked my tele, and wish I still had it. I now own
    a Strat and like it too, but the tele had it's own sound. My suggestion
    would be to consider the guitar's sound and feel, if you like it
    buy it. Or if it is some incredible collector's item, it may be
    a good monetary investment. If you are really interested in what
    was available from Fender, they may keep an old catalog of models
    manufactured in 1974. You might be able to write them for a
    reproduction. I remember, owning a Fender catalog from that time
    frame, and it had quite a few models of the Tele including the thinline
    series.
    
    -Tony

    I still have a Tele  Custom Thinline  (Two humbucking pickups).
    It's got a great neck pickup sound, the bridge pickup is a bit bright
    for my taste (and I play a strat mostly). It is very lightweight,
    has little or no problems with feedback (but I do not use max
    distortion with it) stays in tune well etc. To be totally honest
    it doesn't get played all that often but makes a nice guitar for
    blues or country type sounds. Bob Seegar plays one in the video
    for "Old time Rock and Roll". I understand that he uses his quite
    often.
    
    If you look around hard enough you should be able to find one for
    about $300-350. That's what I was told they were going for when
    I got mine....I traded a blonde strat that wouldn't stay in tune
    for it....and have never regretted that move.
          
    
    dave

    Thanks for all the information guys.  I really appreciate it.
    
    Rock on...
    
    Benj.

	Sound's like my friend had a real lemon. Also I was in error as the 
Telecaster Deluxe was not part of the thinline series according to a 1973
Fender price list I have there were three models with there prices ranging
from $375 to 457.50 the difference being finish and bigsby tremelo.
	Sorry about the misinformation!

							Rick