1973 Fender Telecaster Custom Sunburst (W672)

The 1973 Fender Telecaster Custom in Sunburst finish is a fascinating and collectible guitar—especially because of its hybrid pickup configuration and association with players like Keith Richards. It was reintroduced by Fender in 1972 with a key twist: a wide-range humbucker pickup in the neck position (designed by Seth Lover, who also designed the Gibson PAF), paired with a traditional Tele single-coil in the bridge. This 1973 model is part of the early years of this reissue.

Key Specs & Features

Body & Finish

• Body Wood: Typically alder (sometimes ash depending on finish).

• Finish: Polyester Sunburst (a classic tri-color look by this point).

• Pickguard: Large black pickguard covering much of the front (distinctive to the Custom).

• Routing: Extra routing under the pickguard for the humbucker.

Electronics

• Neck Pickup: Wide Range Humbucker (WRHB) – has CuNiFe magnets in the vintage originals. Warm, punchy tone—closer to a PAF but with a Fender voice.

• Bridge Pickup: Classic Tele single-coil—bright and twangy.

• Controls: Les Paul-style layout:

  • 2 Volume, 2 Tone

  • 3-way toggle switch (upper bout like a Les Paul)

Hardware

• Neck: 3-bolt maple neck with Micro-Tilt adjustment.

• Fingerboard: Maple or rosewood (maple was more common by '73, but both existed).

• Tuners: Fender "F" stamped tuners.

• Bridge: 3-saddle "ashtray" bridge (classic Tele style).

• Nut Width: Usually 1.650" (~42mm)

• Scale Length: 25.5"

Famous Players

• Keith Richards: Most famously used a black '75 Tele Custom, but played earlier models too.

• Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead): Modern user of Tele Customs, though his is modded.

Fun Fact

The Wide Range Humbucker in this era is NOT like a modern humbucker. It’s more dynamic and open, with Fender-like clarity. CuNiFe magnets were discontinued later in the ’70s, making early versions more prized.