In the late 1960s, Fender began expanding
its product line by experimenting
with new designs and finish options, each
with varying degrees of success. After toying
with dyed wood and multicolored finishes
in the Coronado series, the company
decided to go straight to the heart of the
popular psychedelic aesthetic, and, in 1968,
the Paisley Red and Blue Flower Telecasters
were born. These distinctive finishes were
created by adhering flower- and paisley-patterned
wallpaper directly to the slab
body. After the glue dried, a sunburst-like
technique was used to add depth to the
finish, and the bodies were then finished
with a clear coat. To top it all off, these
Teles sported a clear plastic pickguard that
allowed the full effect of the happening colors
to shine through.
Featured here is an incredible pair of
paisley Telecasters—a 6-string guitar and a
4-string Telecaster bass. Released in May of
1968, Tele basses were only briefly finished
with paisleys and flowers. Both of these
instruments are all-original, and they’re in
incredible shape. The serial numbers place
their production dates in the middle of
’68, with the guitar reading 220649 and
the bass stamped 234628. Unfortunately,
the paisley and flower finishes didn’t quite
catch on and were phased out rather quickly,
making this great set a rare find.
Thanks to Chuck Riley at Rumble Seat
Music for listing these instruments on Gear
Search. Whether you’re looking for a vintage
blast-from-the-past or the latest on the
market, there’s a great chance you’ll find it
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