Vintage Vibes: 1968 Pink Paisley Fender Telecaster Featuring Nathaniel Murphy
VINTAGE VIBES:1968 Pink Paisley Fender Telecaster
This 1968 Pink Paisley Fender Telecaster was definitely born to be wild, and Nathaniel shows us why. Manufactured only in 1968 and 1969, the Paisley Telecasters are named for their distinctive finish, which is actually a piece of wallpaper Fender affixed to the body and then covered with a clear coat. This particular Paisley Telecaster has a one-piece maple neck and maple cap, a rare feature only available for a few years with 1968 being one. A ‘64 Fender Vibroverb and an Electro-Harmonix Triangle Big Muff Pi help reveal the true spirit of this special, psychedelic delight.
Nathaniel Murphy describes the 1968 Pink Paisley Fender Telecaster
Hi guys, Nathaniel from Chicago Music Exchange here, and today we're showing off this wonderful 1968 Fender Pink Paisley Telecaster.
In 1968, Fender decided to go all psychedelic and add Pink Paisley wallpaper with a clear coat on some of their guitars, as you do. And behold, we have the 1968 Pink Paisley Telecasters. Infamous. These were only made in 1968 and 1969, but Fender reissued them a number of times over the years. This one is in very good condition considering it’s age. It plays and feels great. It does have checking throughout the body which is very common with this type of guitar. The neck stamp, the serial number and the bridge pick up, which is behind the ashtray here, are all from ’68. The pots from 1971, which means they were probably changed at some point. It has a beautiful one-piece maple neck and maple cap, which is an appointment that only happened for a couple of years during this era.
We're gonna be playing it today through a 1964 fender Vibroverb amp. Let’s see how it sounds.
The Technical Specs
Finish: Original
Body Material: Alder Body
Body Details: Alder solid body
Neck Material: Maple Neck
Fingerboard Material: Maple Fingerboard
Neck Profile: Medium "C"
Neck Thickness (IN): 1st- .85" 12th- .94"
Fingerboard Radius: 7.25
Nut Width: 1-5/8 in
Neck Details: One piece maple neck with maple cap fingerboard and black dot inlays. 3OCT68B neck stamp.
Electronics: The pickups are original. The neck pickup is a black bobbin with plastic coated wire. The bridge pickup is a grey bobbin with blue and yellow cloth coated leads and a 1968 date under the plate (see picture). The wiring harness is not original. The pots were replaced with 1971 dated pots. The switch and output jack are also not original.
Pickup Measurements: Neck 6.5k ohms, Bridge 5.8k ohms
Hardware: Original
Weight: 7 lbs 11.5 oz
Modifications / Repairs: The guitar has been rewired. The leads from the bridge pickup have been extended. The control cavity has been widened slightly for oversized pot that were installed and have since been removed (see pictures)
Case Details: Original hard shell case.
Cosmetic Condition: The guitar has moderate play wear. The finish on the body is glossy with considerable checking. The paisley pattern is beginning to peel up underneath the clear coat and is fragile. This is common with this finish. The hardware is nicely tarnished.
Tech Notes: The guitar plays well with low action. The frets are small with light play wear. The serial number dates to 1968.
SOUNDBOARD BLOG
SHOP VINTAGE FENDER
Related Posts
Taylor Guitars | Next Generation Grand Auditorium
The Next Generation of Taylor Grand Auditorium guitars has arrived at Chicago Music Exchange. Featuring Scalloped V-Class bracing for richer harmonic response, the innovative Action Control Neck for effortless setup adjustments, and the all-new Claria pickup system for consistent amplified tone, these guitars represent Taylor’s most refined acoustic design yet.
View Details
The John Oates Collection at CME!
John Oates isn’t parting with his past—he’s investing in the future. The John Oates Collection has arrived at Chicago Music Exchange—an extraordinary lineup of loved acoustics, stage-used amplifiers, and choice collector’s guitars from one of the most iconic songwriters and performers in American music history. These aren’t just instruments—they’re pieces of living music history, shaped by decades of recording, touring, and performance. From road-worn character to studio-crafted tone, every piece tells a story, and now, those stories are available to you!
View Details
Suhr Custom | 2026 New Gear Arrivals
Fresh from NAMM 2026, the newest Suhr guitars, basses, and amps have officially landed at Chicago Music Exchange. From Limited Edition Classics to the all-new Oso Short Scale and elite artist signatures, this lineup blends vintage soul with modern muscle. Built in Lake Elsinore, California—crafted to perform everywhere you play. Shop Suhr now.
View Details