The newest Tele variant to firmly carve out a long-term niche for itself in the increasingly diverse family of the Fender Telecaster is the Cabronita . This model ( the Spanish name of which roughly translates to “ little bastard ” in English ) was originally introduced in 2009 as La Cabronita , a Custom Shop only offering . It featured a classic Tele body and neck , a Strat-style hardtail bridge , and a single TV Jones Filter ’ tron-style humbucker in the bridge position . The electronics were mounted directly in the body , sans control plate , and the pickguard was like a chopped version of the standard , a move seemingly inspired by Leo Fender ’ s early Telecaster prototypes . Clearly , this was a radical departure from the status quo . Things blew up after the guitar ’ s appearance at NAMM that year , and DIY builders of modest means began to build their own Cabronita tributes , posting them on Fender enthusiast forums . The team at Fender took note of the buzz around this guitar , and a decision was made to integrate it into the company ’ s regular product line , with Cabronitas eventually showing up at all price points . There ’ s even a bass ! The Fender Cabronita Telecaster is now an established and beloved sub-model of the Tele , with Squier versions proving especially popular , as their low cost makes them an excellent platform for modding and upgrades .
FENDER CABRONITA TELECASTER
The newest Tele variant to firmly carve out a long-term niche for itself in the increasingly diverse family of the Fender Telecaster is the Cabronita . This model ( the Spanish name of which roughly translates to “ little bastard ” in English ) was originally introduced in 2009 as La Cabronita , a Custom Shop only offering . It featured a classic Tele body and neck , a Strat-style hardtail bridge , and a single TV Jones Filter ’ tron-style humbucker in the bridge position . The electronics were mounted directly in the body , sans control plate , and the pickguard was like a chopped version of the standard , a move seemingly inspired by Leo Fender ’ s early Telecaster prototypes . Clearly , this was a radical departure from the status quo . Things blew up after the guitar ’ s appearance at NAMM that year , and DIY builders of modest means began to build their own Cabronita tributes , posting them on Fender enthusiast forums . The team at Fender took note of the buzz around this guitar , and a decision was made to integrate it into the company ’ s regular product line , with Cabronitas eventually showing up at all price points . There ’ s even a bass ! The Fender Cabronita Telecaster is now an established and beloved sub-model of the Tele , with Squier versions proving especially popular , as their low cost makes them an excellent platform for modding and upgrades .
18 TONE TALK // A Player ’ s Field Guide to Tele Variants