Here’s a rare and very cool find - a 1996 Fender Telecaster Classical Thinline, made in Japan and blending traditional nylon-string feel with classic Telecaster style. Finished in Sunburst with an F hole and elegant natural neck, it’s lightweight, resonant, and unlike anything else Fender was making at the time. Serial V023351, includes a gig bag.

Specs / Weight / Feel:


This model features an alder thinline body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard with a 25.25" scale and 22 frets. The medium C neck profile is comfortable and familiar, with a wide 52.2mm nut suited to classical and fingerstyle playing. Action sits at 2.5mm on the low E, and the lightweight 2.68kg build makes it extremely comfortable on long sessions. Hardware includes Gotoh tuners, chrome appointments, and original Volume/Tone controls for its piezo system.
Damage / Modifications:
There are no modifications, no repairs, and no issues to report. Everything is original and well maintained, with no structural or functional concerns.

Tone:


The piezo pickup delivers an articulate, natural nylon-string voice with excellent note separation and airy resonance from the thinline body. It’s responsive to touch, great for classical pieces, Latin styles, jazz, and expressive fingerstyle work. Plugged in, it offers clarity and warmth without the quackiness often associated with piezo systems.

Final Thoughts:


If you’re after a unique crossover instrument that blends Fender ergonomics with nylon string tone and feel, this MIJ Telecaster Classical Thinline is a standout. Light, expressive, and uncommon on the market, it’s an inspiring player with real collectability and charm.

 
Brand: Fender
Model: Telecaster Classical Thinline
Country: Japan
Year: 1996
Serial: V023351
Case: Gig Bag
Body Colour: Sunburst
Neck Colour: Natural
Finish Type: Lacquer
Body Material: Alder
Neck Material: Maple
Fretboard Material: Rosewood
Scale Length: 25 1/4”
Frets: 22
Fretboard Radius: 9.5”
Action (Low E): 2.5mm
Neck Profile: Med C
Nut Width: 52.2mm
12th Fret Width: 51.8mm
1st Fret Depth: 20.01mm
12th Fret Depth: 22.3mm
Pickups: Piezo
Electronics: Original
Knobs: Volume, Tone
Pick Guard: N/A
Tuners: Gotoh
Hardware: Chrome
Weight: 2.68kg
Mods, Repairs: N/A