Fender AV II 77 TELE CUSTOM MN BLK

Fender AV II 77 TELE CUSTOM MN BLK review

The Fender AV II 77 TELE CUSTOM MN BLK is built around a familiar Telecaster layout, but its bridge single-coil and neck CuNiFe Wide-Range humbucker give it a broader voice than a conventional single-pickup-style Tele. The black, high-gloss finish and period-inspired hardware reinforce the late-1970s look. In practice, the standout feature is how much control the separate volume knobs offer over the balance between the two pickups.

At the listed price of 2168, this is a substantial purchase. The instrument includes a black vintage-style case with orange lining, and has been available since March 2023. The specifications are detailed and traditional, while player reports suggest that setup and case protection deserve a closer look after unpacking.

Construction and feel

The body is alder, with a maple neck and maple fingerboard. Black dot inlays, a three-ply black, white, and black pickguard, and nickel-chrome hardware complete the appearance. The glossy black polyurethane finish looks sharp, though fingerprints show easily and will need regular wiping.

The neck has a 1977 C profile, a 648 mm scale, a 184 mm fingerboard radius, and a 42 mm bone nut. It carries 21 medium-jumbo frets. One player described the neck as a comfortable medium C, substantial without feeling oversized. The neck's polyurethane finish was reported as less sticky than expected, although that player would have preferred a satin feel on the back.

Overall build quality received strong feedback, with reports of clean workmanship and no issues that prevented playing. One owner did notice small imperfections near the fret ends and neck pocket. Another found a bent tuning peg after unpacking. These are individual observations, not evidence that every instrument has the same defects, but they are good reasons to inspect the guitar and hardware on arrival.

Pickups and controls

The bridge pickup is a Pure Vintage '77 Tele single-coil, while the neck position uses an Authentic CuNiFe Wide-Range humbucker. The bridge pickup delivers the bright, cutting, metallic attack associated with a vintage-style Telecaster. Players who favor that sound are likely to find it familiar and direct. One reviewer found it too thin for personal taste and planned to replace it, a preference worth weighing if a thicker bridge voice is a priority.

The neck humbucker drew particularly strong praise for its clarity and open response. One player reported that it stayed articulate with overdrive and fuzz, and could remain selected for an entire performance. Another valued its ability to add a clean, fuller lead sound without relying on effects. The humbucker can also be blended into the middle position using the individual volume controls.

Two volume knobs, two tone knobs, and a three-way switch make that blending possible. One owner noted that the guitar uses 1-megaohm volume pots for the CuNiFe pickup and 250-kilohm pots for the bridge pickup. That setup supports the distinct character of each pickup, while the separate controls allow more adjustment than a shared-volume layout.

Bridge, setup, and gigging

The Pure Vintage six-saddle Tele bridge has slotted steel barrel saddles, and the machine heads are Pure Vintage Fender "F" stamped units. There is no tremolo. The supplied strings are Fender USA 250R nickel-plated steel, in.010 to.046 gauges.

Factory setup feedback was less consistent than the comments on tone and construction. One owner found the action too high and lowered it to make the guitar comfortable, without encountering fret buzz at the lower setting. Buyers should check the action and make any needed adjustments, or have a technician set it up. The instrument's 648 mm scale and 21 frets are clearly specified, but final feel depends on setup and personal preference.

The included vintage-style case looks appropriate and has a warm orange lining. A player who takes the guitar to gigs recommended a more durable hard case for frequent loading, noting that the supplied case may be vulnerable to knocks from other equipment. One owner also found that the case lining left orange fibers on the guitar, which came off with a clean cloth. The glossy finish will show handling marks, so routine cleaning is part of ownership.

Verdict

The Fender AV II 77 TELE CUSTOM MN BLK is a compelling choice for players who want classic Telecaster bite alongside a clear, wide-ranging neck humbucker. Its separate volume controls make the middle position especially adaptable, and the C-profile maple neck earned positive comments for comfort. The main cautions are practical: inspect the hardware on arrival, expect to check the factory action, and consider a tougher case for regular gig transport. For players drawn to the late-1970s sound and styling, the combination is distinctive and versatile.