Fender Exclusive MIJ 60s Tele RW CAR

Fender Exclusive MIJ 60s Tele RW CAR review

The Fender Exclusive MIJ 60s Tele RW CAR is a Japan-made Telecaster sold exclusively through the retailer. Its familiar layout pairs two vintage-style Telecaster single-coil pickups with a three-way switch, master volume, and master tone controls. The model has a 25.5-inch scale, a rosewood fingerboard, and a Candy Apple Red finish. Its listed price is 1329, and it has been available since December 2025.

The assessment here draws on a player's first-hand report after buying the guitar. That player had spent years without a Telecaster and was prompted to try this model after enjoying a the retailer-exclusive 1960s-style Stratocaster. The resulting impression was strongly positive, especially regarding the sound, neck comfort, finish, and overall workmanship.

Body, finish, and hardware

The body is made from basswood, also known as linden. The owner reported a weight of 3.2 kg, which made the guitar feel notably light. That figure is from the owner's report, rather than a published weight specification. In their experience, the wood did not hold back the sound, and they were already comfortable with basswood after playing the related Stratocaster model.

The Candy Apple Red finish is set off by a dark rosewood fingerboard and a three-ply mint green pickguard. It is a distinctive combination that keeps the guitar's vintage-inspired appearance from feeling plain. The maple neck has a gloss finish, and the owner praised the smoothly rounded fingerboard edges. Chrome-plated hardware, vintage-style tuners, and a three-saddle bridge with threaded steel saddles complete the period-influenced look.

The owner found the tuners reliable and stable in use. The bridge follows a traditional design, with three saddles rather than six individually adjustable saddles. That arrangement is part of the model's vintage-style specification, and players who want separate intonation adjustment for every string should take note.

Neck and setup

The maple neck uses a U-shaped profile, with a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, 21 vintage frets, a 42.8 mm bone nut, and a 25.5-inch scale. The owner described the neck as comfortable rather than bulky, despite its U profile. With the action set low, they found it easy to play, and the rolled fingerboard edges added to that impression.

One setup detail deserves attention. The owner found the neck relief too pronounced out of the box and adjusted it. On this vintage-style design, the neck adjustment is accessed from the heel, so making an adjustment requires removing the neck. That is less convenient than a headstock-access adjustment. Buyers who are not comfortable setting up a guitar may want a technician to check the relief and action after delivery.

The player's practical guidance was to set neck relief first, then adjust string height at the bridge. The guitar ships with nickel-plated steel strings in.009 to.042 gauge. Setup preferences vary, so those details are best treated as a starting point rather than a fixed prescription.

Sound and controls

The two vintage-style single-coil pickups deliver the familiar Telecaster range through a straightforward control layout. The owner described the clean sound as clear and full-bodied, with the three-way switch and master controls offering enough variation for their needs. There is no extra switching system such as an S-1 switch, keeping the controls simple and easy to understand.

With overdrive, the guitar was also reported to produce a warm, sustained lead sound. The owner particularly liked the singing quality of lead notes and felt the instrument handled both clean playing and driven tones well. These are subjective impressions, but they point to a versatile traditional setup rather than a specialized high-output design.

Verdict

The Fender Exclusive MIJ 60s Tele RW CAR combines a light basswood body, comfortable U-shaped neck, rosewood fingerboard, and familiar Telecaster electronics in an exclusive Japan-made model. The first-hand report praises its finish, workmanship, playability, and range of sounds. The main caveat is the heel-access neck adjustment, which can make setup less convenient, and the included Fender gig bag was considered basic by the owner. A bag is included, but no hard case is supplied.

For players looking for a traditional Telecaster feel with a distinctive red-and-mint appearance, this model makes a compelling case. Its vintage-style bridge and controls keep the design focused, while the reported low weight and comfortable neck make it inviting for extended playing. The owner's verdict was clear: sound, playability, and appearance all met their expectations.