Fender Telecaster Paisley finish 1968

The 1960s were a decade of profound social transformation, marked by the rise of the hippie counterculture. Reaching its peak with the legendary Woodstock Festival held in White Lake in August 1969, these years of rebellion and liberation were defined by psychedelia — shaped as much by the smell of marijuana as by the Beatles’ songwriting and Jimi Hendrix’s blazing solos. One symbol captures the essence of this extraordinary decade: the paisley motif. Originally an oriental teardrop or leaf-like pattern adorned with abstract designs, the paisley became an icon of the era — so much so that Fender introduced a pink paisley version of both its Telecaster guitar and bass in 1968.

Celebrating the psychedelic sixties and the wild rock ‘n’ roll spirit of that decade, Fender released its Pink Paisley Telecaster and Telecaster Bass in 1968 (both available at Matt’s Guitar Shop). Only a handful of these guitars were produced in this surprising and now highly sought-after finish. They were made by applying paisley-patterned wallpaper directly to the bodies. Once the glue dried, a sunburst-like technique was used to create visual depth, followed by a clear coat. The instruments were then fitted with clear plastic pickguards to let the vivid pattern shine through. These unique Teles quickly caught the attention of players like James Burton, who made his Paisley Telecaster his go-to guitar.

The Pink Paisley Telecaster offered by Matt’s Guitar Shop is a rare 1968 model equipped with a Bigsby vibrato. Beyond its hypnotic looks, it delivers that unmistakable ’60s Tele tone and offers a true flashback to one of the most electrifying eras in rock history!