The Fender Telecaster has remained largely unchanged in its core design since its debut in the early 1950s. However, during the transitional period of the late 1960s and early 1970s, Fender quietly released a version of the Telecaster with a peculiar internal modification that has since become a source of fascination for collectors: the so-called “Smuggler” Telecaster.
What Is a “Smuggler” Tele?
The term “Smuggler” Telecaster refers to a limited run of Telecasters from 1967 to 1972 that featured large, concealed body cavities routed beneath the pickguard, specifically under the neck pickup and between the pickups. These routes were not visible unless the pickguard was removed, hence the nickname—it looked as if the guitar was hollowed out to smuggle contraband.
These unusual routes were not part of the standard Telecaster design and were not documented in official Fender catalogs at the time. They’re believed to be a response to a practical issue at the factory.
Why Were They Routed?
There are a few theories surrounding the motivation behind the extra routing:
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Weight Reduction: By the late ‘60s, Fender had begun using heavier ash bodies, and players were starting to complain about the increasing weight. Routing cavities under the pickguard helped lighten the load without altering the guitar’s iconic silhouette.
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Experimentation with Tone Chambers: Some have speculated that these routings were a precursor to later semi-hollow designs, like the Thinline Telecaster, as Fender experimented with ways to affect tone and resonance.
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Production Expediency: Others suggest it was simply a manufacturing shortcut to reduce material without changing the overall look.
Whatever the reason, Fender never publicised these alterations, and the modifications only became widely known years later when vintage collectors began discovering the odd routes beneath the guards of their otherwise stock-looking Telecasters.
Notable Features
While externally identical to other Telecasters of the era, Smuggler models are identified by:
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Three routed cavities beneath the pickguard (neck pickup, control cavity extension, and between pickups)
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Standard Tele specs for the time: ash body, maple neck (later maple cap or rosewood), single-ply white or black pickguard
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Typically finished in blonde, sunburst, or custom colours
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Often bear neck dates and serials consistent with 1967–1972
Because of their undocumented status, Smuggler Teles can appear sporadically across this range, and not all Telecasters from this period feature the routing.
Collectibility and Legacy
Though they were once considered factory oddities, Smuggler Telecasters have gained a cult following in recent years. Their unusual backstory, combined with their limited production and hidden quirks, has made them highly sought after by collectors and Tele enthusiasts alike.
Fender even acknowledged the legacy of these guitars by releasing a Custom Shop Smuggler’s Telecaster in 2016, complete with period-correct routing and finishes, cementing their place in Fender history.
Conclusion
The Smuggler Telecaster is a reminder that even the most iconic designs have their quirks. Whether the routing was born out of practicality, tonal curiosity, or just a clever weight-saving hack, it has become a beloved chapter in the story of the Telecaster. For collectors, discovering a true Smuggler Tele is like finding a hidden compartment in a familiar treasure chest—unexpected, mysterious, and undeniably cool.
