I have had my gold Select for almost a year, and i still love the beauty and ease of playing. No picture does this justice, and the quality of the tone is super. As for the minor problem of the tuner button hitting the case, three seconds of tuning fixes that.

ira1947 owns this item

I was looking to buy a a new high end electric guitar to upgrade my old Telecaster (Partscaster) I had been playing for years. It had USA pickups and served me well. I originally wanted to get a PRS Hollowbody 2. I went to one of the big guitar stores here in QLD, Australia and played it for a good 30 minutes. Nothing. No wow factor. Nothing. It sounded good, but the neck was uncomfortable and I was a bit annoyed.

Then I decided to play some Telecasters. I was originally playing a Deluxe Telecaster, but then the guy brought out the Select Tele with Gold Hardware. I plugged it in and WOW. I HAD to have it. The neck felt right at home and it sounded awesome.

I payed a freaking mint for it, but it was worth every penny. It looks a million dollars and I love it. The only gripe I have with it is the stupid case. The high E string tuner does not sit in the case unless it is at right angles with the case - so annoying. I notice that every single review, the case has been mentioned. The tweed looks great though. I am sad that the gold hardware will tarnish with age, but that's ok. It also gets dirty very easily. I polish it after I play it and it comes up brilliantly. The old 9 gauge strings on it were rubbish and rusted after the first time I played it, but I just put a set of 10-46 Elixirs and it is singing now.

Highly recommended! Love it!

kingcat119 owns this item

why did i buy this guitar?
well the story is, I got a good bonus from work, so i thought i would treat myself to a guitar. So, I went to my dealer an ordered/paid for the 2012 custom deluxe strat, but after 2 months of Fender Australia not being able to give an ETD I was getting worried that i might lose my money so i went back to the dealer and chose the Select tele with gold hardware.
I am glad i did, this is such a beautiful guitar and it plays so nicely. Even though i am only a beginner, i do appreciate quality.
The only thing i am disappointed in is the lack of care and communication from Fender Aust Staff, but over all an outstanding product.

Pros: Flame maple top is stunning
Nice Birdseye maple neck
Not too heavy
has a no load tone position
It has a really nice Twang sound to it
It comes with a really nice Tweed Case

Cons: The guitar doesn't fit in the case properly
the lacquer finish is soft and easily marked
It would be nice if the gold hardware model also had locking tuners
the rubber/vinyl on guitar stands will damage the lacquer finish

jgpollen owns this item

I own this guitar and it is wonderful! Way more aesthetically pleasing than any photo I have seen on the internet. It plays and sounds awesome. The locking tuners are fantastic!

The only problem I encounter is that the beautiful Select case that it comes in was not properly designed. You literally have to push the guitar into place and the result is that the high E string ALWAYS comes out of tune. I started researching and it turns out that most people that own this guitar also encounter this same issue. I find it weak that Fender would overlook this especially considering the price of this beauty.

I wish it was a solid body and not chambered but overall I am very satisfied with this purchase! Hope to get a Select Jazzmaster next!

promethean owns this item

I almost let this guitar get away. I was looking at purchasing a Telecaster but didn't know if I wanted to buy this one or not but I'm glad I did. I purchased the one with the gold hardware and when it arrived it was beautiful. Pictures do not do this guitar justice. This giutar has so much detail you have to see it to believe it. The tones of this Tele is to die for and the neck is as smooth as butter. Fender did a great job on this guitar. The setup, tone, and playability is spot on. I highly recommend this Telecaster. Thanks Fender for a great guitar.

tonyclark1 owns this item

Not much more to say really I must have one :)

This one did it all for me. Looks, feel, playability and sound. After I got this one I got rid a quite a few guitars. A couple Fenders and even my LP Custom. I go through a lot of guitars, but this one is a keeper.

Dave Ferrell owns this item