Fender American Professional Telecaster RW Dark Night Electric guitar

American Professional Telecaster — Modern Workhorse With Classic Tele DNA

The Fender American Professional Telecaster RW Dark Night is a USA-made solidbody electric guitar built for the working musician who needs the unmistakable snap of a Telecaster without sacrificing modern playability. An alder body provides the balanced, resonant foundation that has defined the Tele since the 1950s, while the upgraded appointments throughout this model push the design forward. The Dark Night finish gives this instrument a stealthy, stage-ready look that pairs as easily with a tweed combo as it does with a high-gain rig. For players who want a professional-grade American Tele that feels current without abandoning the model's heritage, this guitar delivers on every front.

What Sets This Telecaster Apart

Two upgrades separate this model from a vintage-spec Tele. First, the new V-Mod III single-coil pickups are more articulate than ever while delivering the twang, snap and snarl that made the Tele famous, and a push-push tone control activates series mode for an additional voice. Second, the popular Deep "C" neck sports smooth rolled fingerboard edges and Fender's "Super-Natural" satin finish, a combination that feels fast and broken-in from day one. A newly sculpted neck heel improves access to the upper frets, and 22 narrow-tall frets make bending easy.

Body and Finish — Resonant Tonewood With a Stage-Ready Look

The body shape and tonewood choice anchor the Telecaster's signature sound: bright attack, tight low end, and plenty of cut. The polyurethane finish protects the alder from the rigors of touring while keeping the Dark Night colorway consistent across the body and headstock.

• Body Material: Alder — balanced resonance with clear highs and tight lows that define the classic Tele voice
• Finish: Polyurethane — durable coating that resists wear from straps, picks, and stage sweat
• Color: Dark Night — a deep, dark finish that reads as black on stage while showing subtle depth under stage lighting

Neck and Fingerboard — Built for Speed and Comfort

The neck is where the American Professional series earns its name. A Deep "C" profile fills the hand without getting in the way of intricate chord work, and the satin finish lets the left hand glide smoothly during fast runs and position shifts. Narrow Tall frets give clean note articulation when bending and provide enough height for expressive vibrato.

• Neck Material: Maple — bright, snappy response that complements the alder body
• Neck Profile: Deep "C" — a substantial carve that suits both rhythm chording and lead playing
• Neck Finish: Super-Natural satin — smooth, fast feel that reduces friction during position shifts
• Fingerboard Material: Rosewood — warm, woody character under the fingertips with a familiar playing feel
• Frets: 22 Narrow Tall — for easy bending and expressive vibrato

Electronics and Hardware — Pro-Grade Components Throughout

The hardware and electronics reflect the same player-first thinking as the neck. V-Mod III pickups deliver the Tele twang, snap and snarl players expect, while ClassicGear Precision potentiometers provide smooth, consistent control. The new bridge with compensated brass saddles offers both top-load and string-through options, letting players tailor the tension and tone of each string.

• Pickup Configuration: SS (two single-coils) — V-Mod III Tele in the bridge and V-Mod III Tele in the neck position
• Special Control: Push-push tone control — activates series mode
• Bridge: 3-saddle top-load/string-through with ClassicGear compensated Brass Bullet saddles — flexible setup that supports both classic Tele snap and modern string tension preferences
• Strings: 6 — standard electric guitar string count
• Dexterity: Right-hand — built for right-handed players
• Case: Deluxe Molded hardshell case included — protects the instrument during transport and storage

Who the American Professional Telecaster Is For

The Fender American Professional Telecaster RW Dark Night is the right choice for working guitarists who need a reliable USA-made instrument that covers country, blues, rock, indie, and jazz without compromise. Session players will appreciate the predictable, mix-friendly tone of the V-Mod III pickups, while gigging musicians benefit from the satin neck finish that stays comfortable through long sets. Players upgrading from a Squier or Mexican-made Tele will find a meaningful step up in fit, finish, and tonal refinement. The included hardshell case makes this guitar ready for the road from the moment it leaves the shop.

The American Professional Story

The American Professional Telecaster draws from more than seventy years of Fender innovation, inspiration and evolution to meet the demands of today's working player. It keeps the model's two-pickup, slab-body simplicity intact while adding player-centric upgrades: a newly sculpted neck heel, the "Super-Natural" satin neck finish with rolled fingerboard edges, narrow-tall frets, new V-Mod III single-coils and ClassicGear hardware.