Vintage Fender Telecaster Owned by Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil - USA 1966

This is a powerful and deeply authentic 1966 Fender Telecaster, stripped back to bare timber and carrying the kind of history and character that only comes from decades of real use. Owned and played by Jim Moginie, adding a layer of genuine Australian rock provenance to an already significant vintage instrument.

Jim Moginie’s role in Australian music is foundational. As a primary songwriter and guitarist in Midnight Oil, his playing helped define a sound that was sharp, urgent and uncompromising, deeply tied to place, politics and identity. His guitar work has always favoured feel, texture and intent over excess, and this Telecaster fits that philosophy perfectly. It’s easy to see why he chose it as a working instrument rather than a collector piece.

Originally finished but long since stripped to the timber, the body wears its life openly. There’s no artifice here, just honest wear and natural ageing that give the guitar an undeniable sense of mojo. The rosewood fingerboard adds warmth and balance to the classic Telecaster snap, a combination that became increasingly popular by 1966 as players looked for a slightly rounder, more controlled response.

The neck is dated September 1966, placing this squarely in one of the most desirable mid-’60s Fender periods. In hand, it feels alive and familiar, with that broken-in comfort that only a true vintage neck delivers. It plays beautifully, responsive and confident, equally at home tracking in the studio or pushed hard on stage.

The pickups appear to be original mid-1960s Fender Telecaster single coils. Construction, materials and visible ageing are consistent with the period, and DC readings of approximately 6.18k (bridge) and 7.5k (neck) fall comfortably within expected mid-’60s Fender ranges. Sonically, they deliver everything you want from a great Tele: clarity, bite and a woody midrange that responds instantly to touch.

The pots date to 1978, indicating practical maintenance during the guitar’s working life, it has also had a professional refret.

A 1966 Telecaster sits at a pivotal point in Fender history, retaining much of the earlier feel and tone while benefitting from subtle refinements. Add the rosewood board, stripped finish, documented artist ownership and unmistakable feel, and this becomes something far beyond a standard vintage Fender.

This is a serious player’s guitar with serious history. Full of character, deeply musical, and ready for its next chapter on stage or in the studio.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.75mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 21.51mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 23.56mm

Nut Width: 41.64mm

Width at 12th Fret: 51.32mm

Weight: 3.5kg

Model: Fender Telecaster

Year: 1966

Country of Manufacture: USA

Finish: Stripped to natural timber

Body: Ash

Neck: Maple

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Neck Date: September 1966

Pickups: Fender Telecaster single coils

Pickup DC Resistance: Bridge ~6.18k, Neck ~7.5k

Electronics: Pots dated 1978

Controls: Volume, tone, 3-way selector

Bridge: Vintage Telecaster ashtray bridge

Provenance: Owned and used by Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil)