Fender Telecaster Thinline 1969

John Shults

Posted on August 08 2021

Fender Telecaster Thinline 1969 with F hole

 

This Fender Telecaster Thinline 1969 with F shaped sound hole came through the shop a few years ago. It was a fabulous playing example of the unique first variant of the Telecaster Thinline model with single coil pickups. I have been looking to replace this Fender Telecaster Thinline since passing it on to another player. If you're looking to sell a Fender Telecaster Thinline from the late 1960s or early 1970s you can contact me here to send pictures: Sell a Fender guitar.

This Fender Telecaster Thinline 1969 comes from the second year of the model's production. Legendary guitar designer Roger Rossmeisl designed a few different variants of the Telecaster for the just post-CBS buyout of the Fender company (check out his Fender Rosewood Telecaster here. Fender was noticing that the bodies of the Telecasters they were making were increasing in weight as time went on because of lack of availability for lighter wood. For the Thinline Telecaster model, Rossmeissl routed out much of the wood inside the body to relieve weight. He also made a natural finish as standard on the model and gave it a uniquely shaped pearloid pickguard with integrated control mounts. 

How to date a Fender Thinline Telecaster

The best way to know how to date a Fender Thinline Telecaster is to start with the serial number but also include the neck heel date stamp, the potentiometer codes, and the features. The Fender serial number on this guitar is a six digit number on a plate with a large F that begins with 257. The neck heel ink stamp on this Fender Thinline Telecaster is "3MAY69B" where 3 = Telecaster model, MAY = month, 69 = 1969, and B = standard nut width. We can also assume that the guitar was made between 1968 and 1972 since this Fender Thinline Telecaster has version 1 features (check out this Fender Telecaster Thinline 1974 for version 2 with humbuckers). 

The reason that we can't use Fender serial number for how to date Fender Telecaster guitars is because they aren't necessarily consecutive, but more importantly because they are on an easily removable plate on the back of the neck. Any player could easily change the serial number of Fender Telecaster guitars with a simple phillips head screw driver. For a more complete view of how to date Fender Telecaster guitars check out How to date Fender guitars

how to date Fender Telecaster guitars 1960s neck heel ink stamp

Fender Thinline Telecaster values and pricing

Finding out the value of a Fender Thinline Telecaster 1969 involves thorough research and guitar history knowledge. The most important part of the process of valuing and pricing your Fender Telecaster Thinline is being able to compare your guitar to others on the market that are similar. That's where accurate identification becomes crucial. We need to know exactly what year it was made, what parts are original and what parts are not original, and what repair or maintenance it may need in order to be a professionally playable electric guitar. 

The way that I price a Fender Telecaster 1969 is first by surveying the currently available offerings for similar guitars. I look for guitars that match exactly 1969, natural finish over Ash body, all original parts, and minor fret wear. Then I'll look to see who is selling each guitar since buyers are willing to pay more for the same guitar from a more trusted guitar dealer with a track record of honesty and success. I'll also be looking at that seller's return policy and availability of international shipping. Buyers will feel comfortable spending on a purchase that has a return policy and sales are more likely to happen with the buying audience includes the entire world instead of local buyers only. 

 I am a huge fan of the Fender Telecaster Thinline 1960s and am looking for exactly the right one to add to my collection. If you're looking for where to sell Fender guitars near me then you may have just found it. If you have the guitar I'm looking for then I may be able to come to you for an in person sale. You can contact me here to sell a Fender guitar

 Fender Thinline Telecaster 1969 with F hole, single coil pickups, vintage guitar

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