Telecaster Values by Year: How Much Is a Vintage Telecaster Worth?

Crowned the ‘Guitar Safari Champion’ by Reverb.com and the ‘Indiana Jones of Vintage Guitars’ by City Lifestyle Magazine, John Shults has built True Vintage Guitar into one of the most trusted names in the field. Featured by Guitar.com for his refreshing transparency in a trade often shrouded in mystery, Shults has, by the age of 36, already bought, appraised, or sold Telecasters from every year from 1950 through 1970. Shults's clients include Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Tweedy, Zac Brown, Norm Harris, and some of the most prolific guitar collectors in the world. A 16-year veteran appraiser and dealer, he has bought and sold millions of dollars in vintage guitars across five continents, always with a focus on expertise, honesty, and passion for Fender and Gibson history.

Fender Broadcaster: 1950 - 1951

Before the Telecaster, this Fender was actually called the Broadcaster from 1950 to February of 1951. Original Fender Broadcasters are highly prized by guitar players and collectors alike. The 1950 Fender Broadcaster I owned played like a dream, was light weigth, and had that classic Telecaster bridge pickup twang they're known for. You can check out more about the Broadcaster I owned here: 1950 Fender Broadcaster.

After the Broadcaster name was dropped, some Telecasters were made with no model name on the logo (often called "Nocaster"). The "Blackguard Telecaster" era is defined by the thick black phenollic pickguard adorning Telecasters made until 1954. Blackguard Telecasters are the originals on which all other guitars are compared. You can check out an excellent example I owned here: 1953 Fender Telecaster.

The black pickguard was updated to the white pickguard in 1954, but by 1955, the Telecaster's Blonde finish was lighter. The prior butterscotch Blonde became more white in the mid to late 1950s. V shaped necks were introduced in 1956 and 1957. The 1957 Fender catalog mentions that "custom Dupont Duco finishes available for 5% extra." Custom color Telecasters are rare and worth more than the standard Blonde finish.

Fender updated the Telecaster and Esquire models with a new slab Rosewood fretboard in 1959. A fancy new model was introduced: the Custom Telecaster with double bound body and Sunburst finish. The thick slab Rosewood fretboard was discontinued in 1962. I personally love the slab board era Telecasters for the feel and slightly less harsh tone of the unfinished Rosewood board. You can check out a first run '59 Tele Custom here: 1959 Fender Custom Telecaster. You can contact me at the buttons below if you'd like an appraisal or are looking to sell.

The Telecasters made from late 1962 until 1965 feature veneer Rosewood fretboards and are considered to be "Pre-CBS". Leo Fender sold his company to Columbia Broadcasting Systems on January 5th, 1965, but not much changed until the following year. The Telecaster and Esquire guitars I've owned from the early to mid 1960s are exceptionally nice guitars that play nicely and have classic Tele bridge pickup sound. Contact me at the buttons below if you'd like an appraisal or are looking to sell.

Fender modernized the Telecaster and Esquire models in the late 1960s with a standard switch layout, new eye popping finishes like the Blue Flower and Pink Paisley, and introduced new models like the Thinline Telecaster in 1968. The examples I've owned have been great guitars, but are slightly less refined than previous years. They tend to get a bit heavier and the finishes get thicker the closer it's made to 1970.

Sell your original Fender Telecaster, Broadcaster, or Esquire to a passionate buyer: John Shults of True Vintage Guitar. I can help with an accurate appraisal and an offer for you to sell your guitar - anywhere in the world. I buy the nicest examples of Fender guitars made in the 1950s and 1960s. Contact me at the button below and send pictures of your vintage Fender.