1953 Fender Telecaster

Original guitar, numbers correct on body and neck. Has been refretted to jumbo frets some time ago. Has ashtray bridge cover, correct pots, etc. Guitar is well used, with lacquer on the body checked as usual, fretboard and neck lacquer mostly worn thru. Body has paint pockmarks at the beltbuckle level and a few assorted dings, but is a gorgeous guitar. Comes with about a 56 well worn case w/orange interior, not the correct poodle style. Plays incredibly well, set w/high clearance for heavy strings. Bridge serial no. 3xxx.

ANSWER

Here is the Blue Book general info:

TELECASTER (FENDER MFG. 1951-1964) Add to Collection
- single cutaway ash body with routing channel between the pickups, bolt-on maple neck, 21-fret maple fingerboard with black dot inlay, "Telecaster" logo on headstock with six-on-one-side tuners, STB anchored bridge with three paired-string adj. saddles, black pickguard, two single coil pickups, two knobs (v, tone) and a three-way switch mounted on a metal plate, chrome hardware, available in Blonde finish, mfg. 1951-1964.

The pricing info:

Mint $65,000
Exc.+ $50,000
Exc. $35,000
Avg.+ $25,000
Avg. $20,000
General $16,000

**Because of the refretting and the wear, I would guess that it belongs in the "Average" category.

Lynne