1969 Fender Telecaster

by Michael
(NJ)

I have a 1969 Fender Telecaster. The finish had been stripped prior to my purchasing. Additionally, it had a pick-up phase shift installed. It is pretty much original except that is was re-shot in Surf Green nitrocellulose lacquer and re-fretted. The pots, pick-ups and switches are original and +/- 90% of the wiring is original. Serial number is #221580.

It is a really beautiful guitar that plays extremely well.

ANSWER

Hi, Michael--

The serial number indicates that your guitar was made at the Fullerton Plant (Fender - CBS Era), USA in 1968.

Here is the Blue Book general info:

TELECASTER (CBS MFG. 1965-1983)
- single cutaway ash body with routing channel between the pickups, bolt-on maple neck, "F" stamp on neckplate, 21-fret maple fingerboard with black dot inlays (1967-1982) or rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays (1965-69), "Telecaster" logo on headstock with six-on-one-side tuners, STB anchored bridge with three paired-string adj. saddles, white 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. 1965-1982.

Additional info:

Add 5-15% for Sunburst finish.
Add 20%-50% for custom color finishes.
Add 5-10% for a maple fingerboard (1967-69 only).
This model is referred to as CBS Mfg. because of the sale of Fender Musical Instruments Corp. to the CBS Broadcasting Co. in early 1965.Between 1967 and 1969, a maple fingerboard was optional, and by 1969, it was standard. In 1972, two string guides were introduced on the headstock. In 1975, a black pickguard replaced white pickguard. In 1981, a white pickguard replaced the black pickguard. In 1982, this model was changed to the Standard Telecaster.

Pricing info:

1968
Mint $9,000
Exc.+ $7,000
Exc. $6,000
Avg.+ $5,000
Avg. $4,250
General $3,500

**The refinish will diminish the value to collectors by as much as half. Still, it is a beautiful guitar!

Best Wishes,
Lynne