DATE :
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
1959 Fender Telecaster: The Rosewood Revolution That Changed Everything
1959 Fender Telecaster: The Rosewood Revolution That Changed Everything
Why the 1959 Telecaster Marks a Historic Turning Point
The 1959 Fender Telecaster represents one of the most significant transitional years in the instrument's storied history. This was the year Leo Fender made a bold decision that would forever change the character of his revolutionary solid-body electric guitar—the introduction of the thick slab rosewood fretboard. After nearly a decade of producing Telecasters exclusively with one-piece maple necks, Fender's switch to rosewood in the spring of 1959 created what many collectors consider the perfect marriage of the Telecaster's signature bite with a warmer, rounder tonal palette.
What makes 1959 special:
First year of the legendary slab rosewood fretboard (approximately 4.8mm thick)
Final year before the CBS acquisition concerns began affecting production decisions
Introduction of the upscale Telecaster Custom model in June 1959
Premium materials still being used throughout production
Hand-built quality with the refined manufacturing processes of the late 1950s
The perfect balance between Leo Fender's original vision and tonal evolution
The 1959 Telecaster stands as a bridge between the classic blonde-and-black aesthetic of the early 1950s and the more sophisticated offerings that would define the 1960s. These instruments capture the essence of American craftsmanship at its peak, built during an era when Fender's reputation was solidifying as the definitive electric guitar manufacturer.
Historical Context: A Pivotal Year for Fender
1959 was a watershed year for Fender Musical Instruments. Leo Fender and his team were riding high on the success of the Telecaster and the relatively new Stratocaster, but they weren't content to rest on their achievements. The company was constantly innovating, and 1959 saw several crucial developments that would shape the brand's future.
The Rosewood Revolution: The most significant change was Fender's decision to replace the traditional one-piece maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. This wasn't merely an aesthetic choice—Leo Fender had observed that maple fretboards showed wear and discoloration over time as the lacquer finish wore away. Rosewood, already being used successfully by Gibson on their Les Paul models, offered a solution that was both practical and tonal. The dark brown rosewood didn't show wear patterns as obviously and provided a warmer, more musical response under the fingers.
Manufacturing Excellence: By 1959, Fender had perfected their production processes. The company had nearly a decade of experience building solid-body electric guitars, and their quality control had reached remarkable consistency. Workers had developed techniques that balanced efficiency with craftsmanship, creating instruments that were both affordable and exceptionally well-made.
The Custom Market Emerges: June 1959 saw the introduction of the Telecaster Custom, featuring a striking sunburst finish and elegant white plastic binding around the body edges. This represented Fender's recognition that musicians were seeking more upscale options while maintaining the fundamental Telecaster DNA.
Bridge Innovations: Mid-1959 also marked the return to the traditional string-through-body design after a brief experiment with the top-loading bridge system in 1958. Player feedback had made it clear that the original string-through approach provided superior sustain and resonance.
Notable musicians were beginning to discover the Telecaster's unique voice during this period. While the instrument wouldn't reach its full iconic status until the British Invasion of the mid-1960s, forward-thinking players were already recognizing its exceptional clarity and cutting power in band situations.
Detailed Identification Guide
Authenticating a 1959 Telecaster requires careful examination of multiple features, as this transitional year presents some unique characteristics that distinguish it from both earlier and later models.
Serial Number Ranges
1959 Telecasters fall within the approximate serial number range of 30,000 to 40,000, found on the neck plate. However, serial numbers from this era are not perfectly sequential, and overlap between years is common. Never rely on serial numbers alone for dating.
Neck Dating
The most reliable dating method is the pencil-written or stamped date on the neck heel (visible when the neck is removed from the body). 1959 necks typically show dates written as "1-59" through "12-59" indicating month and year. Spring 1959 necks may show the transition from maple to rosewood construction.
Fretboard Identification
Early 1959 (January-March): One-piece maple necks with lacquered maple fretboards—extremely rare and valuable Mid to Late 1959 (April-December): Thick slab rosewood fretboards approximately 4.8mm thick
Potentiometer Codes
1959 Telecasters used Stackpole potentiometers with specific date codes:
First three digits: 304 (Stackpole manufacturer code)
Next digits: 58 or 59 (year of manufacture)
Final digits: Week of manufacture (01-52)
Example: 304-5923 = Stackpole potentiometer made in the 23rd week of 1959
Visual Identifiers
Clay Dot Inlays: Genuine clay position markers with slight color variations (not uniform white)
Headstock Logo: Classic "spaghetti" style logo in silver with black outline
Patent Numbers: Two patent numbers appear below the logo starting in late 1959
Pickguard: Single-layer white pickguard (appears slightly green-tinted in certain lighting)
Bridge: String-through-body design with six ferrules on the back
Pickup Covers: Off-white ABS plastic that has aged to cream or yellowed appearance
Control Knobs: Barrel-style knobs in off-white plastic
Tuners: Kluson single-line tuners with "KLUSON DELUXE" stamping
Body Construction Details
Wood: Ash body construction (alder began appearing later in 1959)
Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer in blonde finish as standard
Weight: Typically 7.5-8.5 pounds
Neck Pocket: Hand-routed with visible tool marks and slight irregularities
Bridge and Hardware Specifications
The 1959 Telecaster featured the return to the classic string-through-body bridge design. The bridge pickup is mounted directly to the bridge plate, while the neck pickup is mounted to the pickguard. All hardware was chrome-plated steel, with the distinctive Telecaster ashtray bridge cover (though most players removed these immediately).
Detailed Physical Specifications
Understanding the precise specifications of a 1959 Telecaster helps with both identification and appreciation of the instrument's design philosophy.
Neck Specifications
Profile: Thick C-shape, varying from .85" to .95" at the first fret
Nut Width: 1-5/8" (approximately 1.65")
Scale Length: 25.5" (648mm)
Fretboard Radius: 7.25"
Fret Wire: Original small frets, approximately .078" wide
Neck Wood: Hard rock maple
Fretboard Wood: Brazilian rosewood (slab construction)
Inlays: Clay dot position markers at 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 17th, 19th, and 21st frets
Body Specifications
Weight Range: 7.5-8.5 pounds (ash body construction)
Body Wood: Swamp ash (primary), with some alder examples late in the year
Body Dimensions: Approximately 12.75" x 16.5" x 1.75"
Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer over sealer
Pickguard: Single-layer white plastic (.090" thick)
Electronics Specifications
Bridge Pickup: Single-coil with approximately 6.5-7.5k ohms resistance
Neck Pickup: Single-coil with approximately 5.5-6.5k ohms resistance
Wiring: Cloth-covered wire throughout
Capacitor: .05 mfd paper-in-oil tone capacitor
Potentiometers: 250k audio taper (Stackpole manufacture)
Output Jack: Standard 1/4" mono jack mounted in barrel cup
Controls: Master volume, master tone, 3-way pickup selector
Hardware Specifications
Bridge: Chrome-plated steel with three adjustable saddles
Tuners: Kluson single-line enclosed tuners with plastic buttons
Strap Buttons: Chrome-plated round buttons
Case: Brown tolex hardshell case with orange plush interior (introduced late 1959)
Tonal Characteristics: The Rosewood Difference
The introduction of the rosewood fretboard in 1959 fundamentally altered the Telecaster's tonal character while maintaining its essential voice. Understanding these tonal differences helps explain why 1959 represents such a significant year in Telecaster evolution.
The Rosewood Impact
The thick slab rosewood fretboard brought several tonal characteristics that distinguished 1959 models from their maple-necked predecessors:
Midrange Warmth: Rosewood naturally emphasizes midrange frequencies, providing a fuller, more musical response than the brighter maple. This made the Telecaster more versatile across different musical styles while retaining its characteristic bite.
Sustain Enhancement: The rosewood fretboard, being denser than lacquered maple, contributed to improved sustain and note decay characteristics. Players noticed that notes seemed to "bloom" more naturally.
Harmonic Complexity: The rosewood added subtle harmonic overtones that weren't present in maple-necked models, creating a more complex and musical sound profile.
Pickup Characteristics
1959 Telecaster pickups represent the refinement of Leo Fender's original single-coil design:
Bridge Pickup: The bridge pickup maintains the classic Telecaster "twang" but with slightly reduced treble harshness compared to earlier models. The pickup typically measures between 6.5-7.5k ohms and features formvar wire windings.
Neck Pickup: The neck pickup provides warm, jazzy tones perfect for rhythm work or lead lines requiring a fuller sound. Resistance typically ranges from 5.5-6.5k ohms.
Position 2 (Middle Setting): The parallel combination of both pickups creates the distinctive "quack" tone that became essential to funk, country, and rock music.
Notable Recordings and Artists
While the 1959 Telecaster's influence wouldn't be fully realized until the 1960s British invasion, several pioneering recordings showcase the instrument's capabilities:
Early Bakersfield country recordings began featuring the Telecaster's cutting tone
Surf music pioneers were discovering the instrument's clarity in reverb-drenched contexts
Jazz musicians appreciated the neck pickup's warm, hollow-body-like tones
The 1959 Telecaster's sound profile made it equally at home in clean jazz settings and overdriven rock contexts—a versatility that earlier maple-necked models couldn't quite achieve.
Common Issues & Modifications
When evaluating a 1959 Telecaster, certain issues and modifications are commonly encountered. Understanding these helps both in authentication and value assessment.
Common Original Issues
Fret Wear: Original frets were relatively small and soft, leading to significant wear on heavily played examples. Complete refrets are common and don't significantly impact value if done properly with period-correct wire.
Finish Checking: Nitrocellulose lacquer naturally develops fine checking lines over time. Light checking is considered normal aging, while heavy checking can indicate storage in extreme temperature variations.
Pot Scratchiness: Original potentiometers often develop scratchy operation after 65+ years. This is easily remedied with proper cleaning or replacement with period-correct components.
Pickup Covers: Original pickup covers often show cracking, particularly around the mounting screw areas. Replacement covers are readily available but should match the aged appearance.
Common Modifications That Affect Value
Tuner Replacement: Many 1959 Telecasters have had their original Kluson tuners replaced with Grovers or other modern tuners. Original tuners add significant value.
Bridge Modifications: Some players added Bigsby vibrato units or replaced the original bridge with modern alternatives. Original bridge configuration is essential for full value.
Electronics Modifications: Pickup and wiring modifications are extremely common. All-original electronics command premium prices.
Finish Touch-ups: Many vintage Telecasters have had touch-up work or partial refinishing. Professional restoration can maintain value, but amateur touch-ups typically reduce it significantly.
Red Flags for Authenticity
Refinished Bodies: Complete refinishes dramatically reduce value. Look for overspray in neck pockets, pickup cavities, and other hidden areas.
Incorrect Hardware: Non-period-correct hardware suggests modification or potential counterfeiting.
Serial Number Mismatches: Serial numbers that don't align with other dating evidence may indicate neck swaps or other major modifications.
Modern Frets: Jumbo frets or stainless steel frets are clear indicators of modification, as these weren't available in 1959.
Why Players and Collectors Value the 1959 Model
The 1959 Telecaster occupies a unique position in vintage guitar collecting, representing both historical significance and exceptional playability.
Historical Significance
The 1959 model year represents Leo Fender's continued innovation and refinement of his groundbreaking solid-body design. The introduction of rosewood fretboards showed Fender's willingness to evolve the instrument based on player feedback and practical considerations. This wasn't change for change's sake—it was thoughtful improvement of an already successful design.
Playing Characteristics
Neck Comfort: The thick C-profile neck with 7.25" radius provides exceptional fretting-hand comfort for both rhythm and lead playing. Many modern players find this profile more comfortable than contemporary "speed necks."
Tonal Versatility: The rosewood fretboard expands the Telecaster's tonal palette while maintaining its essential character. The instrument works equally well for jazz, country, rock, and blues applications.
Build Quality: 1959 represents the peak of pre-CBS Fender build quality, with hand-attention to details that mass production would later eliminate.
Collector Appeal
Transitional Year Status: Collectors prize transitional years, and 1959's introduction of rosewood makes it particularly desirable.
Rarity Factor: Relative to total Telecaster production, 1959 models are quite rare, especially early-year maple neck examples.
Investment Potential: Pre-CBS Fenders have consistently outperformed most vintage guitar investments over the past several decades.
Aesthetic Appeal: The combination of blonde finish, white pickguard, and dark rosewood creates a striking visual contrast that many consider the most attractive Telecaster appearance.
Modern Relevance
Despite being nearly 66 years old, 1959 Telecasters remain highly functional musical instruments. Their construction quality often exceeds that of modern instruments, and their tonal characteristics are impossible to replicate exactly with contemporary manufacturing techniques.
Many professional recording artists specifically seek out vintage Telecasters for their unique voice in the studio, where their natural compression and harmonic complexity shine through modern recording equipment.
Selling Your 1959 Telecaster
If you own a 1959 Fender Telecaster, you possess one of the most desirable vintage electric guitars ever manufactured. At Edgewater Guitars, we specialize in purchasing these exceptional instruments and providing the expertise and service that such significant guitars deserve.
Why Choose Edgewater Guitars?
Premium Valuations: We consistently pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops because we understand the true market value of these instruments. Our extensive network of collectors and dealers allows us to pay top dollar.
Expert Authentication: Our team has decades of experience identifying and authenticating vintage Fenders. We can distinguish between original and modified components, properly assess condition factors, and provide detailed documentation.
Immediate Cash Offers: No waiting periods or consignment fees. We provide immediate cash payment for instruments that meet our criteria.
White-Glove Service: For high-value instruments like 1959 Telecasters, we offer in-home evaluations and handle all logistics. We understand that these guitars often have significant personal history and treat them with appropriate respect.
Nationwide Reach: We serve customers throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia, and we travel to you for exceptional instruments.
The Edgewater Difference
Unlike general vintage guitar dealers who handle many brands and models, we specialize specifically in the instruments we know best. This specialization allows us to:
Recognize subtle authenticity markers that general dealers might miss
Understand market nuances specific to each model year
Provide accurate valuations based on current collector demand
Connect instruments with serious collectors who appreciate their significance
Our Process
Initial Consultation: Contact us with basic information about your Telecaster. We can often provide preliminary value estimates based on serial numbers and general description.
Professional Evaluation: We arrange a convenient time for detailed examination, either at our facility or at your location for high-value instruments.
Authentication and Valuation: Our experts thoroughly examine all aspects of the instrument, providing detailed assessment of originality, condition, and current market value.
Immediate Offer: We provide a firm cash offer on the spot, with no obligation to accept.
Transaction Completion: If you accept our offer, we handle all paperwork and provide immediate payment.
Ready to discuss your 1959 Telecaster? Contact Edgewater Guitars today at (440) 219-3607 or through our website contact form. We're here to provide the expertise and service that instruments of this caliber deserve.
Related Resources
To help you learn more about your vintage Telecaster, we've compiled these essential resources:
Serial Number and Dating Resources
Complete Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool - Our comprehensive database for dating Fender instruments
Fender Potentiometer Dating Guide - Learn to decode pot codes for accurate dating
Neck Date Decoder for Vintage Fenders - Understanding neck date markings
Authentication Resources
How to Spot Refinished Telecasters - Key indicators of finish work
Original vs. Replacement Hardware Guide - Identifying period-correct components
Vintage Telecaster Pickup Authentication - Understanding original pickup characteristics
Related Model Guides
Market Information
Pre-CBS Fender Market Trends - Current collector preferences and values
Selling Your Vintage Guitar: A Complete Guide - Everything you need to know about the selling process
Conclusion
The 1959 Fender Telecaster represents a pivotal moment in electric guitar history—the year Leo Fender's revolutionary design gained the warmth and complexity that rosewood fretboards provide while maintaining the clarity and bite that made the Telecaster famous. These instruments combine historical significance, exceptional playability, and stunning aesthetics in a package that continues to inspire musicians and collectors nearly seven decades later.
Whether you're a player drawn to the unique tonal characteristics of the rosewood-era Telecaster or a collector seeking one of the most important transitional years in Fender history, the 1959 model offers something truly special. The combination of refined manufacturing processes, premium materials, and thoughtful design evolution creates an instrument that exemplifies American craftsmanship at its finest.
For owners of these remarkable guitars, understanding their significance and value is crucial. At Edgewater Guitars, we provide the expertise, respect, and fair valuations that instruments of this caliber deserve. Our specialization in vintage Fenders allows us to appreciate the subtle details and historical importance that make each 1959 Telecaster unique.
Contact Edgewater Guitars today to discuss your vintage Telecaster. Serving collectors and players throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia, we're here to provide the expert service your instrument deserves.
Phone: (440) 219-3607
Email: info@edgewaterguitars.com
Website: www.edgewaterguitars.com
Edgewater Guitars - Where vintage guitar expertise meets fair market values.
