1968 Fender Telecaster: The Last of the Pre-CBS Golden Era

Why the 1968 Telecaster Matters

The 1968 Fender Telecaster represents a pivotal moment in guitar history—the final year before significant changes would reshape the Fender legacy forever. While CBS had acquired Fender in 1965, the 1968 Telecaster still retained many of the coveted pre-CBS characteristics that make these instruments so desirable to collectors and players today.

What makes 1968 special:

• The last year of the beloved "transition logo" headstock design

• Premium ash and alder bodies with thinner nitrocellulose finishes

• Hand-wound pickups maintaining the classic Telecaster bite

• F-stamped tuning keys indicating Fender's original Kluson suppliers

• The final year before major construction changes in 1969

• Built during Leo Fender's consulting period, maintaining his original vision

This transitional year captures the essence of vintage Fender craftsmanship while standing at the threshold of the modern era, making 1968 Telecasters highly sought after by both collectors and professional musicians.

Historical Context: Fender in 1968

The year 1968 found Fender in a unique position within the guitar industry. While CBS ownership had brought increased production capacity and marketing budgets, the Fullerton factory still operated under many of Leo Fender's original protocols. This was the era when Jimi Hendrix was revolutionizing electric guitar at Woodstock, and country legends like Buck Owens were showcasing the Telecaster's versatility on national television.

During 1968, Fender was experiencing unprecedented demand. The folk revival had evolved into electric rock, and the Telecaster's cutting tone made it essential for the emerging country-rock sound. Artists like Clarence White of The Byrds were demonstrating the instrument's capabilities beyond traditional country music, while session players in Nashville and Los Angeles relied on Telecasters for their versatility and reliability.

The factory was still using many pre-CBS construction techniques, including the traditional routing patterns and finishing processes that gave these instruments their distinctive resonance and visual appeal. However, subtle changes were beginning to appear that would become more pronounced in subsequent years.

Current Market Value (2025 Update)

1968 Telecasters have shown remarkable appreciation over the past decade, with values increasing significantly as collectors recognize this year's transitional importance and tonal excellence.

Key Value Factors:

• Originality: All-original examples command 40-50% premiums over modified instruments

• Finish Type: Custom colors, particularly Paisley and Blue Flower, bring the highest prices

• Condition: Clean, crack-free finishes significantly impact value

• Matching Numbers: Neck and body dates within reasonable proximity

• Documentation: Original case, warranty cards, or purchase receipts add 10-15% to value

Recent auction results show 1968 Telecasters in custom colors breaking the $25,000 barrier, with exceptional Paisley examples reaching $30,000. The standard finishes have shown steady 8-12% annual appreciation over the past five years.

Note: At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for premium 1968 Telecasters, recognizing their true market value and investment potential.

Detailed Identification Guide

Serial Numbers

1968 Telecasters feature serial numbers ranging approximately from 220000 to 280000, stamped on the bridgeplate or neckplate. However, Fender's serialization during this period can overlap years, making neck dates more reliable for precise dating.

Neck Date

The most accurate dating method is the pencil-written or stamped date on the neck heel (visible when neck is removed). 1968 necks typically show dates like "1 JAN 68 B" through "DEC 68 B" indicating month, year, and often a letter code for the neck builder.

Potentiometer Codes

1968 Telecasters used CTS potentiometers with readable date codes:

• First three digits (137) = CTS manufacturer code

• Fourth digit (8) = 1968

• Last two digits = week of manufacture (01-52)

Key Visual Identifiers

Headstock Features:

• "Transition logo" with larger Fender script and smaller "Telecaster" underneath

• Four-bolt neck attachment with curved heel

• F-stamped Kluson tuning keys (indicating Fender specification)

Body Characteristics:

• Single-cutaway ash or alder body with contoured heel area

• Three-bolt neck pickup mounting ring (changed from two-bolt in late 1967)

• String ferrules pressed directly into body (no through-body plate)

Hardware Specifications:

• Chrome-plated steel bridge with three compensated brass saddles

• Chrome control plate with vintage-style knobs

• Cloth-covered output jack

• Single-coil pickups with fiber bobbins and AlNiCo V magnets

Custom Color Identification

1968 custom color Telecasters often retain:

• Color codes written in pencil in the neck pocket or control cavity

• Sealer coats visible in body routes

• Factory color charts sometimes tucked in control cavities

• Original custom colors show characteristic aging patterns unique to nitrocellulose lacquer

Detailed Physical Specifications

Weight and Dimensions:

• Typical weight: 7.5-8.5 pounds

• Body thickness: 1.75 inches

• Scale length: 25.5 inches

• Nut width: 1-5/8 inches

Neck Profile:

• "C" shape with comfortable medium thickness

• Maple neck with either maple or rosewood fingerboard

• 21 frets with vintage-style wire

• 7.25-inch fingerboard radius

Pickup Specifications:

• Bridge pickup: Approximately 7.5-8.5k ohms resistance

• Neck pickup: Approximately 6.5-7.5k ohms resistance

• AlNiCo V rod magnets

• Cloth-covered magnet wire

• Fiber bobbins with flat-pole pieces

Electronics:

• 250k ohm audio taper potentiometers

• 0.1μF paper-in-oil capacitor

• Three-way toggle switch

• Volume and tone controls with classic Telecaster wiring

Hardware:

• Vintage-style tuning machines with F-stamp

• Chrome bridge assembly with compensated saddles

• Chrome control plate and pickup rings

• Vintage-style strap buttons

Tonal Characteristics

The 1968 Telecaster delivers the quintessential "Tele sound" that defined countless recordings of the era. The bridge pickup produces the characteristic bright, cutting tone with excellent note definition—perfect for both clean country picking and overdriven rock tones. The clarity and punch that cut through dense mixes made these instruments favorites in both Nashville studios and London recording sessions.

The neck pickup offers a warmer, more rounded tone that works beautifully for jazz, blues, and rhythm work. The traditional Telecaster wiring provides a unique middle position that combines both pickups, creating a hollow, slightly out-of-phase sound that's become synonymous with Keith Richards' rhythm work and many classic rock recordings.

The combination of ash or alder bodies with maple necks creates excellent sustain and resonance. The thinner nitrocellulose finishes allow the wood to vibrate freely, contributing to the instrument's dynamic response and touch sensitivity. Many players note that 1968 Telecasters have a particular "woody" quality that enhances both clean and distorted tones.

Common Issues & Modifications

When evaluating a 1968 Telecaster, watch for these common concerns:

Typical Problems:

1. Finish Checking: Nitrocellulose lacquer naturally develops fine cracks over time—light checking adds character, but heavy checking can affect value

2. Bridge Wear: Chrome plating on bridges often shows wear; original worn bridges are preferred over replacements

3. Fret Wear: Many vintage instruments require fret work; original narrow frets are preferred when possible

4. Electronics: Original potentiometers may be scratchy but should retain original date codes

5. Hardware Tarnishing: Chrome hardware naturally ages; avoid over-polished pieces

Common Modifications:

• Aftermarket pickups (originals significantly more valuable)

• Replaced tuning machines (F-stamped Klusons are correct)

• Added strap locks or other hardware

• Bridge modifications or replacements

• Refretted fingerboards (inspect for proper vintage-style fret wire)

Warning Signs:

• Refinished bodies (check for overspray in cavities and pickup routes)

• Replaced necks (verify neck pocket fit and date codes)

• Non-period correct modifications

• Incorrect logo styles or placement

Why Players and Collectors Value 1968 Telecasters

Playing Characteristics: The comfortable "C" neck profile and 7.25-inch radius fingerboard feel familiar to players accustomed to vintage Fender specifications. The 1-5/8" nut width provides excellent playability without feeling cramped, and the 21-fret neck allows access to higher positions while maintaining the classic Telecaster feel.

Collector Appeal: 1968 represents the end of an era—the final year before significant changes in construction methods, hardware, and overall philosophy. Collectors appreciate the transitional elements that make this year unique, including the logo style, tuning key specifications, and overall build quality that bridges pre-CBS and CBS-era characteristics.

Investment Potential: Values for quality 1968 Telecasters have appreciated consistently over the past two decades. Custom colors, particularly the Paisley and Blue Flower finishes, have shown exceptional growth as these unique instruments become increasingly rare in original condition.

Historical Significance: 1968 Telecasters were used on countless classic recordings as rock music evolved and country music embraced electric instruments. The versatility and reliability of these instruments made them studio favorites during a revolutionary period in popular music.

Selling Your 1968 Telecaster

If you own a 1968 Telecaster, whether in standard or custom finish, Edgewater Guitars offers unmatched expertise and fair market valuations:

Our Advantage:

• Premium Valuations: We typically pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops

• Expert Authentication: Our team specializes in vintage Fender identification and dating

• Immediate Cash Offers: No consignment fees or lengthy waiting periods

• Free Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment of condition, originality, and market value

• Specialized Knowledge: We understand the nuances that affect 1968 Telecaster values

The Edgewater Process:

1. Initial Assessment: Photos and description review within 24 hours

2. Professional Evaluation: In-person inspection for high-value instruments

3. Market Research: Current pricing analysis based on condition and originality

4. Fair Offer: Competitive cash offer based on true market value

5. Immediate Payment: Quick, secure transaction with proper documentation

Ready to sell your vintage Telecaster? Contact Edgewater Guitars today for your free, no-obligation valuation at (440) 219-3607 or submit photos through our online evaluation form.

Related Resources

Essential Dating Tools:

• Complete Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool

• Fender Potentiometer Dating Guide

• Vintage Telecaster Identification Guide

• 1968 Fender Specifications Reference

Additional Resources:

• Selling Your Vintage Fender Guitar

• 1967 Telecaster Comparison Guide

• 1969 Telecaster: What Changed

• Custom Color Telecaster Authentication

Recent Purchase Example

We recently acquired this exceptional 1968 Telecaster in original Sunburst finish from a collector in Toledo, Ohio. The instrument featured all original components, including the F-stamped tuning keys and original electronics. After providing a thorough evaluation, we made an immediate cash offer that exceeded the owner's expectations by $3,200 compared to quotes from local music stores.

The seller appreciated our expertise in recognizing original details and fair market pricing. "I had owned this Telecaster for over 30 years and wanted to ensure it went to someone who understood its value. Edgewater's knowledge and professionalism made the process effortless," he shared.

This transaction exemplifies our commitment to fair pricing and expert evaluation of vintage Fender instruments.

Conclusion

The 1968 Fender Telecaster represents a crucial chapter in electric guitar history—the culmination of Leo Fender's original vision refined through years of player feedback and technological advancement. Whether you're a player seeking that classic Telecaster tone or a collector appreciating historical significance, these instruments offer both musical excellence and investment potential.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing premium vintage guitars throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. We travel to you for high-value instruments like 1968 Telecasters, providing expert authentication and fair market valuations.

Don't let your vintage Telecaster sit unused when it could provide immediate value while going to someone who will appreciate its significance. Contact us today for your free, professional evaluation.

Call (440) 219-3607 or visit our website to begin the process. Your 1968 Telecaster deserves expert attention and fair market value—that's exactly what Edgewater Guitars provides.

Tom Richardson, Vintage Guitar Specialist
Edgewater Guitars - Serving the Midwest's vintage guitar community since 2018