How to Date Your Vintage Fender Telecaster (Pre-1970): Complete Authentication Guide

Why Dating Your Pre-1970 Fender Telecaster Matters

Learning how to date a vintage Fender Telecaster accurately is essential for authentication, proper valuation, insurance documentation, and understanding your instrument's place in rock and roll history. The Fender Telecaster represents the world's first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar—a revolutionary design that changed music forever and remains one of the most sought-after vintage guitars.

Whether you own a rare 1950 Broadcaster, a coveted "Nocaster," a pre-CBS Telecaster from the golden era, or an early CBS-era model, determining its exact manufacturing year affects everything from market value to restoration approaches. Certain years and specifications command premium prices, particularly early 1950s examples, transitional models, and custom color guitars with specific features.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to date your vintage Fender Telecaster using multiple authentication methods, ensuring accuracy for guitars made before 1970.

Understanding the Fender Telecaster History

Before diving into dating methods, understanding the Telecaster's evolution provides crucial context:

The Birth of the Broadcaster/Telecaster (1950)

Fender introduced the Broadcaster in 1950 as the world's first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar:

Revolutionary Design:

• Solid ash body (no hollow chambers)

• Bolt-on maple neck

• Two single-coil pickups

• Individual adjustment for each string (bridge saddles)

• Simple, utilitarian design

• Affordable for working musicians

Original Name: "Broadcaster" (1950-1951)

Name Change: Gretsch claimed trademark conflict with their "Broadkaster" drums, forcing Fender to change the name to "Telecaster" in 1951.

Major Pre-1970 Telecaster Evolution Periods

1950-1951: Broadcaster Era

• "Broadcaster" on headstock

• Black bakelite pickguard

• Brass bridge saddles

• Blend circuit (no tone control initially)

• Most collectible and valuable

• Approximately 200-300 made

1951: "Nocaster" Transition

• No model name on headstock

• Clipped "Broadcaster" decals

• Transitional feature

• Extremely rare and valuable

• 2-3 month production period

1951-1954: Early Telecaster

• "Telecaster" name introduced

• Black bakelite pickguard

• Brass bridge saddles

• Blonde finish standard

• Simple, functional design

1954-1959: Classic Pre-CBS Era

• White pickguard introduced (1954)

• Butterscotch blonde standard finish

• Custom colors available

• V-shaped neck profiles common

• Spaghetti logo

1959-1965: Rosewood Board Pre-CBS

• Rosewood fingerboard option (1959)

• Maple neck still available

• Custom colors more common

• Slab rosewood board (1959-1962)

• Veneer rosewood board (1962-1965)

1965-1969: Transition and Early CBS Era

• CBS acquisition (January 1965)

• F-stamped neck plates (1965+)

• Large headstock introduced (late 1968)

• Polyurethane finishes begin

• Transitional specifications

How to Date Your Pre-1970 Telecaster: Serial Number Systems

Understanding Fender's serial number systems is the foundation for dating your vintage Telecaster. However, serial numbers alone cannot definitively date these guitars—always use multiple verification methods.

Important Resource: For quick serial number reference, use our Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool to find your guitar's approximate year based on serial number ranges.

1950-1954: Bridge Plate Serial Numbers

Early Telecasters (and Broadcasters) used serial numbers stamped on the bridge plate:

Location: Bridge plate (metal plate on guitar top where bridge attaches)

Format: 4 digits (typically)

Approximate Serial Number Ranges:

• 1950: 0001-1000 range (Broadcaster era)

• 1951: 1000-1500 range (Nocaster transition)

• 1951: 1500-5000 range (early Telecaster)

• 1952: 5000-8000 range

• 1953: 8000-12000 range

• 1954: 12000-15000 range

Critical Notes:

• Bridge plate numbers less common than neck plate

• Many guitars from this era have neck plate numbers instead

• Transition to neck plate serial numbers occurred gradually

• Some early guitars lack serial numbers entirely

How to Find Bridge Plate Serial:

1. Look at bridge plate on top of guitar

2. Serial number stamped into metal

3. May be worn or difficult to read

4. Record complete number

Pro Tip: Use our Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool for instant reference once you've found your serial number.

1954-1976: Neck Plate Serial Numbers

Most vintage Telecasters use neck plate serial numbers:

Location: Metal neck plate (4 bolts attaching neck to body)

Format: 4-6 digits with occasional prefix letters

Approximate Serial Number Ranges:

• 1954-1956: 10000-20000 range

• 1957: 20000-30000 range

• 1958: 30000-40000 range

• 1959: 40000-50000 range

• 1960: 50000-70000 range

• 1961: 70000-90000 range

• 1962: 90000-99999 range

• 1963: L00001-L20000 range (L prefix introduced)

• 1964: L20000-L50000 range

• 1965: L50000-L90000 range (CBS acquisition January 1965)

• 1966: 100000-200000 range

• 1967: 200000-300000 range

• 1968: 300000-400000 range

• 1969: 400000-500000 range

Critical Notes:

• Significant overlap between years

• Serial numbers not strictly chronological

• Same number may indicate multiple possible years

• Must verify with other dating methods

How to Find Neck Plate Serial:

1. Look at neck plate on back of guitar

2. Four bolts hold neck plate

3. Serial number stamped on plate

4. Record complete number including any prefix

L-Series Serial Numbers (1963-1965)

Transition Period:

• "L" prefix introduced late 1963

• Continued through 1965

• Significant for identifying pre-CBS guitars

Ranges:

• L00001-L10000: Late 1963

• L10000-L20000: 1964

• L20000-L90000: 1965 (includes CBS transition)

CBS Acquisition: January 1965

• Guitars before mid-1965 considered "pre-CBS"

• Guitars after mid-1965 "CBS era"

• Serial numbers alone don't indicate pre/post CBS

• Must verify with neck dates and features

Neck Date Stamps: The Most Reliable Dating Method

For vintage Telecasters, neck date stamps provide the most accurate dating:

What Neck Dates Tell You: Month and year neck was made

Location: Neck heel (bottom of neck where it joins body)

Format: Pencil marking with month and year

• Example: "3-64" = March 1964

• Example: "12-58" = December 1958

How to Check Neck Date:

1. Remove neck plate screws (4 screws)

2. Gently pull neck back slightly (don't remove completely)

3. Look at neck heel with flashlight

4. Pencil date usually visible

5. May also see other markings (inspector initials, body date codes)

6. Record date exactly as written

7. Carefully reattach neck

Why Neck Dates Are Most Reliable:

• Hand-written by factory workers

• Direct indication of production date

• More accurate than serial numbers

• Shows actual month and year

• Industry standard for Fender dating

Important Notes:

• Neck typically made weeks/months before final assembly

• Body may have different date

• Neck and body dates should be close (within months)

• Significantly different dates suggest parts guitar

Dating Pre-1970 Telecaster by Physical Features: Era-by-Era Guide

Physical characteristics provide crucial dating evidence:

1950 Broadcaster (Most Valuable)

The Original: First production solid-body electric

Headstock:

• "Broadcaster" decal on headstock

• "Fender Electric Instrument Co." below

• Spaghetti logo style

• Two patent numbers listed

Body:

• Solid ash body

• Blonde finish standard

• Black finish rare (extremely valuable)

• No body contours (slab body)

Pickguard:

• Black bakelite pickguard

• 5 screws mounting

• Single-ply

Pickups:

• Two single-coil pickups

• Black fiber flatwork bottom

• Alnico III magnets (early)

• Alnico V magnets (later 1950)

• Staggered pole pieces

Bridge:

• 3-saddle bridge

• Brass saddles

• Steel bridge plate

• Slot-head screws on bridge pickup

Controls:

• Blend circuit (early examples)

• Master volume, blend control

• Traditional tone control added later

Neck:

• One-piece maple neck

• Walnut "skunk stripe" on back

• 21 frets

• Dot position markers (side only initially)

• No truss rod adjustment at headstock (early)

Hardware:

• Kluson Deluxe tuners

• Round string tree

• Chrome hardware

Serial Numbers: 0001-1000 range (bridge plate or neck plate)

Production: Approximately 200-300 made

Why Broadcasters Are Most Valuable:

• First year production

• Original name before Telecaster

• Extremely limited production

• Historical significance

• Six-figure values for clean examples

1951 "Nocaster" (Exceptionally Rare)

The Transitional Model:

Headstock:

• NO model name on headstock

• "Broadcaster" decals clipped off

• Just "Fender Electric Instrument Co."

• Blank space where model name should be

Why "Nocaster":

• Gretsch trademark conflict forced name change

• Fender removed "Broadcaster" from decals

• New "Telecaster" decals not yet ready

• 2-3 month transition period

Other Features:

• Same as Broadcaster otherwise

• Black bakelite pickguard

• Brass bridge saddles

• Blonde finish

• Single-coil pickups

Serial Numbers: 1000-1500 range (approximate)

Production Period: Spring 1951 (2-3 months)

Value: Most valuable Telecaster variant (even rarer than Broadcaster)

1951-1953 Early Telecaster

"Telecaster" Name Introduced:

Headstock:

• "Telecaster" on headstock

• Spaghetti logo style

• Two patent numbers

Body:

• Solid ash body

• Blonde (butterscotch) finish standard

• Black finish available (rare)

• No body contours

Pickguard:

• Black bakelite pickguard (1951-1954)

• 5 screws initially

• 8 screws later

Bridge:

• 3-saddle bridge

• Brass saddles standard

• Slot-head screws on bridge pickup cover

Electronics:

• Conventional wiring (volume and tone by this point)

• Blend circuit phased out

Neck:

• One-piece maple

• Dot markers (side only early, top added later)

• Walnut skunk stripe

Serial Numbers: 1500-12000 range

Significance: Early Telecaster production, black pickguard era

1954-1955 Telecaster (White Pickguard Introduced)

Major Visual Change:

Pickguard Transition:

• White pickguard introduced 1954

• Black bakelite discontinued

• 5-ply white pickguard

• 8 screw mounting

Bridge:

• 3-saddle bridge continues

• Brass saddles

Neck:

• One-piece maple standard

• V-shaped neck profile common

• "boat" neck profiles on some

Finish:

• Butterscotch blonde standard

• Transparent blonde on ash

• Custom colors becoming available

Hardware:

• Round string tree

• Kluson Deluxe tuners

Serial Numbers: 10000-20000 range

1956-1958 Telecaster (Classic Pre-CBS)

Established Specifications:

Body:

• Ash body standard for blonde

• Alder body for sunburst (when available)

• Butterscotch blonde most common

Pickguard:

• White pickguard standard

• 8 screws

Bridge:

• Butterfly string tree introduced (1956)

• 3-saddle brass bridge

Neck:

• V-shaped neck profiles very common

• "Soft V" variations

• One-piece maple

• Dot markers

Pickups:

• Black bottom flatwork

• Alnico V magnets

• Staggered pole pieces

• Hand-wound with Formvar wire

Finish:

• Butterscotch blonde standard

• Custom colors available (rare and valuable)

Serial Numbers: 20000-40000 range

Significance: Peak pre-CBS era, classic specifications

1959-1962 Telecaster (Rosewood Board Introduction)

Major Change: Rosewood fingerboard option introduced mid-1959

Slab Rosewood Board (1959-1962):

• Thick rosewood slab (flat bottom)

• Clay dot markers

• Glued to maple neck

• Approximately 4.8mm thick

Body:

• Alder body for sunburst standard

• Ash body for blonde

• Three-tone sunburst available (introduced 1958)

Pickguard:

• White pickguard (5-ply or 3-ply)

• Green-tinted celluloid (ages to mint green)

• 8 screws

Custom Colors:

• More custom colors available

• Lake Placid Blue, Sonic Blue, Foam Green

• Fiesta Red, Olympic White, others

• Rare and command premiums

Neck Options:

• Maple neck still available

• Rosewood fingerboard option

• Both neck styles produced simultaneously

Serial Numbers: 40000-90000 range, L-series begins late 1963

Significance: Rosewood board introduced, expanding options

1962-1965 Telecaster (Veneer Board Pre-CBS)

Rosewood Board Change (mid-1962):

Veneer Rosewood Board:

• Curved rosewood veneer (not flat slab)

• Clay dots continue through 1964

• Pearl dots begin 1965

• Thinner than slab board

Body:

• Alder body for sunburst

• Ash body for blonde

• Custom colors more common

Pickguard:

• White pickguard

• 8 screws

• Ages to mint green (celluloid nitrate)

Bridge:

• Brass saddles continue

• Steel saddles appear on some late examples

Finish:

• Butterscotch blonde

• Three-tone sunburst

• Custom colors increasing

CBS Transition (January 1965):

• Pre-CBS through December 1964

• CBS acquisition January 1965

• Mid-1965 guitars transitional

Serial Numbers:

• 1962: 90000-99999

• 1963: L00001-L20000

• 1964: L20000-L50000

• 1965: L50000-L90000, then 100000+

Significance: End of pre-CBS era, last "pure" vintage Telecasters

1965-1966 Telecaster (CBS Transition)

CBS Acquisition Impact:

F-Stamped Neck Plates:

• "F" stamped on neck plate (mid-1965 onward)

• Indicates Fender-CBS ownership

• Dating indicator

Pearl Dots:

• Pearl dot markers replace clay (1965)

• Pearloid appearance

• Less authentic feel than clay

Finishes:

• Polyurethane finishes begin (some guitars)

• Nitrocellulose continues (others)

• Transition period variations

Body:

• Alder or ash bodies

• Some quality variations appearing

Gold Transition Logo:

• Special gold-colored logo (transition period)

• Rare and collectible

Serial Numbers: L50000-L90000, then 100000-200000

Significance: Transition from pre-CBS to CBS era, mixed features

1967-1969 Telecaster (Early CBS Era)

CBS Changes Continuing:

Headstock:

• Large headstock introduced late 1968

• Small headstock through mid-1968

• Black logo becomes standard (1968)

Neck:

• Maple cap fingerboard option (1967)

• Rosewood veneer continues

• 4-bolt neck plate standard

Finish:

• Polyurethane finishes more common

• Thicker finishes

• Less vintage character

Pickups:

• Alnico magnets continue

• Some variations in winding

Hardware:

• F-stamped tuners begin

• Steel bridge saddles more common

Serial Numbers: 200000-500000 range

Significance: CBS era specifications, less collectible than pre-CBS

Potentiometer Date Codes: Essential Verification

Potentiometer codes provide crucial verification for vintage Telecasters:

Understanding Pot Codes

Standard Format: XXYYZZ

• XX = Manufacturer code

• YY = Year of manufacture

• ZZ = Week of manufacture

Common Manufacturers in Vintage Telecasters:

• 304 = Stackpole (most common pre-CBS)

• 137 = CTS (CBS era primarily)

• 134 = Centralab (some examples)

How to Check Pot Codes on Telecaster

Process:

1. Remove pickguard (8 screws typically)

2. Locate potentiometers (typically three: 2 volume, 1 tone)

3. Look for stamped codes on pot casings

4. May require tilting guitar to see codes

5. Use flashlight for visibility

6. Record codes from all pots

Example Codes:

• 304 6328 = Stackpole pot, 1963, 28th week

• 137 6715 = CTS pot, 1967, 15th week

Interpreting Pot Dates for Telecaster

Dating Rules:

• Pots date component manufacture

• Guitar assembled weeks/months after pots made

• All pots should date similarly (within weeks/months)

• 1963 Telecaster might have late 1962 or early 1963 pots

Critical for Pre-CBS Verification:

• Pot codes help verify pre-CBS vs. CBS

• Pre-CBS typically Stackpole pots

• CBS era transitions to CTS pots

• Essential for authenticating transitional 1965 guitars

Red Flags:

• Pots dated significantly after supposed guitar year

• Mixed pot dates from different years

• Modern pots on supposedly vintage Telecaster

• CBS-era pots on supposedly pre-CBS guitar

How to Date Vintage Telecaster: Pickup Identification

Pickup details help date Telecasters:

Pre-CBS Pickup Characteristics

Identification:

• Black fiber flatwork bottom (early)

• Gray fiber flatwork (later)

• Alnico V magnets (most common)

• Staggered pole pieces

• Formvar wire winding

• Hand-wound variations

Bridge Pickup:

• Mounted in metal bridge plate

• Slot-head screws (early)

• Phillips screws (later)

• Cover with "Fender" on some

Neck Pickup:

• Mounted in pickguard

• Chrome cover

• Staggered poles visible

DC Resistance:

• Bridge: approximately 6.5k-7.5k ohms

• Neck: approximately 5.5k-6.5k ohms

Dating by Pickup Features

Early Features (1950-1954):

• Black bottom flatwork

• Alnico III (early 1950) or Alnico V

• Cloth-covered wiring

Later Pre-CBS (1955-1964):

• Gray or black bottom flatwork

• Alnico V magnets standard

• Formvar wire

• Vintage output levels

CBS Era (1965+):

• Similar construction initially

• Gradual changes in winding

• Some enamel wire instead of Formvar

Body Stamps and Date Codes

Hidden stamps help date Telecasters:

Neck Pocket and Cavity Stamps

Location: Inside neck pocket, control cavity, tremolo cavity

What to Look For:

• Pencil dates (neck dates most important)

• Body dates in neck pocket

• Inspector initials

• Finish codes

• Model codes

Common Markings:

• Month/year dates

• "TG" + date (finish/assembly dates)

• Two-digit year codes

• Worker initials

How to Check:

1. Remove pickguard

2. Remove neck (for neck pocket)

3. Look for pencil markings

4. Photograph all markings

5. Record dates and codes

Custom Color Telecasters: Identification and Dating

Custom colors significantly affect values:

Pre-CBS Custom Colors

Available Colors:

• Lake Placid Blue (metallic blue)

• Sonic Blue (light blue)

• Daphne Blue (medium blue)

• Foam Green (light green)

• Surf Green (bright green)

• Sherwood Green (dark green)

• Olympic White (white)

• Burgundy Mist (metallic burgundy)

• Shoreline Gold (metallic gold)

• Fiesta Red (bright red)

• Dakota Red (darker red)

• Candy Apple Red (metallic red)

• Shell Pink (rare pink)

Authentication:

• Yellow stain under custom colors (sealer)

• Specific primer combinations by color

• Matching headstock on some custom colors

• Check neck pocket for original color

• Overspray patterns indicate originality

Rarity and Value:

• Shell Pink extremely rare

• Surf Green, Foam Green highly sought

• Lake Placid Blue popular

• Olympic White common but valuable

• Custom colors command 2-3x blonde/sunburst values

Finish Authentication

Original Custom Color Indicators:

• Yellow sealer visible in cavities

• Correct primer color for specific paint

• Period-correct paint types (nitrocellulose)

• Natural wear patterns

• Color on all body surfaces

• Matching headstock (some colors, some years)

Refinish Indicators:

• Wrong primer colors

• Modern paint types (polyurethane)

• Overspray in cavities

• Filled screw holes

• Sanding marks

• Incorrect color for era

Pre-CBS vs. CBS: Critical Distinction

Understanding the difference:

Pre-CBS Features (Before January 1965)

Defining Characteristics:

• Serial numbers through L99999

• Neck dates through 1964

• Clay dot markers (through 1964)

• Small headstock

• Stackpole pots typical

• Nitrocellulose finishes

• Spaghetti logo or transition logo

• Thinner finishes

• No F-stamp on neck plate

Why Pre-CBS Is More Valuable:

• Leo Fender's direct oversight

• Quality control standards

• Premium materials

• Original manufacturing philosophy

• Collector demand

• Historical significance

CBS Era Features (January 1965 Onward)

Identifying Characteristics:

• F-stamped neck plates (mid-1965+)

• Serial numbers 100000+

• Pearl dot markers (1965+)

• Large headstock (late 1968+)

• CTS pots more common

• Polyurethane finishes (some)

• Black logo (1968+)

• Thicker finishes

Transition Period (1965-1966):

• Mixed features

• Some pre-CBS characteristics remain

• Gradual specification changes

• Authentication requires careful inspection

Red Flags: Identifying Non-Original or Modified Telecasters

Recognizing modifications:

Refinished Vintage Telecaster

Indicators:

• Overspray in neck pocket

• Paint on neck pocket wood

• Wrong finish thickness

• Lack of proper checking

• Modern paint types

• Overspray on serial number

• Filled screw holes

Impact: Refinished pre-CBS Telecasters lose 40-60% of value

Replaced Neck

Common Issue: Necks often replaced or swapped

Original Neck Verification:

• Neck date matches serial number era

• Correct neck specifications for year

• Period-correct headstock shape

• Original logo style

• Proper truss rod type

Impact: Wrong neck significantly reduces value

Replaced Pickups

Original Pickup Importance:

• Vintage pickups essential to tone and value

• Replacement pickups reduce value 20-40%

Verification:

• Check pickup construction

• Verify DC resistance

• Examine wire types

• Check flatwork color

• Period-correct appearance

Modified Electronics

Common Modifications:

• Replaced pots

• Modern wiring

• Added switches

• Modified pickup routing

Impact: Modifications reduce collector value, reversible changes less impactful

Dating Broadcaster and Nocaster

Special considerations:

1950 Broadcaster

Authentication Critical:

• "Broadcaster" decal on headstock

• Black pickguard

• Serial number 0001-1000 range (approximate)

• Correct early features

• Period-correct construction

Counterfeits Common: High value makes fakes prevalent

Verification:

• Multiple authentication methods essential

• Expert examination recommended

• Provenance documentation valuable

1951 Nocaster

Authentication:

• NO model name on headstock

• Evidence of clipped decal

• Serial number 1000-1500 range

• Correct transitional features

• Spring 1951 dating

Extreme Rarity: Fewer than Broadcasters

Value: Highest value Telecaster variant

When You're Ready to Sell Your Vintage Telecaster

How Dating Affects Telecaster Value

Era-Specific Premiums:

• 1950 Broadcaster: Extremely high values (six figures)

• 1951 Nocaster: Highest values (six figures+)

• 1951-1954 early Telecaster: Strong premiums

• 1955-1964 pre-CBS: Excellent values

• 1965-1969 CBS era: Moderate values

• Custom colors: 2-3x standard finish premiums

Feature-Specific Value:

• Black pickguard (1950-1954) valuable

• Slab rosewood board (1959-1962) desirable

• Custom colors command major premiums

• Original finish essential

• Matching serial number and neck date important

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

Our Telecaster Expertise:

• Broadcaster/Nocaster authentication

• Pre-CBS vs. CBS verification

• Neck date and pot code analysis

• Custom color authentication

• Black pickguard era identification

• Slab vs. veneer rosewood dating

Premium Offers: 30-40% higher than guitar shops

Contact: (440) 219-3607

Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a Broadcaster and Nocaster?

A Broadcaster (1950-early 1951) has "Broadcaster" on the headstock. A Nocaster (spring 1951) has no model name—the "Broadcaster" decal was clipped off during a 2-3 month transition before "Telecaster" decals arrived. Nocasters are extremely rare and valuable. Use our Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool to check your serial number range.

How do I know if my Telecaster is pre-CBS?

Pre-CBS Telecasters were made before January 1965. Check: serial numbers through L99999, neck dates through 1964, clay dot markers, small headstock, no F-stamp on neck plate, Stackpole pots, and thinner nitrocellulose finishes.

What's a slab rosewood board Telecaster?

Slab rosewood (1959-1962) is a thick, flat-bottomed rosewood fingerboard glued to the maple neck. It's approximately 4.8mm thick with clay dot markers. Veneer rosewood (1962+) is thinner with a curved bottom. Slab board Telecasters are more valuable.

Are custom color Telecasters more valuable?

Yes, significantly. Custom color pre-CBS Telecasters command 2-3x the value of blonde or sunburst examples. Rare colors like Shell Pink, Surf Green, and Foam Green bring the highest premiums.

What's the most valuable Telecaster?

The 1951 Nocaster is the most valuable Telecaster variant due to extreme rarity (2-3 month production). 1950 Broadcasters are also extremely valuable. Custom color Broadcasters or Nocasters would be ultimate rarities.

How can I tell if my Telecaster neck is original?

Check the neck date stamp on the heel—it should match your guitar's serial number era. Verify headstock shape, logo style, and truss rod type match the year. Original necks are essential for value.

What does the F-stamp on the neck plate mean?

The "F" stamped on the neck plate indicates CBS-era production (mid-1965 onward). Guitars with F-stamps are CBS era, not pre-CBS. This is a quick visual indicator of the transition.

Can I date my Telecaster just by serial number?

Not reliably. Serial numbers overlap significantly between years. Use our Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool for the range, then verify with neck dates, pot codes, and physical features.

Additional Resources

• Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool - Quick reference for your Telecaster

• Complete Fender Guitar Dating Guide

• How to Date Fender Guitars - All Models

• Sell Your Fender Guitar

• Vintage Fender Authentication Guide

Learning how to date your vintage Fender Telecaster accurately requires understanding serial numbers, neck dates, pot codes, and physical features specific to each era. The Telecaster evolved from 1950 through 1970, with the Broadcaster and Nocaster (1950-1951) and pre-CBS era (through 1964) commanding the highest values.

Whether you own a rare Broadcaster, Nocaster, pre-CBS Telecaster, or early CBS-era model, proper authentication ensures you understand your instrument's history and value. Use our Fender Serial Number Lookup Tool as a starting point, then verify with neck dates, pot codes, and physical feature identification for definitive dating.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage Fender authentication and purchasing throughout the Midwest. Our comprehensive knowledge of Telecaster dating—from Broadcaster/Nocaster identification to pre-CBS verification—ensures accurate assessments that reflect your guitar's true age and value.

Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 for expert Telecaster authentication or professional valuation.

John Thompson, Vintage Guitar Specialist
Edgewater Guitars - Ohio's Premier Guitar Buyer