Introduction:
The Fender Telecaster holds the distinction of being the world's first successful solid-body electric guitar. Originally called the Broadcaster in 1950, then briefly the Nocaster, the Telecaster established the template for electric guitars that continues today.
From its humble beginnings in Leo Fender's workshop to its status as an icon played by everyone from Muddy Waters to Bruce Springsteen, the Telecaster's simple design and incredible versatility have made it one of the most important instruments in music history.
Dating your Telecaster accurately is essential for understanding its value and place in guitar history. Early Broadcaster and Nocaster models regularly sell for $100,000+, while pre-CBS Telecasters command $20,000-50,000 depending on year and condition.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Telecaster serial numbers, dating methods, and the key evolutionary changes that affect value and authenticity.
Fender Telecaster Dating Tool
Enter your Telecaster's serial number to discover its model and year
Telecaster-Specific Serial Number Guide
Bridge Plate Numbers (1950-1954)
The earliest Telecasters had serial numbers stamped directly into the metal bridge plate. These represent the most valuable and historically significant electric guitars ever made.
Broadcaster (1950-1951)
0001-0200: True Broadcasters with model name
0200-1000: Late Broadcasters transitioning to Nocaster
Authentication Points:
"Broadcaster" decal on headstock
Single-coil pickup with black cover
Black pickguard with 5 screws
Ash body with clear finish or blonde
Nocaster (1951)
1000-2000: No model name on headstock
Duration: Approximately 6 months
Rarity: Among the rarest Fender guitars
Authentication Points:
Fender logo only, no model name
Gap or ghost marks where model name was removed
Same electronics and hardware as Broadcaster
Early Telecaster (1951-1954)
2000-5000+: First guitars labeled "Telecaster"
1952: White pickguard introduced
1954: Serial numbers move to neck plate
Key Changes by Year:
1951: Telecaster name introduced
1952: White pickguard becomes standard
1953: Pickup mounting ring changes
1954: Bridge design refinements
Neck Plate Era (1954-1976)
When Fender moved serial numbers to the neck plate, the Telecaster entered its classic period of production.
Pre-CBS Neck Plate (1954-1965)
0001-8000: 1954
8000-16000: 1955-1956
16000-25000: 1957
25000-30000: 1958
30000-40000: 1959 (Custom model introduced)
40000-58000: 1960
58000-72000: 1961
72000-93000: 1962
93000-L20000: 1963
L20000-L55000: 1964
L55000-L99999: 1965 (pre-CBS)
Model Variations:
Standard Telecaster: Basic model throughout era
Custom Telecaster (1959+): Bound body, sunburst finish
CBS Era Neck Plate (1965-1976)
100000-110000: 1965 (post-CBS)
110000-200000: 1966
200000-250000: 1967-1968
250000-280000: 1969
280000-300000: 1970
300000-330000: 1971
330000-370000: 1972
370000-520000: 1973
520000-580000: 1974
580000-690000: 1975
690000-750000: 1976
CBS Era Changes:
1965: Larger headstock introduced
1968: Telecaster Custom with humbucker
1972: Telecaster Deluxe with two humbuckers
1972: Telecaster Thinline with f-hole
Telecaster Model Variations and Dating
Standard Telecaster
The basic Telecaster remained largely unchanged throughout most eras:
Pre-CBS Features (1950-1965):
Ash or alder body
Single-coil pickups
3-way selector switch
Chrome hardware standard
CBS Era Changes (1965-1985):
Larger headstock
Different pickup specifications
Various finish options
Hardware variations
Telecaster Custom (1959-1972)
Upscale version with bound body and sunburst finish:
Key Features:
Bound alder body
3-tone sunburst finish
Otherwise identical to Standard
Premium pricing when new
Dating Notes:
Same serial numbers as Standard Telecaster
Distinguish by bound body edges
Sunburst finish standard (custom colors available)
Telecaster Thinline (1968-1979)
Semi-hollow Telecaster with f-hole:
Two Distinct Eras:
1968-1971: Traditional Telecaster pickups
1972-1979: Two humbucker pickups
Serial Numbers: Same as other Telecasters of era Identification: Single f-hole in upper bout
Telecaster Deluxe (1972-1981)
Telecaster body with Stratocaster-style pickups:
Key Features:
Two humbucker pickups
Stratocaster-style controls
Larger headstock
Various finish options
Value Note: Less valuable than traditional Telecasters
Key Dating Features Beyond Serial Numbers
Neck Construction Changes
Neck Attachment:
1950-1971: 4-bolt neck attachment
1971-1981: 3-bolt with micro-tilt
1981+: Return to 4-bolt design
Neck Profiles:
1950-1956: Large "U" or "V" profiles
1957-1962: "D" shaped profile
1963-1965: "C" shaped profile
1965+: Various profiles by era
Fingerboard Materials:
1950-1959: Maple only
1959+: Rosewood available (maple continues)
1983+: Both maple and rosewood standard
Body and Hardware Evolution
Pickguard Changes:
1950-1952: Black pickguard, 5 screws
1952-1959: White pickguard, 5 screws
1959+: White pickguard, 8 screws
Bridge Evolution:
1950-1958: 3-saddle bridge, steel saddles
1958+: 3-saddle bridge, brass saddles
Modern: 6-saddle bridges available
Control Plate:
1950-1965: Chrome plate, specific knob styles
1965+: Various finishes and knob styles
Pickup Evolution
Neck Pickup:
1950-1965: Hand-wound single coil
1965-1985: Machine-wound specifications
1985+: Various vintage reissue and modern winds
Bridge Pickup:
1950-1965: Hand-wound, cloth-covered wire
1965+: Machine-wound, plastic-covered wire
Reissues: Return to vintage specifications
Most Valuable Telecaster Years and Models
The Holy Grail: Broadcaster/Nocaster (1950-1951)
Value Range: $80,000-200,000+
Why Valuable: First successful solid-body electrics
Rarity: Fewer than 2,000 total made
Investment Grade: Museum-quality instruments
Early Telecaster (1951-1954)
Value Range: $30,000-80,000
Why Valuable: Bridge plate serial numbers, historical significance
Key Features: Early design elements, superior tone woods
Market Trend: Steadily increasing values
Pre-CBS Golden Age (1954-1965)
Value Range: $15,000-50,000
Peak Years: 1954-1960 for tone, 1959-1965 for features
Why Valuable: Superior materials, hand-wound pickups
Sweet Spot: 1957-1962 for players and collectors
Early CBS (1965-1967)
Value Range: $8,000-20,000
Why Valuable: Transition period with vintage characteristics
Features: Large headstock but vintage electronics
Market Position: Entry point for vintage Telecasters
CBS Era Models (1968-1985)
Value Range: $2,000-12,000
Collectible Models: Thinline, Custom, unusual finishes
Player Favorites: 1970s models for modern playability
Investment Potential: Increasing appreciation
Telecaster Authentication and Counterfeits
Common Counterfeit Patterns:
Fake Early Models:
Broadcaster/Nocaster reproductions with incorrect features
Bridge plate serial numbers on later-style guitars
Artificially aged finishes on modern instruments
Pre-CBS Fakes:
CBS-era guitars with pre-CBS serial numbers
Refinished guitars with fake aging
Assembled from multiple era parts
Authentication Checkpoints:
Serial Number Verification:
Correct format for claimed era
Appropriate stamping or printing style
Numbers match physical features
Research known number ranges
Construction Analysis:
Neck pocket fit and date stamps
Body routing appropriate for era
Hardware correct for period
Finish type and aging patterns
Component Dating:
Potentiometer date codes
Pickup construction methods
Hardware manufacturer marks
Electronic component dating
Professional Telecaster Evaluation Services
Our Telecaster Expertise:
30+ years evaluating vintage Telecasters
Extensive database of authentic examples
Current market pricing knowledge
Authentication documentation
Insurance appraisal services
Comprehensive Evaluation Includes:
Complete serial number analysis
Neck and body date verification
Hardware authenticity assessment
Electronics component dating
Finish analysis and documentation
Fair market value assessment
Free Initial Assessment:
Submit clear photos of your Telecaster:
Front and back of complete guitar
Headstock showing serial number
Close-ups of bridge and hardware
Any unique features or markings
Stratocaster Buying and Selling Guide
What Makes a Telecaster Valuable:
Primary Value Factors:
Age: Earlier = more valuable (especially pre-1965)
Originality: All original parts command premium
Condition: Excellent condition dramatically increases value
Rarity: Broadcaster/Nocaster, custom colors, early years
Provenance: Famous ownership or documentation
Model-Specific Values:
Broadcaster/Nocaster: Investment grade, $80K-200K+
1950s Telecaster: $25K-60K depending on year
1960s Pre-CBS: $15K-40K for excellent examples
1960s CBS: $8K-20K for early transition models
1970s Models: $3K-12K depending on year and model
Red Flags When Buying:
Serial numbers that don't match apparent age
Refinished guitars without proper disclosure
Replaced necks or bodies
Modified electronics or routing
Unrealistic pricing (too good to be true)
Selling Your Telecaster:
Preparation Steps:
Professional authentication for valuable instruments
Document all original features with detailed photos
Preserve case candy and original accessories
Avoid modifications before professional evaluation
Research current market values for your specific model
Documentation Needed:
Clear photos of all angles
Serial number and date stamp locations
Hardware and electronic details
Any provenance or history
Condition assessment
Whether you're buying, selling, or just curious about your Telecaster's history, our experts are here to help.
Services Available:
Free preliminary evaluation
Professional authentication
Fair market appraisal
Purchase evaluation
Insurance documentation
Why Sell to Edgewater Guitars?
Top Dollar Offers
We don't have retail overhead costs, allowing us to pay more for your instruments than most guitar shops or pawn shops.
We Come To You
For valuable instruments, we'll travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia for in-person evaluations.
Fast & Simple Process
No waiting for your guitar to sell on consignment. Get an offer within hours and cash in hand as soon as same day.
Trusted Experts
Our team has decades of experience evaluating vintage and rare guitars, ensuring accurate assessments of your instrument's value.
Selling your guitar is EASY
Frequently Asked Questions
More Questions?
Multiple Ways To Sell
Sell Online
Submit photos and information through our secure form for a quick online valuation and offer.
Sell By Phone
Speak directly with our experts at (440) 219-3607 for immediate assistance and valuation.
In-Person Evaluation
Schedule an appointment for an in-person assessment of valuable or multiple instruments.