The Ultimate Vintage Fender Telecaster, Esquire, Broadcaster & Nocaster Value Guide

Find Out The Authentic Value Of Your Telecaster With Joe’s Vintage Guitars

Guitar value guide

Contact Joe’s Vintage Guitars Today For A Free Vintage Guitar Consultation & Appraisal!

Table Of Contents

    Meet Vintage Guitar Buyer & Collector, Joe Dampt

    Joe Dampt, the proprietor, has dedicated over a decade to avidly gathering vintage instruments, handling thousands of vintage guitars, mandolins, banjos, and other stringed instruments. Furthermore, he has provided his expertise as a vintage guitar appraiser and consultant to various local antique and collectible establishments, including “America’s Top Buyer,” a prestigious traveling antique show enterprise. Throughout his extensive experience, Joe has evaluated numerous noteworthy collections of musical instruments, with some valued in the six to seven-figure range.

    What Are the Differences Between a Fender Telecaster, Broadcaster, Nocaster, and Esquire?

    Identifying and authenticating these early Fender ‘Telecaster style’ guitars can be quite daunting due to the variety of names used during often very short periods of time. To put it simply, the Telecaster, the Broadcaster and the Nocaster ARE ALL ESSENTIALLY THE SAME GUITAR, and the Esquire is simply a Telecaster without a neck pickup. The story behind the name change from Broadcaster, to Nocaster and finally to Telecaster is an interesting one.

    • Broadcaster

      Fender’s very first electric solid body guitar was named the “Broadcaster”, an unsurprising name when considering Leo Fender’s background in radio service and his fascination with radios and electrical circuits. Only about 200 Broadcasters were made, making them incredibly rare and coveted collectibles. If you have a Fender Broadcaster, please contact me! It is an extremely rare and valuable guitar. In early 1951, Fender received correspondence from the Gretsch company, a manufacturer of musical instruments asking them to change the name of the Broadcaster since Gretsch was already using the name for a snare drum they were producing.

    • Nocaster

      Being a fledgling company nowhere near the size of Gretsch at the time, Fender came up with a very practical solution to the problem. They simply decided to cut the name “Broadcaster” off of the decals they were using. The result is a guitar that simply says “Fender” on the headstock with no model designation. These guitars have come to be known as “Nocasters”. Fender made very few of these instruments. Again, if you have a Fender Nocaster, please contact me for a comprehensive evaluation and vintage guitar appraisal.

    • Telecaster

      Around September 1951, Fender renamed the model to “Telecaster”. This was the final name change and the name remains to this day. Early Telecaster guitars have a black pickguard as opposed to the later white pickguard and are the most collectible iteration of the Telecaster. They are colloquially referred to as “Blackguards”.

    • Esquire

      The Fender Esquire model is simply a Telecaster without a neck pickup (see photos with text above) Esquire guitars were not subject to the same name changes as the two pickup models. As a rule of thumb, Esquire guitars are less desirable than their two pickup counterparts, but they are still valuable and collectible instruments.

    Note: Throughout this post, we will often be using the name “Telecaster” to refer to all of these guitars for the sake of brevity.

    Fender Telecaster guitar
    Telecaster, Broadcaster, and Nocaster Have Two Pickups
    Esquire Guitars Have One Pickup

    What Factors Affect The Value Of Your Vintage Fender Telecaster?

    The primary factors influencing the value of a vintage Fender Telecaster guitar are its originality and condition, color and finish, and the year of manufacture.

    Custom Color "Candy Apple Red"
    Fender Telecaster in Standard: Blonde Finish

    • How Originality & Condition Affect Your Fender Telecaster’s Value

      Fender guitars were designed to be modular, with easily replaceable parts. Consequently, many instruments have had parts swapped and changed throughout the years. Many have also been refinished and modified in other ways. Any modification to the parts, finish or otherwise hurt the value of vintage collectible guitars. A refinished guitar is typically worth about half as much as an original example. Replaced parts can also affect the value substantially. In addition to originality, guitars that are in better cosmetic condition are worth more than examples that exhibit more wear. If you have a vintage instrument that is in poor condition, do not attempt to restore it in any way! Doing so will only further reduce its value.

    • Understanding Color & Finish In Vintage Fender Telecaster Value

      The standard color for Fender Telecaster guitars was Blonde (see photo). Guitars in different finishes were available for an upcharge and are consequently much rarer and more desirable than the standard blonde guitars in today’s market. These non-blonde colors are called “custom colors” in the collectors market. The value of “custom color” instruments vary depending upon the rarity of each specific color. Authentication of the original finishes on early Fender instruments is an extremely detailed and painstaking process. If you have a vintage Telecaster that you would like help authenticating, please reach out for a free evaluation and appraisal.

    • The Importance Of Year In Determining Fender Telecaster Collectibility

      The year of your Fender guitar will be one of the most influential factors that affect the value of your guitar. Earlier Fender guitars were made in smaller numbers and typically have more desirable features and a noticeable hand built quality. The value of Fender guitars decreased as their year of manufacture increases, with early 50s models being the most expensive.

    Vintage 1969 Fender Telecaster Rosewood

    Dating Your Fender Telecaster,
    Broadcaster, Nocaster or Esquire

    In order to ascertain the value of your Fender guitar, it is imperative that you find out what year it was made. As a rule of thumb, the older the guitar, the more it is worth. The serial numbers on vintage Fender Telecaster guitars are found in one of three places: The bridge plate, the neck plate or the headstock. Please use our easy to use Fender serial number guide to date your guitar. It includes pictures and a comprehensive guide to help you easily date your instrument.

    Determining The Market Value Of Vintage Fender Telecasters,
    Broadcaster, Nocaster, & Esquire Models

    Now that you have identified which year and color Telecaster you have, it is time to figure out its value. While values are not always cut and dry or 100% objective, below are some basic ranges for values on Fender Telecaster guitars. These values are for guitars that are all original and in excellent condition with their original case. Values can vary based on provenance, condition, and market trends. Additionally, the custom color prices are a wide range because the price depends upon the rarity of the specific color. Prices are updated once per year and may fluctuate within a given year. Once again, if you need help dating your Telecaster , please use our Fender Serial Number Guide. As always, feel free to contact me for a fast, free and friendly evaluation!

    • Fender Broadcaster from 1950: $100,000-$180,000

    • Fender Nocaster from 1951: $75,000-$100,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1951: $50,000-$70,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1952-1953: $50,000-$60,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1954 (Black Pickguard): $50,000-$60,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1954 (White Pickguard): $35,000-$45,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1955-1957: $38,000-$50,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1958-1959 (Blonde): $25,000-$35,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1958-1959 (Custom Color): $60,000-$80,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1960-1962 (Blonde): $22,000-$32,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1960-1962 (Custom Color): $40,000-$75,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1963-1964 (Blonde): $15,000-$25,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1963-1964 (Custom Color): $30,000-$55,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1965-1968 (Blonde): $9000-$18,000

    • Fender Telecaster from 1965-1968 (Custom Color): $15,000-$35,000

    Esquire guitars are typically worth around 75% of a same year and color Telecaster.

    Fender Telecaster with Original Tag: Fender fine electric instruments

    Receive A Detailed Evaluation, Fair Valuation, & Competitive Offer
    For Your Telecaster At Joe’s Vintage Guitar Today

    Get Your Free Appraisal

    Expert Tips For Successfully Selling Your Vintage Telecaster

    Now that you have a general idea of the value of your Fender Telecaster, Esquire, Broadcaster, or Nocaster, you might be considering how to sell it. There are several options available, but when dealing with a high-value vintage guitar, I suggest choosing one of the following three methods.

    Dealer For Vintage Fender Telecaster, Nocaster, Broadcaster, and Esquire Guitars

    Choose a Reputable
    Dealer For Consigning Your Vintage Guitar

    Consigning your guitar offers several benefits. You’ll save time by avoiding buyer inquiries and won’t have to worry about shipping or return liabilities. Plus, an experienced dealer can present your guitar to a broader audience, utilizing professional photography, authentication expertise, and more to help you achieve the best possible price. At Joe’s Vintage Guitars, we offer consignment services for vintage guitars with rates starting as low as 8%. Visit our consignment page or contact us today to get started!

    Sell Your Vintage Guitar to a Dealer or Collector in the USA

    Sell Your Vintage Telecaster To A Renowned Dealer Or Collector

    Selling your guitar to a dealer or collector comes with many advantages. The process is quick and straightforward, with immediate payment, and the buyer handles the shipping or pickup. You won’t need to take elaborate photos or write a detailed description, and you avoid any potential shipping or return issues. In many cases, you’ll end up with a similar amount of money whether you consign or sell outright. I purchase vintage guitars and will offer you a fair market value for your instrument. Feel free to reach out at 602-900-6635 or joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com.

    Private Market For Vintage Fender Guitars

    Explore The Private
    Market For Selling
    Your Telecaster

    Selling your guitar on the private market can be a fulfilling experience, but it’s not generally recommended for first-time sellers of high-end vintage instruments due to the significant liability involved in selling and shipping such valuable pieces. Most guitar dealers carry insurance policies exceeding $100,000 just for their shipments. If you decide to go this route, consider using Reverb.com, which offers a comprehensive shipping protection policy. However, be mindful of the selling fees Reverb charges, and remember that in case of a dispute, platforms like Reverb tend to side with the buyer.

    Happy Client Sold a 1961 Fender Telecaster

    Maximize Your Profit
    By Selling Your Vintage Telecaster To Joe

    I am a serious buyer for all Fender Telecaster, Esquire, Broadcaster, and Nocaster models! Reach out if you’re looking to sell your Fender guitar. I’ll gladly provide a thorough assessment, valuation, and a competitive offer! Here is a photo of a satisfied customer who sold his 1961 Fender Telecaster to Joe’s Vintage Guitars.

    Reach Out To Joe For
    A Complimentary Vintage
    Guitar Consultation Today!

    For a free consultation and appraisal of your vintage guitar, feel free to contact me directly. You’ll receive a prompt, friendly, and no-cost evaluation! Reach out by phone or text at 602-900-6635, or email joesvintageguitars94@gmail.com.