Fender Vintage Guitar Price Guide
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an American manufacturer of stringed instruments and amplifiers. Leo Fender founded the company in Fullerton, California. The Stratocaster, Telecaster, Jazz Bass, and Precision Bass are among the most iconic electric instruments ever made.
Founded 1946 · United States
🔢 Fender Serial Number System
Fender serial numbers were stamped on the neck plate for most pre-CBS models (pre-1965). Serial numbers were not strictly sequential and often overlapped between years, making exact dating challenging without inspecting the neck date stamp and pot codes.
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Jaguar
electric1962–present
The Fender Jaguar, introduced in 1962, was Fender's most feature-laden guitar — a 24-inch scale instrument with a complex switching system, mute mechanism, and string lock. Its short scale and offset body made it popular with surf players and later generations of alternative and indie musicians.
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Jazz Bass
bass1960–present
The Fender Jazz Bass, introduced in 1960, offered a narrower neck and dual-pickup configuration that distinguished it from the Precision. The original stack-knob control layout (1960-1961) gave way to a simplified 3-knob arrangement in 1962. Jazz Basses in custom colors — particularly those with original stack-knob pots — are among the most valuable vintage Fenders.
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Jazzmaster
electric1958–present
The Fender Jazzmaster was introduced in 1958 as Fender's top-of-the-line guitar — above the Stratocaster in the lineup. Its offset body, floating tremolo, and separate rhythm/lead circuit made it unique among Fenders. Although initially marketed to jazz players, the Jazzmaster found its greatest following in surf rock and later in indie and alternative music.
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Mustang
electric1964–present
The Fender Mustang was introduced in 1964 as a student-oriented short-scale guitar with a simplified tremolo system. Competition stripe models from the late 1960s added visual flair. Kurt Cobain's preference for Mustangs brought significant attention to the model and drove collector interest in vintage examples.
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Precision Bass
bass1951–present
The Fender Precision Bass, introduced in 1951, invented the electric bass guitar as we know it. The original slab-body design (1951-1953) gave way to contoured comfort cuts in 1954, and the defining split-coil humbucker pickup arrived in 1957. Pre-CBS Precision Basses remain the benchmark by which all electric basses are measured.
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Stratocaster
electric1954–present
The Fender Stratocaster, introduced in 1954, is arguably the most recognizable electric guitar ever made. Its contoured body, three-pickup configuration, synchronized tremolo system, and distinctive tone made it a favorite of Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and countless others.
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Telecaster
electric1950–present
The Fender Telecaster (originally Broadcaster) is the world's first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar. Its simple construction, bright twangy tone, and incredible versatility made it a staple of country, rock, blues, and virtually every other genre.
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