1951 Fender Telecaster
The 1951 'Nocaster' is among the rarest and most historically significant electric guitars — produced during the period when Fender removed the 'Broadcaster' name from the headstock but hadn't yet stamped 'Telecaster.' These blank-headstock examples are extraordinarily collectible.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Ash |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Maple (integral) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | 3-saddle string-through-body bridge (original 'ashtray' design) |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe single-line |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Finish Options | Blonde (Butterscotch) |
| Est. Production | 800 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two single-coil pickups. The bridge pickup sits in a metal ashtray cover that also serves as a pickup cavity — the original Tele design. The neck pickup has a distinctive sound due to its cover.
What Changed in 1951
1951 is the 'Nocaster' year — Fender briefly sold these guitars without a model name on the headstock after the 'Broadcaster' name was disputed by Gretsch. The 'Telecaster' name appeared later in 1951.
Notable Examples
The Nocaster has become one of the most historically documented Fender models. Museum collections worldwide hold examples.
Collector's Notes
True Nocasters have no model name on the headstock. Verify the truss rod stamp reads only 'Fender' with no model name. These are authenticated by serial number and headstock decal examination. Some Nocasters have been modified to read 'Broadcaster' or 'Telecaster' — examination under UV light can reveal this.