1957 Fender Telecaster
The 1957 Telecaster is a benchmark pre-CBS Fender — Formvar-wound pickups, maple neck, and the string-through-body bridge that gives the Tele its signature snap and sustain.
Current Market Value
Excellent
$30,000–$55,000
Very Good
$16,500–$33,000
Good
$10,500–$22,000
Fair
$4,500–$11,000
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Ash (blonde) or Alder (other colors) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Maple (integral) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | 3-saddle string-through-body bridge |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe single-line |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Finish Options | Blonde, Sunburst, Custom Colors |
Pickups & Electronics
Two single-coil pickups with Formvar-wound wire. The 1957 pickups are among the finest vintage Tele pickups — rich, complex tone.
What Changed in 1957
Truss rod moved to headstock adjustment. Alder body introduced for non-blonde models. The mid-1950s Telecaster is at peak pre-CBS quality.
Collector's Notes
Blonde ash-body examples are the most traditional Tele aesthetic. Custom Colors command large premiums. All-original 1957 Teles are increasingly rare and valuable.