1959 Fender Telecaster
The 1959 Telecaster — now available with rosewood fingerboard and sunburst finish for the first time. Maple neck models remain the classic Tele sound; rosewood adds warmth. Both configurations are excellent.
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 (standard) or Alder |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood (slab — new option alongside maple neck) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | Stamped steel bridge (3 brass barrel saddles) |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Blonde, Sunburst, Custom colors |
| Est. Production | 3,500 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two single-coil pickups. Rosewood neck option introduced alongside maple neck.
What Changed in 1959
Rosewood fingerboard option introduced — same year as on the Stratocaster. Sunburst finish became available. The Telecaster was broadening its appeal beyond the blonde country guitar image.
Collector's Notes
Slab rosewood board (1959-1962) vs maple neck — both are original options, different tones. Sunburst Telecasters are rarer than blonde and command a premium. Custom colors from 1959 are extremely rare.