1961 Fender Telecaster
The 1961 Telecaster — the original solid-body electric guitar. Pre-CBS quality. Simple, direct, and endlessly versatile.
Current Market Value
Excellent
$12,600–$18,000
Very Good
$7,200–$12,600
Good
$3,600–$7,200
Fair
$1,800–$3,600
* 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 (sunburst/colors) |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood or Maple |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | Three-saddle bridge with chrome plate |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Blonde, Sunburst, Custom colors |
| Est. Production | 5,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two single-coil pickups — bridge pickup in chrome plate, neck pickup with metal cover.
What Changed in 1961
Pre-CBS Telecaster. Available in maple or rosewood neck, blonde or sunburst.
Collector's Notes
Pre-CBS Teles are consistently strong. Custom colors are rare and extremely valuable.