1964 Fender Telecaster

The final pre-CBS Telecaster era. 1964 examples maintain all the quality of earlier models. These offer excellent pre-CBS value at prices below the earliest examples.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$12,000$25,000
Very Good
$8,000$12,000
Good
$5,000$8,000
Fair
$2,500$5,000

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodAlder (more commonly than ash by this era)
Neck WoodMaple
FingerboardBrazilian Rosewood (veneer)
Scale Length25.500"
Frets21
Pickup ConfigSS
BridgeStamped steel bridge
TunersKluson Deluxe
Finish OptionsBlonde, Sunburst, Custom colors
Est. Production6,000

Pickups & Electronics

Two single-coil pickups. Pre-CBS construction throughout.

What Changed in 1964

Late pre-CBS Telecaster — excellent quality maintained right up to the CBS acquisition. The veneer rosewood board was now standard. These are highly regarded pre-CBS instruments.

Collector's Notes

Pre-CBS (pre-January 1965) Teles are consistently priced higher than CBS-era models. 1964 is among the most popular pre-CBS years. Verify with neck date stamp. Binding on neck optional — bound neck Teles command premium.