1966 Fender Telecaster
The 1966 CBS-era Telecaster is an accessible vintage instrument. The Tele's simple design means CBS-era quality changes affected it less than the Stratocaster.
Current Market Value
Excellent
$4,000–$9,000
Very Good
$2,200–$5,400
Good
$1,400–$3,600
Fair
$600–$1,800
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Alder |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood (curved veneer) |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | 3-saddle string-through-body bridge |
| Tuners | F-stamped tuners |
| Finish Options | Blonde, Sunburst, Custom Colors |
Pickups & Electronics
Two single-coil pickups. CBS-era production — transitional quality.
What Changed in 1966
CBS ownership affected production quality beginning in 1966. The Telecaster is more conservative in design than the Strat, so quality changes are sometimes less dramatic.
Collector's Notes
Blonde ash-body examples from this period are particularly practical vintage instruments. Custom Colors are harder to find and command premiums.