1968 Fender Telecaster

The late 1960s Telecaster — CBS era but still a great guitar. Keith Richards, Roy Buchanan, and others were defining the Telecaster's voice in rock. The Thinline variant offered a lighter, more resonant option.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$4,500$9,000
Very Good
$3,000$4,500
Good
$1,900$3,000
Fair
$950$1,900

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

Specifications

Body WoodAlder
Neck WoodMaple
FingerboardRosewood (Indian)
Scale Length25.500"
Frets21
Pickup ConfigSS
BridgeStamped steel bridge
TunersF-stamped tuners
Finish OptionsBlonde, Sunburst, Custom colors
Est. Production9,000

Pickups & Electronics

Two single-coil pickups. CBS-era pickups. Thinline Tele also introduced (semi-hollow F-hole body).

What Changed in 1968

The Telecaster Thinline introduced in 1968 — a semi-hollow variant with f-holes. Keith Richards was making the Telecaster a rock icon. CBS-era construction but still fundamentally excellent guitars.

Notable Examples

Keith Richards played a late 1960s Telecaster on 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' and throughout the Stones' peak years.

Collector's Notes

Thinline Teles from 1968-1969 (with F-holes and single coil pickups) are increasingly collected. Standard 1968 Teles are excellent players at reasonable prices. Indian vs Brazilian rosewood — significant value difference.