1973 Fender Telecaster
The 1973 Telecaster is a working instrument — entry-level vintage at prices that make ownership practical. These are the Teles that gigged through the 1970s.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Recent Sales
Showing 10 verified sales for 1973 Fender Telecaster. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Ash (Natural/Blonde) or Alder |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Maple or Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 25.500" |
| Frets | 21 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | 3-saddle bridge |
| Tuners | F-stamped |
| Finish Options | Natural, Blonde, Sunburst, Various Colors |
Pickups & Electronics
Two single-coil pickups. 1970s CBS production — consistent if uninspired.
Collector's Notes
Natural ash finish with maple neck is the most desirable 1970s Tele configuration. Keith Richards famously played a blonde 1954 Tele but the 1970s Natural finish aesthetic is similar.
How to Authenticate a 1973 Fender Telecaster
Check the serial number on the neck plate (or headstock for later models). Fender serial numbers were not strictly sequential — the neck date stamp (penciled on heel) and body date stamp (neck pocket) are more reliable for precise dating. The neck date stamp (penciled on the heel, visible when the neck is removed) is the single most reliable dating method for Fender guitars. Body dates in the neck pocket or under the pickguard corroborate. Pot codes should read 304 (Stackpole) or 140 (CTS) followed by date codes from 1972-1973. Pots should predate the guitar by no more than 12-18 months. Polyester finish is standard for this era — thicker and more durable than earlier nitro. Less checking expected. Maple or rosewood fingerboard depending on option. Later CBS era. Three-bolt neck on Stratocaster from 1971. Bullet truss rod. Increasing mass production. Slab body (alder or ash). Two single-coils (bridge and neck). Three brass saddle bridge is standard pre-CBS. Check for replaced tuners (original F-stamped should be present), refrets, body routing modifications, and any filled screw holes. Original custom color finishes are verified by examining color in pickup cavities and under the pickguard. Original case adds provenance value.