The potentiometer codes on this Telecaster read: "304704" where 304 = Stackpole (manufacturer), 7 = 1957, and 04 = the 4th week of the year.
They have codes on them which indicate the manufacturer, year, and week of the year. Potentiometers are variable resistors that allow a player to control the volume and tone of the guitar's signal going to the amplifier. Since both the serial number and neck heel indicate the same year, we can then check to see if the potentiometers support the year as well. Our Fender serial number information indicates that the 5 digit serials with the "-" symbol in front were made in 1957. The guitar below bears the serial number "-18xxx". The serial numbers then moved to the neck plate on the back of the guitar until 1977. Fender serial numbers from 1950-1954 are located on the bridge plate where the strings attach to the body (contact me if you have a 1950s Telecaster with 4 digit serial number on the bridge plate). Here's a resource for Fender serial number information for 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s: Fender Serial Number Lookup. The steps that I use to date Fender guitars start with the serial number, but include the neck heel date, potentiometer codes, and features. Many people go straight to a serial number lookup to date the guitar, but Fender serial numbers are not usually an accurate way to date Fender guitars since they're not necessarily consecutive, style dependent, and are easily swapped using only a screwdriver. Knowing how to date a Fender Telecaster is the first step in finding out how much it's worth. How much is a vintage Fender Telecaster worth? Telecaster timeline from the introduction as the Broadcaster in 1950 throughout the 1950s and 1960s
How to date Fender Telecaster guitars from the 1950s and 1960s It's a great resource for all the small details of how the Fender Telecaster changed throughout the years. If you're looking for more information on vintage Fender Telecaster guitars then I recommend this book: The Fender Telecaster by Andre Duchossoir. You can contact me here to have a Fender guitar expert Appraisal for your Telecaster. I'd be happy to help with how to find the year and value of your Telecaster. I f you're interested in selling to a qualified buyer for a fair price then contact me here: Sell a Fender. Fender guitar collectors can date a Telecaster with only a quick glance, but the most accurate way to date them is through a thorough inspection.Īs a passionate Fender guitar collector, I want you to know how to find the year and value of your Fender Telecaster so you can feel confident to sell your guitar. Fender Telecaster values range wildly depending on what year they were made, so accurate dating and identification is a very important step in finding out how much they're worth. Most recently, Martin have expanded on their bracing variations to include the X-Series and A-Frame used on HPL wood tops and mortise and tenon neck joints, respectively.The Fender Telecaster has been in continuous production since its introduction as the Broadcaster in 1950. Not only does bracing strengthen the instrument in order to handle the string tension across the body, but it also focuses the vibrations travelling through the wood to aid in shaping the sound produced. This is a type of structural reinforcement within the guitar. Martin’s second major achievement is X bracing. You would have heard it used in pop, rock and country music, as well as in film and seen on the big screen. It’s been adapted by nigh on every mainstream acoustic brand - but if you want the best, you have to buy Martin. The dreadnought is the go-to choice for guitarists from a multitude of backgrounds because of its deep, well-pronounced tones. This is a thick set shape with large shoulders and soft contoured sides.
They are first and foremost renowned for inventing the ever-popular dreadnought body size. Martin are responsible for a handful of massive milestones in the evolution of the acoustic guitar. They design a wide range of acoustics with both the player and environmental sustainability in mind. Founded by Christian Frederick Martin in New York, the company remains a family run business. Martin & Co (or Martin for short) have been building guitars for close to an incredible two centuries.