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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "'57 Fender Telecaster". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.

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Description

Step back into the golden era of rock and country with the '57 Fender Telecaster, an enduring icon that has stood the test of time. First introduced in the early 1950s, the Telecaster quickly became the go-to instrument for musicians seeking a distinctive sound and unmatched playability. Its two single-coil pickups deliver a crisp, bright tone, making it a staple choice for legendary artists across genres. Whether you're evoking the twangy charm of classic country or the gritty edge of rock, this guitar offers unparalleled versatility.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Telecaster boasts a single cutaway solid-body design, constructed from Ash or, in some variations, Alder. The one-piece Maple neck provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience, complemented by a white plastic pickguard for that classic aesthetic. With a 25 1/2-inch scale length and string-through-body construction, this guitar ensures precise intonation and a rich, resonant sound that fills any room.

The '57 Fender Telecaster is not just an instrument; it's a statement piece—an embodiment of musical history that continues to inspire and captivate musicians worldwide. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, this guitar is your ticket to a timeless sound journey.

Key Features:

  • Two single-coil pickups
  • Single cutaway solid-body design
  • Ash or Alder body with one-piece Maple neck
  • White plastic pickguard
  • 25 1/2-inch scale length
  • String-through-body construction

Product specs

Brand Fender
Model Telecaster
Finish Blonde
Year 1957
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Ash
Body Shape T-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Yellow
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 7.25"
Model Family Fender Telecaster
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 21
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Series Fender Vintage Pre-CBS Era
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the body of the '57 Fender Telecaster?

The body of the '57 Fender Telecaster is made from ash, which contributes to its bright, resonant tone and lightweight feel.

What pickups are used in the '57 Fender Telecaster and what tone can I expect?

The '57 Fender Telecaster features a single-coil pickup configuration, delivering a bright, twangy sound typical of vintage Telecasters, ideal for country, rock, and blues styles.

How does the neck profile of the '57 Fender Telecaster affect playability?

The '57 Fender Telecaster has a maple neck with a 7.25" fretboard radius, offering a comfortable vintage feel that is well-suited for chord playing and traditional styles.

Is the '57 Fender Telecaster suitable for modern music genres?

While the '57 Fender Telecaster is renowned for its classic tones, its versatile sound can also be adapted to various modern genres with appropriate amp settings and effects.

What is the scale length of the '57 Fender Telecaster?

The '57 Fender Telecaster has a 25.5" scale length, which contributes to its bright tone and crisp note articulation.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

1957 Fender Telecaster 01076

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Telecaster 01076 by frettedamericana

1957 Fender Telecaster 01076

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1957 Fender Telecaster by Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1957 Fender Telecaster

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Telecaster | The Music Emporium by The Music Emporium

1957 Fender Telecaster | The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Telecaster - Blond / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1957 Fender Telecaster - Blond / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Telecaster - "The World of Vintage Guitars" by No.1 Guitar Center

1957 Fender Telecaster - "The World of Vintage Guitars"

No.1 Guitar Center

No.1 Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Telecaster | Oscar Guitars | Iconic Vintage Guitar | No Talk Just Music | Johan Borgh by VintageandRare

1957 Fender Telecaster | Oscar Guitars | Iconic Vintage Guitar | No Talk Just Music | Johan Borgh

VintageandRare

VintageandRare

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Telecaster by Emerald City Guitars

1957 Fender Telecaster

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1957 Fender Telecaster - Blond / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1957 Fender Telecaster - Blond / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about '57 Fender Telecaster.

Features and functionality

  • The '57 Fender Telecaster is noted for having a top-loader bridge, which provides a different feel and sound compared to string-through bridges.

    Source
  • Equipped with hand-wound 55/56 Tele pickups, offering a tonal preference over Twisted Tele pickups, paired with Fat50s wiring for an old-school sound.

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  • The finish is Candy Apple Red with a Journeyman relic job, offering a distinct vintage look that adds character to the guitar.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Original tuning keys were replaced with Grovers in the early 70s, indicating a possible improvement in tuning stability.

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  • Suggestions include switching to witch hat knobs for a Muddy Waters style aesthetic.

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  • Steel saddles are used instead of brass, altering the tonal characteristics compared to models with brass saddles.

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Build quality

  • Some owners appreciate the wear marks and the way age impacts the light reflection on old Telecasters, giving them a unique visual character.

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  • The '57 Telecaster reissue features a lightweight Ash body, weighing 7.0 lbs, noted for its resonance and acoustic loudness.

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  • The guitar comes with a case that is recognized for having a notably pleasant smell, adding a sensory element to its overall appeal.

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User experience

  • One owner noted the Telecaster's durability, surviving an accidental use as an axe against a coffee table.

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  • The 57 soft v neck with a 9.25 radius is highlighted for its comfort, enhancing playability.

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  • The thin lacquer on the neck is noted for smoothing out over time, enhancing playability by becoming more comfortable with use.

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Comparisons

  • The unique v-shaped or "mung" neck profile on certain Telecasters is a focal point for appraisers, distinguishing it from the flat necks some owners prefer.

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  • The hand-wound 55/56 Tele pickups are preferred over Twisted Tele pickups by some users, offering a different tonal quality that may appeal to vintage tone enthusiasts.

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Value and pricing

  • Prices range from $3500-5200, with debates on investment value compared to other custom guitars like Suhr.

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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Greg Koch uses '57 Fender Telecaster

Greg Koch

Guitarist, Singer

Koch Marshall Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

Greg Koch is known for using a '57 Fender Telecaster, as showcased in a video by Wildwood Guitars during NAMM 2013. This guitar features a Swamp Ash body, a custom '56 V-shaped flame maple neck, and a distinctive "mother of toilet seat" pickguard. It is equipped with Fender Abigail Ybarra-wound pickups, although a Duncan humbucker was installed at one point. The guitar includes a push-pull bottom tone control for a unique bridge and neck pickup combination and middle tone control for out-of-phase settings, reminiscent of Albert King's tone. Additional specs include an American Standard bridge with a resistor cap mod on the volume control, 22 jumbo frets with a 9.50" radius, Sperzel locking tuners, and gold hardware.

Genre Usage

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