1978 Tele. Asking the Pros.

[G.Rotten]

Hey All,

There's a vintage Tele near me that seems too clean to actually be from 78. Curious to hear expert opinions and wonder what kind of value it should be.

The thing I most question is the 2 template dowel holes on the body. I know they did that earlier but thought it wasn't a thing on the 70's ones. Looking through ads for other 78 Ash bodied Teles I don't see those holes on any of them. My guitar knowledge/experience is just based on guitars I have owned and I've not had any Fenders older than mid 80's. Seller says 8 pounds, 5 ounces which I would think would be light for the era. Does not have an original case.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Wildeman]

Looks like a '78 Tele! A nice one....
A guitar that clean has a case.

 

[G.Rotten]

Looks like a '78 Tele! A nice one....

It's been for sale for a couple weeks. It's condition looks so good it has me wondering. I think it can be had for less than $3k Canadian.

 

[Wildeman]

It's been for sale for a couple weeks. It's condition looks so good it has me wondering.

What's the price? I'd think 4 or 5000.00 if it's right.
I'd at the very least want to pull the pickguard and flip the control plate, no routing or fresh solder and you're good to go.

 

[G.Rotten]

What's the price? I'd think 4 or 5000.00 if it's right.

Currently at $3250 Canadian or best offer. No original case though. Just a gig bag which I consider to be another red flag considering the condition.

 

[bender66]

Headstock looks darker than the rest of the neck, but it looks bonafide, if you like the Coens.

 

[Wildeman]

Currently at $3250 Canadian or best offer. No original case though. Just a gig bag which I consider to be another red flag consideration the condition.

I'd definitely check it out, I see no red flags in the pix.

 

[Wildeman]

Headstock looks darker than the rest of the neck, but it looks bonafide, if you like the Coens.

The headstock is normal, they still shot lacquer over the decal.

 

[Wildeman]

I do believe they had a six saddle bridge but I'm not sure if it was standard or an option.

 

[G.Rotten]

The headstock is normal, they still shot lacquer over the decal.

I think I'll check it out tomorrow. I certainly am not in need of more guitars but.....

 

[G.Rotten]

I do believe they had a six saddle bridge but I'm not sure if it was standard or an option.

I wondered about that as well but have found plenty of pics online with the same bridge.

Found this ended sale on Reverb.

Fender Telecaster (1976 - 1979) | Reverb Canada

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

Same bridge and it does have the dowels. Different pickguard but I would think the 3 ply in my example would be correct.

 

[Lowspeid]

Definitely pull the pickguard and control plate. If it’s a real-deal ‘78 the owner should have no issues pulling those. I’d also ask to pull the neck and check the heel and pocket for markings.

 

[Milspec]

Everything looks correct from here. My guess is that the condition is either due to a refinish being done or else it was never played much at all.

I almost never consider a vintage guitar that is really clean like that one. Each instrument varied and if it was so rarely played, there might be a reason behind that instead of just an owner who left it under the bed for decades. It might be a dud from go and that is why it wasn't played. One has to consider that reality when thinking about purchasing. Never buy vintage without testing it out for yourself first, you will be disappointed more times than not if you don't.

 

[G.Rotten]

Everything looks correct from here. My guess is that the condition is either due to a refinish being done or else it was never played much at all.

I almost never consider a vintage guitar that is really clean like that one. Each instrument varied and if it was so rarely played, there might be a reason behind that instead of just an owner who left it under the bed for decades. It might be a dud from go and that is why it wasn't played. One has to consider that reality when thinking about purchasing. Never buy vintage without testing it out for yourself first, you will be disappointed more times than not if you don't.

Seller lives minutes from me and says he has an amp for me to test with.

I definately prefer to have in hand before buying. Any guitar at any price.

 

[Milspec]

Seller lives minutes from me and says he has an amp for me to test with.

I definately prefer to have in hand before buying. Any guitar at any price.

Definitely worth the trip then....good luck.

 

[John C]

I'm not seeing any red flags from those photos; it could have been refinished or it could have been sitting in a closet somewhere for part of its 40-44 years.

For what it's worth Fender used S8xxxxx serial numbers on Telecaster from 1978 through 1982 so to get an accurate date you would have to take it apart and check the date stamps, pot codes, etc.

 

[G.Rotten]

I'm not seeing any red flags from those photos; it could have been refinished or it could have been sitting in a closet somewhere for part of its 40-44 years.

For what it's worth Fender used S8xxxxx serial numbers on Telecaster from 1978 through 1982 so to get an accurate date you would have to take it apart and check the date stamps, pot codes, etc.

When did they correct the radius on the upper bout near the neck pocket (Bass side)?

 

[G.Rotten]

Couple more pics from the seller.

Neck plate is poorly aligned. From what I've read about 70's QC that's not too out of the norm.

 

[mfguitar]

Nice looking guitar at more than a fair price. I would offer full price provided you can take off the pickguard and the neck off to inspect. I doubt there was any hanky-panky though.

After seeing the additional photos the neck plate is a concern and even for Fender (at that time) seems at best poorly placed. I don't think it is a fake but I would certainly want to know for sure, the price is good but it is still a fair amount of money. Good luck!

 

[jkats]

When did they correct the radius on the upper bout near the neck pocket (Bass side)?

About 1971 is when the radius on the bass side of the upper bout near the neck pocket became "uglified."