Confused about my 1982 Vintage 52 Fullerton Telecaster

[_fullerton_]

Hi! I purchased many years ago an USA made Telecaster from a guy who used to live near my house. Long story short, Few years ago, I brought my guitar to the local shop to have a setup, and while inspecting the instrument the liuthier said that my guitar should be a 1982/1983 Fender Telecaster US Vintage '52, one of the very first built at the Fullerton factory. It is in all original condition, apart from the tuners that has been changed (I kept the original ones).

currently, for various reasons, I'm thinking of selling it.

I placed an advert, but I was literally inundated with potential buyers, for whom I temporarily suspended the advert. I would like to understand what would be a correct price for the guitar in question.

As said before, it is in overall great conditions, no scratches, no dings, frets are originals and still in very good conditions. The tuners has been changed, and additional small holes were made, but I keps the originals tuners. Apart from that, all the guitar is original.
i ha e also the original tweed case, but I cannot find the certificate of authenticity.

Could any expert give me an indication of the current value of my guitar, please?
thank you very much
and now a few pics!

 

[Geo]

Here are some on Reverb >
https://reverb.com/p/fender-america...fullerton-plant-butterscotch-blonde-1982-1984
From there you can probably get into the ball park with yours. You will probably need to verify that it is an early
80s either by neck end dating or even on the volume or tone pot date codes. Take a photo of either or both for
verification to a potential buyer along with the certificate.

 

[_fullerton_]

Here are some on Reverb >
https://reverb.com/p/fender-america...fullerton-plant-butterscotch-blonde-1982-1984
From there you can probably get into the ball park with yours. You will probably need to verify that it is an early
80s either by neck end dating or even on the volume or tone pot date codes. Take a photo of either or both for
verification to a potential buyer along with the certificate.

Thank you!
I will take those photos, but I do not have the certificate anymore

 

[_fullerton_]

Here are some on Reverb >
https://reverb.com/p/fender-america...fullerton-plant-butterscotch-blonde-1982-1984
From there you can probably get into the ball park with yours. You will probably need to verify that it is an early
80s either by neck end dating or even on the volume or tone pot date codes. Take a photo of either or both for
verification to a potential buyer along with the certificate.

From the reverb page I can see that in the last two years the prices went fron about 1600 to 3200 euros. The price range is quite variable..

 

[buddyboy]

Many Tele fans love these because they were the first good reissues Fender put out. I never understood the buzz though. I was playing tons of gigs when these came out and played a bunch of them. They all had over-radiused bodies, pencil thin necks, unremarkable pickups and most were pretty heavy. However, the market dictates, so I hope you get a ton for it!

 

[Rufustelestrats]

The thing you may find is the very early teles can fetch a large premium based upon build date, but just like many things you will need to find that right buyer. Otherwise you are going to be fishing in the middle range of that price. The photos proving the neck date, neck pocket photos, pots and pickups will be crucial in getting the upper end price you seek.

 

[Southpole]

The market has kind of split in two. For some folks it is vintage spec that is as accurate as possible whereas others like vintage sound and vibe but want modern playability re fretboard radius and fretwire.

 

[jfgesquire]

Do you have the original saddles? I see those are compensated.

And it looks like a large mark on the back of the headstock just at the neck transition. Is it ok?

It looks like the asking price on reverb is between $3-5k, but that's asking. I'm sure the selling prices are going to be around 75% of that or less.

 

[jfgesquire]

Many Tele fans love these because they were the first good reissues Fender put out. I never understood the buzz though. I was playing tons of gigs when these came out and played a bunch of them. They all had over-radiused bodies, pencil thin necks, unremarkable pickups and most were pretty heavy. However, the market dictates, so I hope you get a ton for it!

"over-radiused bodies"

Absolutely. In my mind's eye, original 50s are square edge planks and not so slippery looking.

But it's weird to think that those vintage reissues in 1982 were trying to replicate a 30 year old guitar.

From today's perspective, that's 1994.

Is anyone making a vintage reissue anything from 1994!?!?

The closest I know of is the Gretsch Duo Jet 6128T-89, an homage to when Fred Gretsch started reissuing guitars again.

 

[Slamb]

The only way to really know is to take the neck off to check the date.

 

[_fullerton_]

Ok, tonight I am going to "open" the guitar.. I will post the results (here or in a separated thread..)

 

[kuch]

Yes, take pics of the neck heel and neck pocket. The serial # is stamped on the bridge plate. I'm not sure you can find it online but you could email Fender and get the build specs for that guitar.
Take pics like the ones I've attached from a early 2K 52 tele.
Good luck.

 

[2HBStrat]

"over-radiused bodies"

Absolutely. In my mind's eye, original 50s are square edge planks and not so slippery looking.

But it's weird to think that those vintage reissues in 1982 were trying to replicate a 30 year old guitar.

From today's perspective, that's 1994.

Is anyone making a vintage reissue anything from 1994!?!?

The closest I know of is the Gretsch Duo Jet 6128T-89, an homage to when Fred Gretsch started reissuing guitars again.

Fender (Squier) is actually making reissues of 90's Fender Toronado and Stratosonic.

 

[jfgesquire]

Fender (Squier) is actually making reissues of 90's Fender Toronado and Stratosonic.
View attachment 1226553
View attachment 1226555

While that's technically accurate, that is certainly not in the spirit of higher priced vintage reissues.

Are those being marketed as just bringing back an old model, or are they treated as vintage spec reissues?

 

[2HBStrat]

While that's technically accurate, that is certainly not in the spirit of higher priced vintage reissues.

Are those being marketed as just bringing back an old model, or are they treated as vintage spec reissues?

They are a part of the Squier "Paranormal" series of instruments.

I think this the phase II of the Paranormal series, but I could be mistaken about that.

 

[jfgesquire]

They are a part of the Squier "Paranormal" series of instruments.
View attachment 1226667
View attachment 1226668
I think this the phase II of the Paranormal series, but I could be mistaken about that.

That Stratele looks nice as does the LP Jr. Strat.

 

[Jazzy-Will]

Many Tele fans love these because they were the first good reissues Fender put out. I never understood the buzz though. I was playing tons of gigs when these came out and played a bunch of them. They all had over-radiused bodies, pencil thin necks, unremarkable pickups and most were pretty heavy. However, the market dictates, so I hope you get a ton for it!

+1. I'd rather have a AO 50s or a 51 AVii reissue over one of those any day.

 

[JoeVintageGuitars]

What a beautiful Telecaster! The first run of the '52 reissue by the Fullerton factory in '82 is something unique in Fender history. Despite many of the tuners being replaced, the overall condition and the fact that it's mostly original will certainly make it worth a lot to serious collectors, but the price would fetch anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000. If you're looking for an impartial assessment of its value, some vintage shops offer free appraisals and can give you a closer evaluation.