Pricing factors to consider on the ’65 Sonic Blue Fender Telecaster

Finish, spec and history are the most important details you need to check on your Tele safari…

Originality Of finish The value of a custom colour Telecaster from the 60s is closely tied to the originality and quality of the finish. Should you encounter a Sonic Blue Telecaster in the wild, pay close attention to any indication that the finish is not original. Some chips, scratches or imperfections in an original finish won’t decrease the value too much, but the existence of a nonoriginal finish or overspray can decrease the value by around half. TRANSITIONAL SPECS 1965 was the big transitional year for Fender when the CBS Corporation took over and introduced a streamlined manufacturing process resulting in guitars that are less desired by collectors. In this year though, there are guitars with earlier, pre-CBS details, such as clay instead of pearloid fretboard inlays. These details will earn a higher value than the normal ’65s. PROVENANCE For guitars of this calibre, potential buyers are often interested in the history of the piece. Details such as who owned it, when did it change hands, why it is being sold, and other specifics that can illustrate the guitar’s originality, are all helpful. Documentation such as original receipts of sale can, for instance, increase value by establishing a complete package.