This is a rare and desirable 1953 Fender Telecaster housed in the original case. The finish is original as are all parts, internal and external. All hardware including frets, tuners, bridge, screws, and knobs are as they left the factory. Inside the instrument, all electronics remain original including the wiring, pickups, harnesses, pots, and caps. The logos and decals are uniformly original. Upon our extensive and thorough inspection, we date this guitar to Spring of 1953 (April-May)

The coveted “ash tray” bridge cover is present. These have sold for $1,000 plus as a stand-alone part on the open market. The case is in excellent shape and in the best condition of any we have observed. In our opinion the case alone is worth $7,000-10,000. The guitar itself is exceptional in every facet. The neck is the best feeling and most playable of any we have handled. The sound of this instrument is otherworldly and would appease any tone aficionado or professional musician. Blackguard telecasters are becoming increasingly rare, desirable, and valuable.

In the opinion of many studio musicians, they stand alone as a singular entity and the best guitars ever made. A Blackguard telecaster is indeed the crown jewel of collections around the world. It is our opinion that this guitar is 100 percent original and among the most desirable electric guitars on the market today.

The rarity, craftsmanship, design, materials, originality, tone, and condition necessitate a current market value of $70,000, not including the aforementioned case.

Dying Breed Music has been in business and dealing vintage guitars for eleven years on a full-time basis.

We have sold guitars to collectors, historians, museums, studios, dealers, investors, and professional musicians in 44 states and 29 countries.