Could this unicorn guitar be the first EVER left-handed Fender Telecaster to emerge from the iconic brand’s California workshop?
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m far from an expert on vintage guitars. However, expert musical instrument appraiser Lawrence Cavalieri certainly seems to think so.
The video below shows a 2014 episode of the Antique’s Roadshow in which a gentleman brings along his father’s left-handed Tele for an appraisal.
The owner had believed the guitar to be a 1956 or ’57 model. Incredibly, it turns out it was actually made in 1951 and could potentially be the first–ever left-handed Telecaster!
What’s It Worth?
Before you watch the video, why not have a guess at what you think this piece of musical history might be worth? FYI – the guitar is all original, missing the selector switch tip, and pretty well worn all over. It is also missing the original case, unfortunately lost in a flood.
What do you think? Keep in mind that this appraisal was given in 2014, so you’ll need to account for 10 years of inflation.
Here’s the video – see how well you fared. This is certainly interesting viewing for all guitar enthusiasts!
How did you do? Is it crazy that I thought it would be worth more? I wonder what it would fetch if the guitar was in better condition!
Accounting for inflation, that would value the guitar at roughly $46,000 in 2024.
Additional Information
I found a Reverb listing for this guitar that appeared in 2020. The seller was asking a hefty $100,000 for the Telecaster. I wonder if it sold…
The video below accompanies the listing and gives a little extra information about the guitar and its owner.
Since owning a guitar like this is an absolute pipe dream for most of us, why not check out the current range of left-handed Fender guitars? The American Vintage II 1951 Telecaster could be a suitable alternative to this ultra-rare specimen.
Test your vintage guitar knowledge again! How much would you pay for this ’62 Fender Stratocaster?
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