In early 1951, Fender renamed its only production solid-body guitar the Telecaster, replacing the short-lived Broadcaster moniker used in late 1950. The Telecaster quickly became the guitar of its age, propelling the status of the solid-body electric guitar from novelty to the defining instrument of popular music. Like most long-lasting guitar models, the Tele has seen its share of variations and specialty models come off the line since the early '50s. The standard no-frills Telecaster, however, has stayed largely the same, strutting two single-coil pickups, a slab body of Ash (or later Alder), and an unmistakable twang that helped shape the sound of country and rock music. 

Years of Production: 1951 - present

Unique to this Year: Pickguard changes from black bakelite to white plastic late in the year. 

Body Style: Single cutaway solid-body

Wood Composition: Ash, one-piece Maple neck

Design Elements:  Two single-coil pickups, black bakelite pickguard (some with white plastic) , volume and tone controls, 25 1/2-inch scale length, string thur-body

Finish Specifications: Blond was a standard finish for the Telecaster.

Notable Tele Players: Keith Richards, Merle Haggard, Johnny Greenwood, James Burton