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 earlier '80s to mid-'80s were a transitional time for Fender and the Telecaster, so quality and specifications do vary somewhat in this period. 

Years of Production: 1951 - present

Body Style: Single cutaway solid-body

Wood Composition: Ash, Maple neck, Maple fingerboard

Design Elements:  Two single-coil pickups, white pickguard (non-original in pictures), volume and tone controls, 25 1/2-inch scale length, string thur-body


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