Fender American Standard Telecaster 2015 Natural Maple

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.  Starting in 1988, the main American-made Telecaster was renamed the American Standard Telecaster to avoid confusion with those built in Japan and Mexico.

Years of Production: 1951 - present

Body Style: Single cutaway solid-body

Unique to this Year: For 2015, Fender slightly altered the body contour, changed pickups for Fender Custom Shop Twisted Tele (neck position) and Broadcaster (bridge position), and offers two new finishes (Bordeaux Metallic, Ocean Blue Metallic)

Wood Composition: Alder body, Maple neck, Maple fingerboard

Design Elements:  Two single-coil pickups, white pickguard, volume and tone controls, 25 1/2-inch scale length

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