Fender Telecaster: The One That Started It All

The Telecaster grew up right alongside the roots of rock music. In the mid-20th century, bands were becoming louder, and stages were getting bigger. Unwanted feedback was becoming a serious problem, as the only readily available guitars were hollow bodies -- notoriously prone to feeding back on stage. There were several guitar makers that were developing a solidbody model, but Fender was the first to make a commercially successful solidbody guitar.

Leo Fender introduced their Broadcaster model in 1950 -- and in short order, received a cease-and-desist letter from the Fred Gretsch Company, purveyors of a drum kit called the "Broadkaster." What followed was a brief period during which Fender's guitars were known as "Nocasters" because the logos that read "Broadcaster" were simply clipped off. In late 1951, the Telecaster was born, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Remaining relatively unchanged since its inception, the Telecaster has always been a utilitarian tool for guitarists all over the world. Whether you're looking for that country twang, or you're in a punk rock band, a Telecaster will never let you down. Fender offers Teles in several different pickup configurations, neck shapes, and finishes. This buying guide will help you maneuver your way to the guitar that fits you.

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