Fender Telecaster Buyers Guide
The
Fender Telecaster has truly earned its place in the electric guitar
pantheon. As the first mass-produced solid body electric guitar, it jumpstarted a revolution
in guitar making. The Tele is known for its distinctive sound, known affectionately as the "Tele
twang." Though originally designed for jazz, it was quickly adopted by country players because of
its sound. Few guitars are quite as versatile musically; famous Tele players include performers as
diverse as Joe Strummer (The Clash), Danny Gatton, and John 5 (Marilyn Manson).
The most sought after Teles for collectors are referred to as "blackguards." These
guitars were built between 1950 and 1954, and demonstrate the evolution of the guitar we now know
as the Telecaster. The very first of these bore the name "Esquire," and possessed only one
single-coil pickup. Only 50 Esquires were made, and most of them no longer have the original neck,
as it had no truss rod to prevent it from bending. There was also a dual pickup Esquire model,
which was soon renamed the "Broadcaster." Gretsch, the guitar and drum manufacturer, claimed that
Fender's Broadcaster name infringed upon its Broadkaster drums trademark, and in response Fender
stopped using the name. The proto-Telecaster models produced during this time bore no name on the
headstock, earning them the nickname "Nocasters." Esquires and Broadcasters have their model names
printed on their headstocks, as do most other Fender guitars following the Nocaster. Ultimately,
Fender named the model "Telecaster," capitalizing on the popularity of television. Fender and
Squier have a few current models that recapture the sounds and sensations of these classics:
The Telecaster's broad range is reflected in the variety of songs in which it features. Jeff
Buckley played his haunting version of "Hallelujah" with a Telecaster and nothing more. Andy
Summers recorded the riffs for many Police hits, such as "Message in a Bottle," with his customized
Tele. Brian May took a break from his homemade guitar, Red Special, to play a Tele in Queen's
"Crazy Little Thing Called Love." Brad Paisley favors Teles for most of his hits, including
"Alcohol." You can even hear Steve Cropper's Tele rhythm sounds in "Green Onions" by Booker T. and
the MGs.
There's a Telecaster model for every budget and skill level.
Squier by Fender
A
Squier
Telecaster is an excellent choice for the first time electric guitar player. Squiers are built
to Fender's specifications in Asia (primarily China). It may not have all of the same fancy
electronics of the Fender versions, but it's still a high quality instrument.
Fender Telecasters
These Telecasters are produced in Fender's factory in Ensenada, Baja
California, Mexico. They are often referred to as Mexican Telecasters. These guitars are made to
Fender's specifications with high quality parts, but at a more affordable price than the American
models. Models from this factory include:
Fender American Telecasters
Fender American Telecasters are manufactured in Fender's
primary factory in Corona, California, USA. These are among the highest quality Teles that Fender
produces.
Fender Custom Shop Telecasters
These are very special Telecaster models, intended as fine
additions for the guitar aficionado's collection. They are usually limited production items, built
to honor a legendary player or a specific guitar associated with one. They are handcrafted by
Fender's best craftsmen in the USA.
