Brief History of the Telecaster

admin — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 22:59:42 +0000

The history of the Telecaster can be slightly confusing as it has gone through several name changes and releases. Leo Fender developed the first prototypes for the Telecaster in his shop in Fullerton, California in the early '40s. From 1932-1949 a number of independant guitar makers and companies were releasing solid-body electrics but none were able to catch on commercially. Fender's Broadcaster was the first model to break through and put solid-body designs on the map. Some of the success was due in part to Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith's recording of "Guitar Boogie" in 1947. Smith was one of the first players to use Fender Broadcaster prototype.

Prior to the commercial release of the Broadcaster came the Esquire. Fewer than 50 Esquire guitars were released under the esquire name and a good number were called back due to mechanical issues. The Esquire did not come with a truss rod and consequently many of the guitars were returned due to bent necks. The Esquire also only had a single pickup unlike all future iterations of the Telecaster which have two.

After sorting out the issues with the Esquire, Fender released the Broadcaster in 1950. Using the "Broadcaster" tradename instigated a lawsuit from Gretsch claiming Copyright infringement for it's "Broadkaster" line of drums. Being the new kid on the block, Fender gave in and named the guitar the Telecaster. In the time during which Fender was involved legally with Gretsch over the Broadcaster name, guitars were made with no name which have since been termed Nocasters.

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Brief History of the Telecaster