Telecaster

The Telecaster is a solid-body electric guitar model produced by Fender Electric Instrument Manufacturing Company. Designed by Leo Fender, the Telecaster was introduced in 1950 as a replacement for the Broadcaster model, which was previously named for the Stoller-Price professional baseball team. The Broadcaster model was renamed due to a trademark dispute with Gretsch Drums, who claimed the name was too similar to their own Broadkaster model.

The Telecaster's design is characterized by its single-cutaway body and pickups, featuring either two single-coil or a pair of single-coil with a humbucker design, depending on the model. The guitar's simple design made it a more affordable option for guitarists compared to other models at the time. Its clean, crisp sound, emphasized by the Tele's twangy tones, quickly made it a popular choice among country and rock players.

The Telecaster's success has seen it evolve over the years, with a number of updates and special edition models being produced. Fender also released the Broadcaster name in 2010 as a tribute to the original Greek contributors to the design. Many variations of the Telecaster have been released since its inception, typically reflecting updated models of the guitar that followed the introduction of various adjustments, such as an offset body and different electronics.

Since its release, the Telecaster has become a cultural icon, associated with many significant guitarists of the past few decades, including Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Roy Clark.