I need some information. I'm hungry. Will someone feed me some fucking information? Whether it's useful or useless, doesn't matter. I'll probably forget about it in a month or two. Oh yeah, I'm going to Social distortion. Fuck yeah.
VIEW 16 of 16 COMMENTS
Clarence Leo Fender was born in Anaheim California in 1909. As a teenager Leo had an interest in radios, which eventually led to his interest in amplifiers and other electrical gadgets. Leo began to formulate the idea of a solid body guitar, he first built one in 1943 or 1944 which proved popular when hired out to local musicians.
In the mid 1940s he established the K&F company with "Doc" Kauffman, who had helped design some of Rickenbacker Electro's electric guitars. K&F produced chiefly electric steel guitars and amplifiers, and lasted until 1946, when Leo formed The Fender Electric Instrument Company in nearby Fullerton, continuing the K&F lines.
George Fullerton joined Fender in 1948. The two men designed the solid electric "Broadcaster." It was quickly changed to "Telecaster," when Gretsch pointed out their prior use. Some rare models known as "No-Casters" have no name at all on the headstock.
After more guitar innovations, Leo Fender became ill and the company was sold to CBS in 1965 for $13 million. Leo's health improved and he rejoined CBS/Fender briefly before resigning in 1970. He went on to make instruments for Music Men and G&L. Leo Fender died in 1991.
The Fender Broadcaster
The Fender Broadcaster, launched around 1950, was the world's first commercially available guitar with a solid wooden body and bolt-on neck. Leo Fender's whole design was geared to mass production and to a simple, yet effective electric instrument.
After George Fullerton joined Leo's Fender Electric Instrument company in 1948, the two men set about devising their production solid-bodied electric guitar, the Fender Broadcaster. The principle advantage being the ability of the solid body to deliver a clean amplified version of the strings inherent tone.
Even if Leo Fender had only built this one guitar (thank god he didn't!!) his company's place in the history of the electric guitar would be assured.
The Fender Telecaster
1955 Telecaster
The fender Telecaster is the longest-running solid electric guitar still in production, a brilliantly simple piece of design which works as well today as it did when it was introduced in 1951.
The Telecaster was fender's original Broadcaster electric. the company was forced to change it when Gretsch claimed prior rights to the name. But Leo fender and is small workforce in Fullerton, California must have been delighted with the new Telecaster name, is thoroughly modern reference to the emerging medium of television just right for an equally innovative device like the Telecaster, the first commercially marketed solid electric guitar.
The Telecaster usually referred to as 'Tele" is known for its bright, cutting tone, and straightforward, no-nonsense operation. The guitar has been used by also sorts of players from all musical backgrounds. The guitar is able to emulate steel guitar sounds and is used to a great extent in country music. Blues players such as Albert Collins have also used the Telecaster.
The secret to the Tele's sound centers on the bridge. The strings pass through the body and are anchored at the back by six ferrules, giving solidity and sustain to the resulting sound. A slanting-back pickup is incorporated into the bridge, enhancing the guitars treble tone. The Telecaster should continue to survive due to its simplicity, effectiveness and versatility.
and that is some information on why the telecaster is the dopest guitar in history. I myself own a 1976 Telecaster Custom Deluxe.
-cheers