The Evolution Of The Fender Telecaster

1949

Leo Fender and George Fullerton complete the ‘Snakehead’ prototype solidbody electric guitar

Spring 1950

Single pickup Esquire model first appears; dual pickup Esquire built

Autumn1950

Dual pickup Broadcaster with black ‘guard, ‘butterscotch’ blonde finish and brass saddles released

1951

Broadcaster name dropped; Telecaster born

1954

White plastic pickguard; off-white blonde finish; steel bridge saddles

1955

Staggered bridge pickup polepieces; neck profile changes to ‘V’

1958

‘Top loading’ bridge replaces ‘string through body’ type; shallower neck

1959

‘String through body’ bridge and slab rosewood fretboards introduced

1969

Optional maple cap fingerboard discontinued – fretted maple necks reintroduced