The Squier Telecaster line of electric guitars from Fender boasts an incredible range of axes, from the traditionally styled Standard and Classic Vibe Series, based on the iconic design that helped ignite the solidbody electric revolution over sixty years ago, to modern takes on that design with the Vintage Modified and Artist Series, hot-rodded with cool variations like humbucking pickups and modified electronics. The Fender Telecaster holds a special place in the history of the guitar, because while it was not the first solid-body electric, it was the first commercially viable, mass-produced solidbody guitar of its type. Its sleek design, clear, twanging tone, smooth playability and resistance to feedback caught on quickly with players, and the Tele has been in continuous production since it was first introduced in the early Fifties, not to mention that it inspired a host of other guitar manufacturers to develop solidbody electrics of their own at one point or another. At first a favorite among country pickers, the Tele soon found favor with guitarists in just about every musical style, from the very first rock-and-rollers to jazzers, punks and prog-rockers, including such iconic Tele slingers as Bruce Springsteen, Joe Strummer of The Clash, blues masters Muddy Waters and Albert Collins, country pickers Albert Lee and James Burton, and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones.
However, if you find yourself craving, say, a sweet, natural-finish Tele like Springsteen, but don’t have a wallet like The Boss, a Squier Telecaster might be just the axe for you. The Squier line is Fender’s more affordable alternative to their US-made guitars, but features all the tone, vibe and playability that established the legendary Fender brand in the first place. Beginning rockers might want to check out the Affinity Series, the most affordable in the Squier line, yet still loaded with tons of classic Tele tone, twang and vibe from the two single-coil pickups, with cool looks to match, in finishes ranging from Butterscotch Blonde and 2-Color Sunburst to Arctic White and Metallic Red or Blue. For a few more bucks, check out the upgraded Standard Series, based on the elegant simplicity of a vintage Tele loaded with hot single-coil pickups and a fast-action neck. The Classic Vibe Series kicks it up a notch, with period-correct touches like Alnico pickups and retro black scratchguard on the ‘50s model; 3-tone Sunburst finish and double body binding on the Custom; and the gorgeous natural mahogany finish on the semi-hollow Thinline. For players looking for something a little out of the ordinary, check out the Vintage Modified Series, featuring Tele bodies hot-rodded with distinctive features, like the Jazzmaster pickup and neck on the Vintage Modified Special; the Custom, with its specially-designed Wide Range dual-coil humbucking neck pickup; or the Deluxe, with two humbuckers, four knobs and a three-way toggle switch. The Artist Series features customized signature models by current Tele players like Avril Lavigne, Sum 41’s Deryck Whibley, or Joe Trohman from Fall Out Boy. Also available is the Squire Affinity Pack, which includes everything you need to get started along with your Tele, including a 15-watt amp, cable, strap, tuner, gig bag, picks and instructional DVD. Order your Telecaster today and continue the revolution!
