Fender Telecaster Guitars

Read the Fender Telecaster Buying Guide on The Hub at Musician's Friend

About Fender Telecaster Guitars

The Fender Telecaster electric guitar is one of the great icons in music. Also known as the Fender Tele, it is one of the most widely played guitars in history. The Fender Tele’s single-cutaway body shape is also one of the most copied electric guitar designs.

Leo Fender built the first Tele in 1948. At the time, Fender owned a radio repair shop in Fullerton, California. Many versions of the guitar exist. Still, Fender never strayed far from the original Telecaster. Its purity and elegance is almost unchanged.

The earliest version of the Fender Tele was the single-pickup Esquire, released in 1950. A two-pickup version, christened the Broadcaster, replaced the Esquire several months later. The Fender Broadcaster name quickly drew a trademark complaint from Gretsch.

At the time, Gretsch marketed a line of drums under the name Broadkaster. Experts estimate that roughly 500 Nocaster guitars were produced. Fender trademarked Nocaster for use with replicas of the originals.

The Fender Telecaster’s release changed the course of modern music. It continues to be a best seller to this day. New Fender Telecaster electric guitars use the same basic design. You’ll find several variations on its basic theme here at Musician’s Friend. Those include Fender Tele’s with single coil pickups, humbucking pickups, and combinations of the two.

Made in Mexico Fender Telecaster models are the most budget friendly. Also called MIM Teles, this list includes the Fender Player Series Telecaster. The Fender Player Tele replaced the Fender Standard Tele in 2018.

Hardworking musicians often put their trust in American-made Fender Teles. The workhorse American Professional Telecasters offer the best of Fender’s production techniques. Fender American Elite Teles have the same USA build quality with some upgraded parts. Musician’s Friend also carries many limited edition and Fender Custom Shop Teles.

Recently Fender released several new takes on the Tele. These range from an offset, double-cutaway version to the limited-edition Parallel Universe series. The latter guitars offer some cool Tele twists.

The Parallel Universe Jazz Tele has a pair of Jazzmaster style pickups. It also has the unique floating, locking tremolo Fender designed in the late '50s. However far out they may get, they are still Tele to the core. To any Telecaster player, they feel at home.

There's a Fender Tele to match your needs, whether you prefer a vintage-style bridge and tuners or more modern ones. Fender Tele pickup choices range from traditional single-coils to modern higher output and noiseless versions. There are also three-pickup Teles for expanded tonality.

One of the most popular Telecasters Fender developed is the Thinline Tele. It debuted in 1969. Fender Thinline Teles have a semi-hollow body. They come with a wide range of pickup variations. Current Thinline models are available with dual single-coils, hybrid single/humbucker or dual humbuckers. The Fender Thinline Telecaster brings a warmer, woodier tone to the world of twang-friendly guitars.

Fender Telecaster Deluxe guitars debuted in 1972, aimed at the heavy, hard rock of the era. They come with humbucking pickups designed by humbucker inventor Seth Lover. The Fender Tele Deluxe’s electronics layout resembles other popular dual-humbucker guitars.

Of course, there are lefty versions of most Fender Teles available. Plus, be sure to check out our selection of Fender Artist Series Telecaster guitars. Fender Artist Teles serve some of the greatest guitarists ever.

The Fender Tele is the ideal guitar for players who pursue both technical and musical excellence. It has a unique voice and personality that complements the player. At the same time, it pushes them to new heights.

For everything from chicken-picking twang to warm jazz tones, the Fender Telecaster is one of the most versatile guitars you can own. It is at home in nearly every genre of music. Find the perfect Fender Tele today with Musician’s Friend.

Other Fender Telecaster Series

Fender American Vintage Telecaster | Fender Modern Player Telecaster | Fender Classic Player Telecaster | Fender Classic Telecaster | Fender Deluxe Telecaster

Other Fender Guitar Models

Fender Stratocaster | Fender Jazzmaster | Fender Jaguar | Fender Mustang | Fender Duo-Sonic