description Fender Telecaster 1951 Overview
Released in 1951 under the name Broadcaster before being renamed, the Fender Telecaster was the first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar. It features a simple, modular design with two single-coil pickups, a slab body, and a bolt-on maple neck. Its bridge pickup produces a bright, piercing tone that cuts through a band mix, making it highly favored in country, blues, and rock genres. The 1951 model established the basic manufacturing template that solid-body electric guitars still follow today.
help Fender Telecaster 1951 FAQ
What was the original name of the Fender Telecaster?
When Fender first released the guitar in 1951, it was originally marketed as the "Broadcaster." However, the Gretsch company already manufactured a drum kit called the Broadkaster, leading Fender to rename their solid-body guitar the Telecaster in 1952.
What kind of pickups did the 1951 Fender Telecaster use?
The 1951 Fender Telecaster featured two single-coil pickups, including a distinctive bridge pickup that was slanted for brighter treble response. The bridge pickup was famously mounted directly into the steel bridge plate, giving the guitar its sharp, twangy tone.
How did the 1951 Telecaster differ from the Les Paul introduced the same year?
The 1951 Telecaster featured a functional, modular design with a bolt-on maple neck and a flat slab body, whereas the Gibson Les Paul used a glued-in neck and a carved maple top. Fender's simpler, brighter design made it the first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar on the market.
What material was the 1951 Telecaster body made of?
The original slab body of the 1951 Fender Telecaster was constructed out of ash. Paired with the one-piece maple neck, this wood combination produced a bright, snappy attack that became highly prized in country and rockabilly music.
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