Telecaster: Early Models (1950-1985 Mfg.)

In early 1952, phillips-head neck screws were introduced. In late 1952, phillips-head pickguard screws were introduced. In late 1954, a white pickguard was introduced. In 1955, a staggered-height pole pickup in the bridge pickup, a new switch with a thin top and rounded base, and a butterfly-clip string guide were all introduced, and the serial number was moved to the neckplate. In mid-1956, the logo was relocated to above the string guide on the headstock. In mid-1956, custom colors became available, and alder bodies were used with those finishes. In late 1958, threaded steel saddles and a new bridge design where the strings anchor to the bridge were introduced. In 1959, a rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay replaced the maple fingerboard and the pickguard design was changed to eight screws. In early 1960, the bridge was changed back to the old design where the strings are anchored at the back of the guitar. In 1963, a laminated white pickguard was introduced.

This model is referred to as CBS Mfg. because of the sale of Fender Musical Instruments Corp. to the CBS Broadcasting Co. in early 1965. Between 1967 and 1969, a maple fingerboard was optional, and by 1969, it was standard. In 1972, two string guides were introduced on the headstock. In 1975, a black pickguard replaced white pickguard. In 1981, a white pickguard replaced the black pickguard. In 1982, this model was changed to the Standard Telecaster.

The Rosewood Telecaster was also offered with a hollowed (3 chambers) body between 1971-72.

This model is also available with an ash body.

In 1978, this model was offered in Antigua finish.

This model was basically a "Stratocasterized Telly with Humbuckers." From 1977-79, Antigua finish was available with matching pickguard.

In 1983, a 6-saddle bridge with top loading strings, and a single-ply pickguard was introduced. This Standard Stratocaster is not to be confused with the Mexican-made Standard that was introduced in 1991, and is still in production.

This unique finish was the result of dipping the white primer coated bodies into an oil-based finish that floated on water. After dipping, the guitar received a top coat of polyurethane. Fender produced three dominant colors: Red finish that had black and white swirled in (sometimes resulting in gray areas as well), Blue finish that was mixed with yellow and black, and Gold finish that was combined with white and silver. According to the original purchase order, 50 Telecasters were ordered (21 in Red, 21 in Blue, and 8 in Gold). These guitars were painted by Anthony Nasiatka in Floral Park, NY. (Information courtesy Anthony Nasiatka with help from Michael F. McCarthy).

This model came with a white pickguard that could be applied with the supplied adhesive backing.