FENDER TELECASTER (FENDER MFG. 1951-1964)

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.