PLUGGED IN – EPISODE 7: THE YEAR OF THE TELECASTER, PART 1

In 1951, an all-new electric guitar was released into the world and a musical revolution began. That guitar, of course, was the Fender Telecaster – a solid-body workhorse with an elegant set of controls and simple pickup configuration that was reliable, rugged and ready for anything. It was quickly adopted by players in a variety of genres, who loved it for its trademark twang, easy playability and tonal versatility. And that loyalty continues to this day, 75 years after the introduction of this remarkable instrument.

This episode of Plugged In is the first of a two-part celebration of this landmark anniversary of the Telecaster, where we dive into everything about this beloved guitar and go deep on the one that started it all. Join host John Dreyer for a conversation with Justin Norvell about the history of the Tele and its origins as the Esquire, Broadcaster and Nocaster, plus its initial design specs and how it looked and sounded like nothing else available at the time. They also discuss how the Tele’s sonics have always made it the sort of instrument players gravitate towards. Additionally, John and Justin talk about how they got into Telecasters and share a few of their favorites from their own personal collections and how they’ve modded them over the years. Then, they dive into how Teles have evolved over the last seven-and-a-half decades and what might be next for this iconic guitar.

Next, John heads over to our factory in Corona, CA to meet up with Custom Shop Master Builder Austin MacNutt to check out one of MacNutt’s most extraordinary Telecaster builds, an homage to pedal steel guitars and truly an example of how far you can mod a Tele to make it whatever instrument you want it to be.

We also have our guitar guru Joshua Ray Gooch in the house to show off the vast range of tones you can get from a Telecaster using just its pickups and control knobs. We’re then joined by Nashville phenom Nate Gregory, who shows off his incredible skills and explains why the Tele is his go-to in the studio and on the stage.

Senior Master Builder Paul Waller from the Custom Shop then gives us an in-depth look at how to wire a Telecaster master control – an intricate process that is one of the critical steps in the assembly of all of our Teles. 

Finally, John tells us the story of his first Fender Telecaster and the journey he has taken with this guitar.

Check out the video above, then head to Fender to learn more about the Telecaster, see all the variations we have on offer and pick out your favorite. Plus, stay tuned for Part 2 of our 75th anniversary celebration!