Telecaster History

Mages · Post by **Mages** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 12:10 am

does anyone know a good web resource for telecaster history? I'd like to learn more about the different models and variations throughout the 60s.

laterallateral · Post by **laterallateral** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 3:02 am

I'm just going to park myself here, hoping somebody comes up with a link because this is relevant to my interests.

robroe · Post by **robroe** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 3:05 am

buy the book FENDER: THE GOLDEN YEARS

Mages · Post by **Mages** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 3:16 am

I may do that some day. but I need instant gratification RIGHT NAOW.

Mages · Post by **Mages** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 3:27 am

Mages · Post by **Mages** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:03 am

that's all I can find. it's interesting that there is no mr. maxima or marcel roy type site on the telecaster. what is up with that?

benecol · Post by **benecol** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 9:35 am

Biff

Bang

Pow (although it's a DVD)

Wallop (honourable mention - mainly tab, but with some interesting history and narrative, and it's the most challenging and useful tab book I own).

kypdurron · Post by **kypdurron** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 10:53 am

don't they have such resouce at TDPRI or wikipedia? I have a book too. it's that Tony Bacon thing.

Mages · Post by **Mages** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 4:49 pm

yeah, there is the wikipedia page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fender_Telecaster . It has a pretty informative general description and discuses a few notable versions in more detail. TDPRI doesn't have a history article or articles per se, they only have technical info. I'm sure I could just join there and ask questions, which I may do, they probably have more than a few threads talking about the stuff.

anyway, the provide.net site actually is pretty useful and details changes throughout the 50s and 60s. what I wanted to know was when did the features you find on the various currently produced "60s" telecaster models actually come about. I think the answer is, mostly mid to late 50s.

1954 - change to steel saddles and top hat switch.
1956 - string tree changed to the "butterfly" style and moved back. decal position changes. knobs change to flat top, fine knurl style.
1958 - change to threaded saddles. bridge changed to top loading
1959 - rosewood fretboard (slab) introduced with no walnut "skunk stripe".
1960 - bridge changed back to string through body.

at this point it seems this is essentially the guitar they made throughout the rest of the pre-cbs years and is the model after which the current "60s" guitars are fashioned from. however he becomes significantly less detailed in his account after this. doesn't give any info on bridge saddles for example.

1962 - change to veneer rosewood.
1964 - pearloid dots come into use.
1965 - transition decal this year.
1967 - maple necks are now w/ glued on maple fretboard and no skunk stripe.
1968 - poly finish introduced. F tuners come into use.
1969 - one piece maple necks return. skunk stripe now on all necks.
1971 - second string tree introduced.

izodiak · Post by **izodiak** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 10:46 am

the book was a real great read, read it from first page to last.
Recommend to everyone.

(the print was a bit shit, when opening the book in the middle, the some pages 'unglued', anyways gonna scan in those beauty telecasters with little pickguards)