Gretsch manufactured Broadkaster drumkits and forced Fender to abandon this model name for his innovative guitar. It is said that Don Randall, Fender’s distributor, came up with the name of Telecaster.

It’s Spartan simplicity of design evoked a mixed response, but it was also immensely practical.

It was also reasonably priced at $190 with Fender continuing to refine it’s design and features over the years.

The electrics became much simpler, and simpler switching was substituted. Black bakelite pickguards were replaced with white ones in 1954.

Genuine 1952 Telecasters sell for very large sums, but skillfully aged replicas like this one are much more affordable.