1963 Fender Custom Telecaster – Sunburst
Out of stock1963 Fender Esquire – Blond
Out of stock1966 Fender Telecaster – Blond
Out of stock1966 Fender Telecaster – Sunburst
Out of stock1967 Fender Telecaster – Blond
Out of stock1967 Fender Telecaster Smuggler – Blond
Out of stock1968 Fender Telecaster – Blond
Out of stock1968 Fender Telecaster – Blond
Out of stock1968 Fender Telecaster – Blond – Factory Bigsby
Out of stock1969 Fender Telecaster – Blond – Factory Bigsby
Out of stock1971 Fender Telecaster – Blond
Out of stock1971 Fender Telecaster – Blond
Out of stock
The Origins of the Fender Telecaster: From Esquire to Broadcaster to Icon
The Fender Telecaster holds the distinction of being the world’s first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar. Its story begins in 1950, when Leo Fender introduced the Fender Esquire, a simple but revolutionary design featuring a single pickup and a bolt-on neck. The Esquire set the template for what would become the modern electric guitar—functional, reliable, and built for working musicians.
Shortly after, Fender released a two-pickup version called the Broadcaster. However, due to a trademark conflict with Gretsch (which already had a “Broadkaster” drum line), Fender was forced to drop the name in early 1951. During the transition, Fender shipped guitars with no model name on the headstock—these are now famously known as “Nocasters” and are among the rarest and most sought-after vintage Fender instruments.
By mid-1951, the guitar re-emerged with a new name: the Fender Telecaster. With its clean lines, slab ash body, and signature twang, the Telecaster quickly became a favorite among country, blues, and later, rock players. Its bridge pickup, mounted on a steel plate, delivers a bright, cutting tone, while the neck pickup provides warmth and depth—together, they helped define the sound of modern electric guitar music.
The simplicity of the Telecaster’s design was part of its brilliance: a solid body, two pickups, a three-way switch, and a bolt-on neck. But within that simplicity lies extraordinary versatility and character.
From early Esquires and Broadcasters to blackguard Telecasters of the early 1950s, these guitars are now revered as cornerstones of electric guitar history.
At Guitar Hunter, we’ve handled and studied some of the most exceptional vintage examples, offering a rare glimpse into the golden era of Fender’s Fullerton factory.
Whether you’re fascinated by the Telecaster’s raw tone, its stripped-down design, or its place in music history, the evolution from Esquire to Broadcaster to Telecaster is a story of pure innovation and timeless sound.
An incredible and all original 1950 Fender Broadcaster that we had through our shop.
