Back in May I posted a review of a book by Dave Hunter called Amped – The Illustrated History of the World’s Greatest Amplifiers and now Dave Hunter has followed up with another great book for all guitarists called “The Fender Telecaster – The Life & Times Of The Electric Guitar That Changed The World”. Once again, like Amped, this book is filled with big glossy pages of great photographs only this time focussing on the history of one of the most famous and important instruments in the world.
The book starts at the beginning with the first prototype of the Fender Esquire completed in 1949 with the Snake Head headstock before discussing the modifications and design enhancements that became the Fender Broadcaster, then Esquire and finally Telecaster. Pictured below is a 1956 Fender Esquire currently owned by Fretted Americana.
Another one of Fretted Americana’s collection that was included in the book, a 1969 Paisley Red Telecaster
After a pictorial history of this legendary instrument there is a section of some of the artists over the years who have played these iconic guitars such as Keith Richards (below), Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Bruce Springsteen, Danny Gatton etc.
This book is really well put together, the photos are amazing and there’s plenty of interesting info to read. Definitely a must have for every guitarist’s coffee table!
