The Fender Telecaster, created in Les Fenders Fullerton, California, workshop and introduced in 1950, is a working-class hero and the ultimate blue-collar guitar. It wasn't meant to be elegant, pretty, or sophisticated. Designed to be a utilitarian musical instrument, it has lived up to that destiny. In the hands of players from Muddy Waters to James Burton, Bruce Springsteen to Joe Strummer, the Telecaster has made the music of working people-country,...

"Fender guitars and amplifiers are immediately recognizable, even tho those with only a passing interest in music. Beginning with Leo Fender's early designs taht set the standard for the electric guitar explosion to follow, Fender: The Official Illustrated History explores the company's entire story--all the innovations, models, and players that became synonymous with Fender. In addition to the game-changing Telecaster and Stratocaster, author Dave...