Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster

In Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster, guitar historian Dave Hunter profiles these two beloved guitars conception, design, numerous variations, and famous players.

This amazing story, updated for the brands 75th anniversary, is illustrated with exclusive archival images, studio shots, and memorabilia.

Celebrate of the history and significance of both the Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster for the companys 75th anniversary in this combined edition of Dave Hunter's two best-selling books!

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, blues, punk, rock n roll, and even jazz.

Fender's Stratocaster is arguably the number-one instrument icon of the guitar world. When introduced in 1954, its offset space-age lines, contoured body, and three-pickup configuration set the music world on its ear-it was truly unlike any guitar that had come before. In the hands of the world's most beloved players, such as Buddy Holly, Eric Clapton, Ike Turner, and, yes, Jimi Hendrix, the Stratocaster has since become a popular instrument of choice among rock, blues, jazz, and country players and, not coincidentally, is also one of the most copied electric guitars of all time.

In this authoritatively written, painstakingly curated, and gloriously presented combined edition to celebrate Fender's 75th anniversary, author Dave Hunter covers both of the guitar's histories from concept, design, and model launch through its numerous variations and right up to the present. The story is richly illustrated with archival images, musicians in action, studio shots, memorabilia, and profiles of over 50 Tele and Strat slingers through the ages. With its unprecedented level of detail and stunning visuals, Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster is the only book tribute worthy of the world's two greatest guitars.

About the Author

Dave Hunter (Portsmouth, NH) is an American musician and writer who has worked extensively in both the USA and Britain.

A former editor of The Guitar Magazine (UK), his books include The Guitar Amp Handbook, Guitar Effects Pedals: The Practical Handbook, Amped: The Illustrated History of the World's Greatest Amplifiers, The Gibson Les Paul: The Illustrated History of the Guitar That Changed Rock, and several others.

Hunter is a monthly contributor to Guitar Player, Vintage Guitar, and Guitar and Bass magazines. He lives with his wife and two children.