Fender Telecaster electric guitar

The Fender Telecaster, originally introduced as the Broadcaster in 1950, is widely considered the first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar. Designed by Leo Fender in Fullerton, California, it revolutionized the music industry with its simple, functional design and bright, cutting tone. It remains one of the most iconic instruments in popular music history, used extensively in rock, country, and blues.

Manufacturing for Fender products is primarily split across three major hubs. High-end 'American Professional' and 'Custom Shop' models are manufactured in Corona, California, USA. The 'Player' series and other mid-range models are typically produced in Ensenada, Mexico. Additionally, Fender Japan produces high-quality models for specific markets, while more affordable 'Squier' branded versions are manufactured in Indonesia and China.

Fender is currently owned by Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC). While it was famously owned by CBS for two decades (1965–1985), it was later bought back by a group of employees and investors. Today, FMIC is a privately held corporation headquartered in Hollywood, California, with a controlling interest held by Servco Pacific Inc., a private firm based in Hawaii.