One Guitar

Guitars hold a unique place in the world of music, offering a perfect balance of versatility, expressiveness, and accessibility. Whether you’re strumming chords, playing intricate melodies, or creating raw, distorted riffs, the guitar allows musicians to convey a vast range of emotions and styles. Its portability and ability to adapt to almost any genre—from classical to rock, blues to jazz—make it a staple instrument for performers and composers alike. Beyond their role in music-making, guitars are also deeply personal instruments, with each model and setup offering a distinct tone and feel that can inspire creativity and shape a musician’s identity. A guitar is more than just a tool; it’s a companion in the journey of musical expression.

The one guitar we think you should own is the Fender Telecaster.

A controversial choice? Maybe. But the guitar’s pedigree and modern options make it a good choice for both beginner and experienced guitarists.

The Fender Telecaster holds the distinction of being the world’s first mass-produced solid-body electric guitar. Introduced in 1950 under the name “Broadcaster,” this two-pickup model was the sibling of the single-pickup Esquire. Built using ash for the body and maple for the neck, the early Telecaster came in a single finish: blonde. From these humble beginnings, the Telecaster quickly became an enduring icon in the music world.

The archetypal Telecaster features a flat, asymmetric, single-cutaway body, typically constructed from alder or swamp ash. Its bolt-on maple neck is known for its durability and simplicity, while the fingerboard may be made of maple or rosewood, offering different tonal and aesthetic options. Though subtle design updates have been made over the decades, the essential character of the Telecaster remains unchanged—a testament to its timeless appeal.

One of the Telecaster’s most celebrated features is its tonal versatility. Depending on the pickup selected, it can deliver the bright, twangy tones beloved by country players or the warm, mellow sounds perfect for blues and jazz. With adjustments to the tone control, players can seamlessly switch between styles, making the Telecaster a go-to instrument for musicians who need flexibility without switching guitars.

The Telecaster’s versatility and reliability have made it the instrument of choice for countless legendary musicians. Bruce Springsteen, Jack White, Joe Strummer, Jimmy Page, Brent Mason, Jeff Buckley, Jonny Greenwood, Chrissie Hynde, George Harrison, John 5, Andy Summers, and Keith Richards are just a few of the iconic artists who have relied on the Telecaster to shape their sound.

Fender offers Telecaster models to suit every budget. For a classic feel, the American Professional II Telecaster is an excellent choice. If you’re looking for a modern twist, the Player Plus Telecaster offers contemporary features at an accessible price. For those who can invest in a top-tier model, the American Ultra Telecaster is unmatched. With its “Modern D” neck profile, compound-radius fingerboard, Ultra Noiseless™ pickups, and sculpted rear body contours, this state-of-the-art guitar is designed for maximum playability and tonal possibilities. It even includes a premium molded hardshell case for safe storage and transport.

Fender has introduced variations of the Telecaster to cater to different needs. The Thinline Telecaster, for example, features a chambered body, making it lighter and offering unique tonal qualities. Some models also include a humbucker in the neck position for an even broader tonal palette.

If you’re looking to save money, buying a used Telecaster is a fantastic option. With their durable construction, these guitars will hold up well over time. Alternatively, for those who want a truly personalised instrument, consider purchasing a custom body and neck from Warmoth Guitars, where you can choose your preferred tonewoods, neck radius, fret material, and other specifications.

If you need an amplifier for home use, we recommend the ‘65 Fender Princeton Reverb. Alternatively, you can just buy a few UAFX amp emulator pedals and a good FRFR cabinet.

The Fender Telecaster’s legacy is built on its blend of simplicity, versatility, and quality. Whether you’re drawn to its iconic shape, rich tonal range, or the ability to adapt it to your personal playing style, the Telecaster is a guitar that grows with you. From its classic models to custom builds, there’s a Telecaster for every guitarist. If you’re only going to own just one guitar, make it this one.

Also Consider

If you don’t like our recommendation, buy whatever you like. We recommend trying different guitars at a music shop. Gibson is another classic guitar brand to consider. Once you’ve found something you like playing, buying second hand. Get your guitar set up nicely by a professional and start playing.

You could also think about customising your own guitar using a company like Warmoth.