Joe Bonamassa Celebrates 75 Years of the Fender Telecaster

Seventy-five years after its introduction, Leo Fender's groundbreaking solidbody continues to inspire guitarists across rock, blues, country, jazz and other styles. In this exclusive Guitar Center interview, virtuoso blues rocker and acclaimed vintage guitar collector Joe Bonamassa observes the Telecaster's Diamond Jubilee.

"This is the guitar that basically changed the world of rock and roll after it was introduced 75 years ago," he says. “Leo got it right the first time.”

Leo Fender Built a Working Musician's Guitar

Although Fender wasn't a guitarist himself, Bonamassa says he was savvy enough to listen intently to players in order to understand exactly what they needed from an electric guitar.

"His goal was to make something bright and loud and clean," explains Bonamassa. “As well as create a rugged utility instrument you could beat up and play, and then make any repairs easily."

A Versatile Electric Guitar

While many players associate the Telecaster with country music, Bonamassa talks about the guitar’s ability to handle virtually any style.

"You can play rock, jazz, country—whatever—and it still looks cool," he says.

Bonamassa touches on some of the Telecaster’s iconic players to prove the design is up to the task of performing myriad stylistic roles, including Roy Buchanan, Pete Townshend, Danny Gatton, Don Rich and Julian Lage.

Meet Joe Bonamassa's Los Angeles "Session" Telecaster

Among Bonamassa's extensive vintage guitar collection is a 1952 Telecaster that lives in Los Angeles and is used specifically for recording sessions. Purchased from the original owner's granddaughter, the Tele exemplifies what he looks for in a great vintage instrument.

"It just sounds good," he says.

Why Bonamassa Likes "Stuff That Breaks"

"If you want something that works every day and never embarrasses you at a gig, buy a new guitar," says Bonamassa. "I like stuff that breaks. Sometimes, it’s the fight you get with an old guitar that makes you play different."

He also makes the point that vintage guitars are like classic automobiles. Today’s models are dependable, but older cars have personality.

“A new car may have air conditioning, power steering and GPS,” he says. “A classic car might get you somewhere eventually. It might overheat and have smoke and fuel leaking out of it. Maybe it breaks down, and you have to pull out your AAA card put it on a tow truck. But you’re having the most kind of fun.”

The Only Test That Matters

For Bonamassa, the measure of any guitar—vintage or contemporary—is that it inspires you to play.

"The great guitars are the ones that you don't look at as a valuable vintage guitar," he explains. "It's just a plank with strings that makes you happy."

75 Years of Inspiration

You can learn about all things Tele in our excellent The History of the Fender Telecaster: Origins, Timeline and Key Models. Of course, if Bonamassa has inspired you to seek your first Telecaster or add another Tele to your collection, we can help. You can check out our Fender Telecaster Collection, talk to one of our Gear Advisers or visit your local Guitar Center.