The Fender Telecaster, the original mass produced electric guitar, has been manufactured and played continuously since its creation in 1948. It is an instument that is used in many different styles of music, from blues to blue grass to country and western to rock and roll. The Telecaster is one of the main forces behind the explosion of rock and roll that began in the fifties. It has been respected and reveared for its part in the history of American and British rock and roll, but it is hardly ever mentioned for its role in the history of Canadian rock and roll.

The purpose of this paper and web site is to show that the Fender Telecaster plays an important role in Canadian rock and roll heritage. The Telecaster's sonic and physical aesthetic helped shape the careers and sounds of many famous, and not so famous, artisits north of the 49th parallel, creating a foundation of sounds for future Canadian Musicians to build their careers on. The Fender Telecaster has nurtured and reflected Canadian rock and roll and culture since its inception.