MusicRadar

Plug a genuine '52 Tele into a great valve amp and a thing of sonic beauty manifests itself before your ears. The tone from the bridge pickup is fat, gnarly and the quintessential sound of the electric guitar. Since its inception, the Telecaster has featured in every form of modern music.

Price then: $169

Price now: approx £30,000

Best new equivalent: Fender Custom Shop Limited Edition '52 Heavy Relic Telecaster (£2,829) (BUY: Thomann)

Mid-price choice: Fender Road Worn '50s Telecaster (£859) (BUY: Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Soundslive | GuitarGuitar | Coda Music)

Budget buy: Squier Classic Vibe '50s Telecaster (£279) (BUY: Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Soundslive | GuitarGuitar | Coda Music)