George Fullerton, one of the unsung heroes of the electric guitar world, has died at the age of 86.
Fullerton was Leo Fender's right-hand man during the early days of the Fender Electric Instrument Co and is credited with some of the innovations that made theguitar maker so famous.
He is said to have been a key influence on the design of the Esquire, which later became known as the Fender Telecaster.
Although the idea for the solid-body Spanish-style electric guitar was Leo Fender's, author and guitar historian Richard Smith told Fender's official website that it was Fullerton's design expertise and craftsmanship that made it a reality.
"I'm fairly convinced, although this has never really been confirmed, that much of the shape of the Telecaster was George's interpretation," the writer said.
That contribution was made in the late 1940s but has had a lasting impression on the music world, as the Fender Telecaster has been used by scores of influential guitarists, including Jeff Beck, Keith Richards, Pete Townshend, Bruce Springsteen and Joe Strummer.
Superb value Electric Guitars available now
