Twang Man
My trusty telecaster has been doing a reasonable job since I got it years ago, and it’s a workhorse guitar. It’s always seemed nasal, bright and twangy, which is what I normally associate with those guitars. Lately I’ve really been paying attention to the awesome playing and guitar tone of friend (and fellow 1-Upper) Kris. He’s a very talented guitarist and no matter how good a day I think I’m having as a guitarist, when we play country together I’m eating his dust. The more I listen to his playing, his tone really strikes me as being supremely great and beefy. I’m aware that tone is a function of the musician as much as the guitar, but my telecaster sounds thin and has poor intonation… it seems like there must be a few adjustments that could help it along. So a few weeks ago I asked Kris to take my guitar home with him and make any recommendations toward improving it. I received his response via email within hours of handing it off. His laundry list of recommended changes included new pickups, new bridge, new saddles, and a new output jack. Fortunately the wood parts seem OK 🙂
So I have ordered a set of Lollar Vintage T pickups, the Joe Barden replacement bridge with 3 compensated saddles, and an electroset jack to replace the pesky standard tele jack. Kris is also a good guitar tech and has kindly offered to install the new components. I’m really looking forward to putting it through its paces at our upcoming gig.