I was there when Brett received this ’76 Fender Telecaster Custom as a gift from his wife Gina over 25 years ago. Brett reminded me that Gina had me check the guitar out prior to purchase, which was a fuzzy recollection for me but I did know the seller, so I’m going to trust his memory on that detail. I do remember being at the party when he got the Fender and jamming on it in his studio.

The Tele still play well but it was due for some maintenance. Once I worked through the guitar, restoring back to optimal condition it was hard to put down. For me, there’s something very special about the 70s  Telecaster Customs that I really like. I really enjoy the wide range humbucker pickup in the neck position paired with the Tele bridge pickup and the independent volume and tone controls. This configuration offers such a broad, flexible sonic palette that seems limitless, in a lovely Tele package. After spending time with this guitar, it directly inspired my ’72 Tele Custom project.

If you haven’t had a chance to play a Telecaster Custom like this, and especially if you like playing Teles, you should check one out at your next opportunity.