Having been a die hard fan of Strats and Teles from an early age, I had always favoured the dynamic range and tone that a Strat can achieve and have owned a few different models through the years. The reliability and dynamic in everything Fender create have made them my staple guitars for as long as I have gigged toured. There is something almost tangibly historic about these instruments, something that all players can connect with. Through their humble beginnings and proceeding on to ultimately invent rock and roll music as well as so many other genres, they are without doubt the most iconic instruments in the world.
So what made a long time Stratocaster fanatic reach for his first real Tele? Simply put, it was amazement. I had never picked up a guitar and immediately connected with it so quickly. From the first strum through a clean Vox AC15 I knew this guitar was special. The American Standard Telecaster range has had many incarnations through the years, with some subtle changes to fit the modern player and achieve a wider range of sounds possible with just three pickup options. But weather I was playing on the soft warm neck position, the wide and dynamic middle position or that unmistakable sharp tele twang found on the bridge pickup, every tone was inspiring. As someone who loves everything from rock and blues, to jazz and alternative genres, I felt like there was a sound in this guitar for every style. It’s remained as my secondary gigging guitar for a few years and I would not hesitate to pick another one up when I can. I’ve made a few changes in that time such as the addition of a black three play pick-guard and some classic texas special pickups. These small alterations have really made the guitar feel like home to someone who loves Strats. With its beautiful Arctic white finish and maple fretboard, it’s very hard to put this guitar down.
Sam Martin
Roberts Instrument Repairs and Accessories 