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Danny Gatton Telecaster!Fender Tele Guitar!
But this artist who left the planet too soon is immortalized with the Danny Gatton Tele, an instrument that does the man justice and is worth its steep price. The Danny Gatton Signature Tele, available from the Fender Custom Shop and through some online and real-world dealers, is based on Gatton’s heavily modified 1953 Tele. Among the many authentic customizations on this special-order item are cubic zirconium side markers that reflect when the stage lights hit them, a body made of swamp ash with a specially shaped maple neck that includes 22 frets and pickups designed by Bill Lawrence. A special bridge and saddles are also included. The finish is a natural blond. The hardware is nickel and chrome, and Gatton’s signature figures prominently on the headstock. The price tag is just over $4,000 from Amazon and other dealers, a bargain for a Custom Shop model with this level of detail. Gatton was known for melding rockabilly, jazz, country and other styles to make his own unique sound. Because of his unusual style, top-notch abilities and the affinity he had for his 1953 Tele, he was often called the “Telemaster”. But for reasons that have never been completely clear, it wasn’t enough for him, and he killed himself in 1994. The abrupt exit doesn’t tarnish this amazing player’s reputation, however. Some people also called him “The Humbler” because he could outplay anyone that stood up beside him. The body of the Danny Gatton Tele is made of ash to give it exactly the tone that Danny would have liked, but this wood also makes it much more lightweight than you expect from a Tele. If you get a Danny Gatton Tele, the first thing you might want to do is try one of his tricks: He often used a beer bottle or mug as a slide with his Tele. Rumor has it, however, that he preferred an Alka Seltzer bottle or a vacuum tube -- but audience preferred to see the beer sloshing. People usually buy the Danny Gatton Telecaster as a collection piece rather than to actually play, but they might be making a mistake. The ash body, those powerful pickups and the diamond-like sparkle of the cubic zirconium make this model something your audience will clamor to see. Why not take the plunge and buy one for their sake? Tell us what you know about this guitarUpload your images, or send us the url to your video. We'll embed it on this page, and give you plenty of feedback. What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Bill Lawerence or Joe Barden pick ups. Danny Gatton Telecaster to Fender Tele |
