REQUESTS…

Want to see something in the mag? Tell us at guitarist@futurenet.com

Reader Dave Leask would like to see the variety of takes on the Tele

For reasons beyond my control I’ve managed to slip behind in reading my favourite mag, so I’ve just read the 75th Anniversary Telecaster article in issue 471. The opening few sentences brought me to the realisation that the Telecaster really is the Land Rover of electric guitars. I recently joined a Facebook group for amateur guitar builders and found that the Tele is the most popular choice for builders. When you think of all the different models, configurations and special editions that Fender alone has released, I think this would make a great feature as part of the Tele’s 75th year celebrations. It would be really interesting to see all the different takes, from its original form to more extreme or tailored models. Dave Leask, via email

Cool idea, Dave – we did a big round-up of all the landmark models of Tele not so very long ago, but this year would be a perfect opportunity to look at some of the lesser-known variants on the Tele theme. As you say, the Tele has been adapted to supply everything from acoustic tone to heavy metal. In fact, this mag’s editor has fond memories of visiting Morlings, his main local guitar shop in Lowestoft (the store is now sadly closed for good), and eyeing the Fender Heavy Metal Telecaster – complete with Floyd Rose, f-hole and scorching humbucker at the bridge no less – with envious wonder. The funny thing was, the chap who used to sit behind the till always picked this guitar to noodle on… and played jazz on it!