While the Standard Telecaster reigns as one of the most popular
solidbody guitars of all time, Fender’s humbucker-equipped Telecaster
variations—like the Custom and Deluxe, both introduced in 1972—have more
of a cult following. However, both models have found favor with great
players who don’t always run with the herd. Keith Richards is one of a
handful of guitarists who adopted the Telecaster Custom and its unique
humbucker neck/single-coil bridge configuration, while Thom Yorke, Lee
Ranaldo and Dave Grohl count among the dual-humbucker Telecaster
Deluxe’s devoted fans.
Fender recently added Telecaster Custom
and Deluxe models to its expanding, popular line of Road Worn guitars,
which have the aged look and worn-in feel of a well-loved battle-ax.
Both models are relatively accurate reproductions of the original
versions, but they sell for three to four times less than what you’d pay
for their vintage counterparts.
Keith Richards fans are
certain to gravitate toward the Road Worn Telecaster Custom, which
looks almost identical to the black 1975 Tele Custom that he often plays
in concert. While previous Road Worn models have included several
modern “hot-rodded” enhancements, those modifications are absent and
missed on the Tele Custom. Fender opted for vintage-style frets, which
are lower profiled, thinner and an acquired taste along with the
Custom’s 7 1/2–inch curved radius, but then again, this ax is for
players who are already familiar with vintage guitars. The single-coil
Tele bridge pickup provides more jangle than twang, but the neck
humbucker is a welcome addition that gives added punch to open G–tuning
rhythms.
The Deluxe has medium jumbo frets, but they are a
little on the small side. However, the flatter 12-inch radius feels good
under the fingers. The pair of humbuckers gives the guitar attractive
fat tone that’s almost like single-coil P90 pickups but with a little
more weight. This is a great guitar for pounding out “wall of sound”
rhythms (no wonder so many rhythm guitarists have leaned toward this
model), but it also holds its own quite nicely for lead players who
desire bold, aggressive tones for solos.
I’m not sure why Fender
decided to revive the much-disparaged three-bolt Micro-Tilt neck
mounting design, but the neck felt solid and secure throughout my
trials, and the tonal benefits outweigh the initial set-up hassles.
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