Guitar Of The Day: 2011 Fender Telecaster Deluxe Masterbuilt By Dale Wilson | Norman's Rare Guitars

Welcome to another exciting week of Guitar Early with your host, Michael Mo! Last week, we had an amazing time experimenting with loops, and I want to thank all of you for being open to trying something different. Business has been booming, and the guitar culture is thriving! But today, we have something special in store for you. We have a contest winner to announce! Drum roll, please... And the winner is Andrew Guinta from Ontario, Canada! Congratulations, Andrew! Canada is an incredible place, with its friendly people and beautiful summer weather. And let's not forget the joys of winter shoveling! But enough about that, let's dive into today's main event: the Dale Wilson Telecaster Deluxe.

The NOS Hybrid Beauty

So, what's so special about this 2011 Telecaster Deluxe made by Dale Wilson? Well, for starters, it's a NOS guitar, which stands for "new old stock." This means that it's a hybrid guitar, blending old and new elements. The pieces used in this guitar were leftovers from older guitars, but they were combined with newer components. It's a unique creation with a vintage decal headstock and a modern Bigsby tailpiece. The bridge is a perfect blend of the past and present, offering excellent tuning stability. Dale Wilson is no rookie either; he's been with Fender Custom Shop since 2003 and became a master builder in 2005. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this guitar, from the double binding to the flaming maple neck.

A Four-Way Selector for Extra Twang

One standout feature of this Telecaster Deluxe is its four-way selector switch. Most Telecasters typically have a three-way selector, but this one offers an additional out-of-phase option. You can achieve that twangy, Strat-like sound with a twist. The flat pole pieces on the pickups add to the overall sleek design of the guitar. This beauty didn't just come from any ordinary collection either; it was part of a prized collection from a high-profile artist's manager. This guitar is a true gem.

Let's Hear it in Action

Now that we've covered the details, it's time to take this Dale Wilson Telecaster Deluxe out for a spin. Michael Mo will demonstrate its capabilities with some impressive playing. But before we dive into the music, let's address a burning question: What's up with Michael Mo's shirt? It turns out that his parents, who have a place in Ventnor (near Atlantic City), got him a shirt from a local sandwich shop called Best Subs in Jersey. The bread there is fresh and delivered throughout the day, making it the perfect choice for a delicious sub. Matching shirts with his parents might seem a little cheesy, but the sandwiches are worth it!

Now that we've settled the sandwich business let's get back to the guitar. Michael Mo plugs the Dale Wilson Telecaster Deluxe into a Pro Reverb amplifier from 1966. He starts off with the neck pickup to showcase its warm and smooth sound. No loops this time, just pure telecaster goodness. The guitar has a phenomenal playability, which is typical of all Custom Shop Fenders.

Next, Michael Mo explores the out-of-phase pickup option with the help of a loop pedal. This offers a unique sound with a hint of twang, reminiscent of a Stratocaster. The guitar handles this variation effortlessly.

Moving on, Michael Mo combines both pickups to demonstrate the tonal possibilities of the Dale Wilson Telecaster Deluxe. The guitar thrives in this setup, producing a harmonious blend of sound.

Lastly, it's time to unleash the power of the bridge pickup. Michael Mo cranks up the volume and lets loose some high-energy riffs. The guitar handles it like a champ, delivering a punchy and aggressive tone.

In conclusion, the Dale Wilson Telecaster Deluxe is a true work of art. Its hybrid design and meticulous craftsmanship make it a standout instrument. You can find these guitars at Norman's Rare Guitars, both online and on social media platforms. So, come on back for more guitar goodness in the upcoming weeks. Until then, rock on!