The #1 Question I Get: “What Pickups Should I Put in My Telecaster?”
In this video, I break down the key questions you should ask yourself before buying pickups — whether you're upgrading or starting from scratch. This guide will help you make smarter choices and communicate more effectively with pickup winders.

I also cover:
The differences between flat pole ’50s-style and staggered pole ’60s-style pickups
Recommendations at various price points
How much saddles and the tone control really matter to your final sound

Whether you're chasing vintage twang or modern bite, this will help you get closer to your Tele tone.

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My favorite acoustic guitar—a 1981 Martin HD-28—just received a full upgrade while also bringing it a little closer  to the timeless tone and vintage character of a true 1940s Martin. In this video, I walk you through the complete restoration and customization process, including:
• Fresh frets for smoother playability, improved tone, and better intonation. .085X.050 Fretwire
• Waverly open-back tuners for a vintage-correct look, lighter weight, and improved break angle at the nut
• Removal of the 1990s Fishman Matrix under saddle pickup and installation of the more transparent, passive K&K Pure Mini
• A new bone nut and saddle for increased tonal clarity and responsiveness
• A vintage-style Holter tortoiseshell pickguard to restore the classic herringbone-era aesthetic

https://holterpickguards.com/

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Meet Nashville Guitar Great: Matthew Lee
If you’ve strolled down Broadway in Nashville, chances are you have heard the unmistakable sound of Matthew Lee—an exceptional guitarist whose chops are as sharp as his tone.

Matthew shares the story of how music first grabbed hold of him, what led him to Music City, and the major influences that shaped his sound. He also gives us a look at some of his favorite gear, including his go-to axes from Lucky Dog and Crook Custom Guitars.

Want to dive deeper? Check out his instructional book from Hal Leonard and explore his top-tier lessons over on TrueFire. Whether you’re a player or a fan , Matthew’s insights are pure gold.


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#MatthewLee #NashvilleGuitarist #BroadwayNashville #LuckyDogGuitars #CrookCustomGuitars #GuitarGear #HalLeonard #TrueFire #CountryGuitar #GuitarLife



https://www.matthewleeguitar.com/

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In 1969, Fender offered a little-known custom option: factory-personalized neck inlays. In this video, we dive into the rare story of a father and son who took Fender up on that offer—ordering two Telecasters inlaid with their names: "Bubba" and "Bob Clawson." These guitars were custom-made at the Fender factory and delivered to Clawson's Music in Corpus Christi, Texas, a Fender dealer since 1964.

Join us as we explore the history of Fender’s neck personalization option, examine these two stunning custom Telecasters, and uncover how this one-of-a-kind order came to be. Whether you're a vintage guitar lover, Fender historian, or just into cool guitar stories, you won’t want to miss this rare glimpse into a forgotten piece of Fender’s past.

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#FenderTelecaster #VintageFender #CustomFender #Telecaster1969 #ClawsonsMusic #GuitarHistory #FenderCustomInlay

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I’m excited to finally share the story behind the Fender Limited Edition 1967 Lost Paisley Telecaster—Brad Paisley’s stunning new signature model—and my journey helping bring it to life.

This project has been a true labor of love. From digging into vintage inspiration to fine-tuning the smallest details, The Lost Paisley Telecaster blends history, tone, and style in a way that truly honors Brad’s legacy and Fender’s craftsmanship.

Stick around until the end of the video for a clip of me playing with Brad Paisley, his amazing band, and the legendary Steve Wariner. 

#LostPaisley #FenderGuitars #BradPaisley #Telecaster #GuitarDesign #BehindTheScenes #SteveWariner #CountryMusic #GearHeadsUnite #SignatureModel

Link to fender's video:

https://youtu.be/Blf3wYQTVkI?si=7j2AwBmRBr1d2hcq

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Since the DGT was released by PRS in 2007, I have been a fan. I didn't buy one then because I foolishly decided to get a more vintage-flavored reissue 1959 Les Paul, but have regretted that purchase ever since. With the new SE PRS DGT, I was able to scratch that humbucker with trem itch, but at an incredibly affordable price. The PRS DGT SE is a fantastic instrument that can really fill out your guitar arsenal at a great price.

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Mike Campbell is one of the most significant guitarists of our time as a result of his 40-year stint with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and guesting with everyone from Don Henley, to George Harrison. He recently released his memoir, Heartbreaker, a lovingly honest telling of his life with the help of author Ari Surdoval. We take a look at the compelling story it tells, and the incredible legacy and influence of Mike Campbell.

Amazon Affiliate link to Heartbreaker
https://amzn.to/4lk9NyX

Signed Copy
https://talkshop.live/watch/pLo6krD_ObMd

Go see Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs at a venue near you
https://www.thedirtyknobs.com/#tour


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Joe Fick, leader of Kelley's Heroes and alumnus of the Don Kelley Band, joins us today. He shares of his time with the Dempsey's, The Don Kelley Band, working movies Walk The Line, and Baz Luhrmann's Elvis, to currently leading Kelley's Heroes. We also discuss the history of the upright slap style, challenges of transitioning from electric to upright bass, and a variety of upright bass playing styles. If you visit Nashville, you must see Joe and the band, Wednesday thru Saturday, at Nashville's famous Robert's Western World on Broadway. 

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Leo Fender was heavily influenced by the work of Paul Bigsby in the late 1940s, yet in all of the interviews he did, he never acknowledged it. Today we look at both the influences, and the reasons why Leo did not give the credit that Paul Bigsby deserved for his innovations that filtered into every Fender guitar. 

To help us, we have an amazing copy of the 1948 Bigsby "Merle Travis" guitar, that clearly spotlights the influence on the Fender Telecaster, Stratocaster, and just about every instrument that Leo designed.

Amazon affiliate links:
The Bigsby Book by Andy Babuik
https://amzn.to/4iwxtO6

Sixteen Tons, By Merle Travis & Deke Dickerson
https://amzn.to/4hgE6mC
 
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I love Peavey amps from the early-to-mid 1980s, because I grew up with them in my favorite music shop, Clawson's Music in Corpus Christi, TX. In my last 80s Peavey episode, I looked at the Special 130, that is a killer amp, but is heavy, way too loud for most gigs, and at times a bit non-intuitive due to the mid-shift and multiple gain controls. My buddy, Mike LoPinto, who plays with Chris Stapleton, clued me into the Studio Pro 40. It checks all of the boxes, as it is easy to carry, has plenty of volume, a full sound with an Eminence 12 inch speaker, and is pretty cheap at the current going price of $100-$200. For me, it is a great grab and go amp, and the perfect amp to take to the gig as a backup to my Headstrong Lil King, or my Fender 1965 Deluxe Reverb. 

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