The telecaster. (a rather long-winded and pointless guitar story)

I’ve been playing a guitar badly for about twenty years now. I enjoyed playing, and had no aspirations, so it never really bothered me that I wasn’t any good. I had no practice regime, I picked up riffs and tunes from here and there, but rarely learned a full song.

About four years ago, I moved states. Without any of my old gear, I found a decent Epi LP in a pawnshop and took it home. It made a world of difference! Every guitar I have had previously must have been absolutely terribly set up, because I found playing that much easier. I enjoyed it so much, I went out and brought more cheap axes that played well (telecoustic, squier, Epi SG). The squier strat felt so good to play, I changed pups, and it became an absolute monster!

Unfortunately, this gave me a bad case of GAS. I lived on noodles and spent my hard-earned on an American Std. Strat, a Gibson trad. LP, and the Lennon-inspired Epiphone Casino. All fantastic guitars. Still, I had no aspirations, I just played because I liked to. Sure, I spent time on YouTube and got some programs like guitar pro; I played better, but not in any way I’d share with others. I just loved the sounds and enjoyed making them.

Then, I brought the Telecaster. I didn’t even mean to (I’d gone to the store looking to pick up a stool for my guitar room). Now my world has changed.

The thing burns in my mind at work, leaps into my arms when I get home, and demands to be played better all the time. I understand now how a guitar can become a part of you. No note it makes is bad (but all could be BETTER!!), and I now have a burning desire to play like a pro… nay, a GOD of guitarists. I still don’t want to be in a band or anything, it is just that this guitar pushes and inspires me like nothing else. It seems to be possessed by angels ( - or demons, I’m not sure!).

Now I have guitars that have some fantastic tones. I have more beautiful guitars (just). And the squier has a neck I prefer and find more comfortable. But the whole package on the tele seems to leave all others wanting. I used to pick up several guitars a night, fascinated by what I could get out of them. These days, I just grab the Tele, and play until I can’t anymore. This relationship, I dunno… it’s not magic, it’s not love. But it might have elements of both. Or it might just be that I need to eat something besides noodles. Now I have this guitar though, I don’t think I’ll need another, and that alone will improve my diet .