The Phoenix VII model from CA-based b3 Guitars is perfect for players that love both Fender and Gibson guitars, but are looking for something a bit more modern and refined.

The modern elements are subtle on first glance - it simply looks like a gorgeous Tele - but you certainly feel them when you play. This is one of the things about Gene Baker's guitars that we've always loved - while they visually draw upon vintage style designs, they're anything but. It's almost as if Gene has taken the hot-rodded spirit of the best 80s guitars and rolled them into more traditional forms. The proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing, if you will. 

This gorgeous burgundy Phoenix VII features an Eastern Flame Maple top and Korina body & neck, perfect fretwork (22, 6105 frets), ebony fingerboard, a "barely there" neck joint making for effortless upper fret access (this is one the 80s style references we're talking about), a very well made / stout bridge plate that's ergonomic and comfy to rest your hand on, easily adjustable neck pickup (the screws aren't buried under the guard), and the perfect 50s Gibson-style neck carve. 

This modern / vintage approach yields a lightweight (7lbs 5oz), balanced, and incredibly easy playing guitar that is the perfect sum of it's parts (Fender/Gibson). To our hands, this Phoenix leans more to the Gibson side of things in terms of feel - it's got a very solid, stout feel that reminded us of a great Les Paul. It sustains in a similar Les Paul fashion as well - which is to say, it has an incredible amount of sustain that's achievable without heaps of volume from your amp. It's a remarkable playing experience and one that had us playing away for 20 mins before realizing how much time had passed. Always a good sign! 

The Lollar Special T pickups coupled with the Eastern Maple top and Korinan body/neck deliver Thinline-esq tones - ie, slightly fatter, beefier Telecaster tones that will cover a wide range of both clean and overdriven tones. We even heard a touch of Filter'tron-esq upper midrange chime and sparkle at times. It's a beautiful sounding guitar and one that will appeal to players who love Tele's but don't need to be ultra twangy. 

Priced with hardshell case.

Please note - though hard to see in the pics, all b3 guitars are lightly aged which is seen in some very faint finish checking and light aging on the hardware.

Priced with hardshell case.

• Burgundy, extra light aging
• Korina body, hollow w/F-hole
  
• Eastern Flame Maple top
• Korina neck
• Ebony fingerboard, tort/w/b/w binding
• Standard C Carve - .83"-.96"
  
• 25 1/2" scale length
• 12" Radius
• 6105 frets, 22
• 1.687" nut width
• Lollar Special T pickups
• Volume, Tone, 4-way
  
• Grover Rotomatic Tuners
• Strung with 10's
• Thinline style, 3-ply tortoise pickguard
• G&G Hardshell Case
• SN 22 052
• 7lbs 5oz