Description
Fender's recent run of signature guitars have really impressed us with their excellent build quality, playability, and tones - these guitars have some serious mojo that you usually only find in Fender's more expensive offerings (read: Custom Shop). This J Mascis Tele continues to inspire by delivering awesome looks, tones, and playability in a more affordable package that any Tele fan will love.
An icon of alternative rock, J Mascis’ penchant for running Fender guitars into stacks of amps to create massive fuzzy riffs, incendiary leads and huge hooks have made his work in Dinosaur Jr. and on solo records an indispensable part of rock history, influencing countless artists to follow.
Aside from the awesome combo of blue sparkle and a mirrored pickguard, the maple neck on this Mascis Tele is a highlight, no question. Billed as a C shape with a Road Worn aged lacquer finish, 9.5" radius, and 1.68" nut width, it feels broken in and is immediately comfortable. This isn't the sort of Tele that fights you with an overly taut feel - it's super easy to play and the shape and worn feel of the finish no doubt contribute to this ease of play.
Given that J is known for his fuzzed out tones, the J Mascis Custom '58 Tele pickups in this guitar excel at rock and indie tones - though - like any great Tele, it can twang too. The middle position is wired out-of-phase for even more fuzzed out goodness (you have tried an out-of-phase setup with fuzz, yes? If no, pass go and head straight for your soldering iron...).
We're long-time fans of J and Dinosaur Jr. so of course we were pumped to see Fender release a signature model. While most associate J with his ever-present Jazzmaster, his fave guitar is actually a '58 top-loader Tele with which he recorded most of his lead work throughout his career - this being a recreation of that guitar. Who knew, right? Priced with Fender gig bag.
Specs
- Alder body
- Bottle Rocket Blue Flake, gloss finish
- Maple neck, Road Worn aged nitro finish
- C shape, 21 frets
- 9.5" radius
- Synthetic bone nut, 1.68" width
- 1-ply mirrored chrome pickguard
- J Mascis Custom ’58 Tele Single-Coils
- 3-way, volume, tone (middle position wired out-of-phase)
- Top loader bridge w/brass saddles
- 10-46 strings
- Fender Gig Bag