We approached Don Grosh years ago about building us a run of T-style guitars in the Linhof style. Kurt Linhof (look him up) designed this style of Tele and JW Black (Fender Custom Shop) built them until Kurt passed away in 2014 (we've heard around 150 or so were made).
Key attributes are a flipped bridge pickup, Strat body contours, and a humbucker in the neck position. Many theories exist about that flipped bridge pickup concept. One is that it originated with Hendrix's Strat (righty played left does the same to the bridge pickup orientation). Perhaps that was part of the reason his guitar sounded so good (aside from him, of course).
Makes sense - the pickup is further away from the bridge on the treble strings, lessening the icepick-in-the-ear Tele tone, and the bass strings are closer to the bridge, upping the clarity and snap. In practice? That's exactly what happens on this Grosh T. Still sounds like a Tele, just sweeter and fuller. Very, very cool. The satin-finished 50s soft V to C neck carve (.85"-.95") is so comfortable and fast, it's hard to believe that you're playing a Tele. The fretwork is simply outstanding.
If you're new to Grosh guitars, you can expect a flawlessly made, lightweight, extremely resonant, and ultra-deluxe playing instrument. These guitars brilliantly straddle the line between vintage feel and modern leaning features and build quality. Priced with custom fitted hardshell case.
- Lightweight, Swamp Ash body, full contours
- One-piece maple neck and fretboard
- Aged Satin Lacquer Neck Finish
- 50s soft V to C neck carve (.85"-.95")
- 10" Radius
- 1 5/8" Nut Width
- 6150 Frets (Medium)
- 25 1/2" Scale Length
- Vintage T bridge w/titanium saddles
- Locking Kluson Tuners
- Aged white 3-ply Pickguard
- Grosh GT (bridge) and Grosh 302 Humbucker (neck)
- 3-way, volume, tone push/pull split
- Custom Fit Hardshell Case
- SN 4051