If you’re searching for a high-end Tele that blends impeccable craftsmanship, effortless playability, and versatile tones, this Melancon Pro Artist T is a top contender.

The late Louisiana-based Gerard Melancon has long been celebrated for his reliable, tone-rich instruments tailored to the needs of working players – artists like Jon Herington, Dan Huff, Phil Keaggy, and Brad Whitford to name but a few. Their guitars honor classic designs like Strats and Teles while incorporating thoughtful modern upgrades, such as 22 frets, 10" radius fingerboards, and stainless steel frets.

This Pro Artist T features a Swamp Ash body, a stunning birdseye maple neck and fingerboard with a 10" radius, and Melancon-wound pickups. The bridge pickup (Melancon Blues T) is direct-mounted into the body rather than a traditional Tele bridge plate, delivering a beefier, more muscular tone – think a Tele-meets-P90 sound, with just a hint less twang. The hardtail bridge further enhances the bold tone profile.

In terms of playability, these guitars are simply exceptional. With stainless frets and a comfortable 60s Taper neck carve (.81-.93"), the Pro Artist T plays effortlessly – truly, "like butter." Rarely does a Tele feel this smooth and accommodating, but as Gerard Melancon himself once put it, it’s like a "’57 Chevy with power steering and power brakes."