Masterbuilt Dale Wilson '67 Tele
Truetone Music is proud to have a long and close relationship with Fender, especially with the Custom Shop. Every so often, we make a pilgrimage there to sit down with Masterbuilders to cook up a batch of amazing guitars. Sometimes we go for vintage-styled recreations, sometimes we go for modernized tweaks. Sometimes it's a classic color, sometimes it's a totally new color or even reclaimed wood. We specifically ask the builders what they would like to build, colors they want to use, etc., in an effort to partner on guitar they are excited to build. No matter what, they always knock it out of the park!
This killer 1967 Tangerine Paisley Telecaster is a result of that. We came up with this with Masterbuilder Dale Wilson and came up with the idea for this guitar. After a 5 year wait, it exceeded our expectations in every way.
This color was Dale's idea - Tangerine Paisley is captivating and a nice twist on the classic Pink Paisley treatment. That, along with the Relic finish, is what grabs your attention right away. It's like nothing else we've ever seen. There's really no way to describe it, but that's what the photos are for! Be sure to check out the level of detail shown.
Dale has his own unique style to relic'ing, and for those that know, they will recognize it right away. His craftmanship is second to none. This is largely why his waitlist has grown immensely (as of now, Fender can't even take orders for Wilson due to the list getting too long). We feel lucky to have this guitar....though we don't expect to have it for long.
The other main calling card of this Telecaster is the roasted maple neck. You'll notice it right away when viewing the photos. The roasting treatment gives it an aged, darkened look that matches the guitar perfectly. We chose the 60's Oval "C" shape that's been altered a bit to give you more grip in the first position while retaining a slimness as you get into the higher register (measuring .850 - .920"). Speaking of that, the roasted maple fretboard has compound radius (7.25 - 9.50") to make it easier to bend as you go higher, while still having a vintage feel.
It's not just about looks and feel - the third element - the sound - is where this guitar really shines. This Telecaster is loaded with Josefina Campos Handwound pickups. In the bridge position, you get a period correct 67 Tele single coil. That brings the original tone that players love, thanks in part to a vintage stagger, alnico 5 magnets and enamel wire. It's a slightly lower output pickup, period correct with grey bobbins and the copper baseplate. You'll get crystal clear twang along with some late 60's warmth. In the neck position it's a Twist Tele pickup - bringing a bit of added output and a touch of Strat sparkle. It's designed for addtional brightness and glassiness, making it a perfect match to the bridge pickup.
A nice touch is how Wilson did the pickguard - it's a clear plexi with a paisley burst treatment, which really adds to the look of the guitar. It's actually one of the first things that caught our eye. We stayed period correct for the hardware, going with vintage tuners, bridge, etc. The guitars comes with a Custom Shop Deluxe hardshell case, strap and Certificate of Authenticity. Also, note the weight - this guitar weighs only 7.1 lbs.
A Masterbuilt instrument is like no other, and this is truly a one of a kind. Come to Truetone Music to experience it today, or make it yours right here.
Dale Wilson arrived at Fender in 2003, joined the Custom Shop in 2005 and became a Master Builder in 2011. Building guitars has been a driving passion for the California native since childhood. “Ever since I can remember, I’ve always loved guitars,” he said. “I didn’t dream of being a rock star; I dreamed of building the ultimate guitar. I was equally enthralled with the guitars just as much as I was with the players”. Woodworking runs in the Wilson family, and the requisite Custom Shop zeal for outstanding craftsmanship has long been part of Dale’s DNA. He enjoys calling upon his extensive and varied experience as a craftsman to create highly distinctive guitars.
- Serial # CZ566261
- Model# 9216088616
- Weight: 7.1 lbs
- Finish Package: Relic
- Finish: Nitro Lacquer
- Color: Tangerine Paisley
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Roasted Maple
- Tint: Dark
- Neck Shape: '60 Style Oval "C"
- Note: No Finish on Back of Neck
- Nut: Bone
- Fretboard: Roasted Maple
- Frets: 21
- Fretwire: Vintage Upgrade
- Radius: Compound 7.25 - 9.50"
- Dots: Micarta Black
- Dot Spacing: Narrow
- Neck Nut Width: 1.650"
- Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .850"
- Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .920"
- Neck Butt Width: 2.200"
- Pickguard: Custom Clear Plexi with Paisley Burst
- Neck Pickup: Josefina Handwound Twisted Tele
- Bridge Pickup: Josefina Handwound 67 Tele
- Hardware: Chrome/Nickel
- Knobs: Knurled Chrome
- Tuners: Vintage Schaller F
- String Guide: Vintage
- Bridge: Vintage 67 Tele
- Neck Plate: Vintage F Logo
- Switch: 3 Way
- Switch Tip: Top Hat
- Wiring: Standard
- Case: Custom Shop Black