Fender Jason Isbell Custom Telecaster - Demo and Review 

Agree on the frets. I do wish they were just the standard vintage frets rather than the narrow tall. When I get the frets addressed I won't be sad if it ends up bringing them down a bit.

The frets feel too tall. They are not that comfortable to me, being thin and tall. I am going to give it a little time and see if I can get a smooth set up for it. I usually don't like 7.25 radius. It has that older model, a bit harder to play feel, so I will see if it's a keeper for me.

Since playing with medium frets on my Ultra Tele, I can’t go back to tall frets.

What saddles did you put on?

@@davlavmusic7070 callagham saddle. i found that the original bridge i had problem with my low E string so i replaced the saddle it made big difference at least for me. depends on the player for mod preferences.

Thanks. I ended up taking this to my tech and having the frets done with nut and setup adjustments. Plays like a dream now and allows for all the good things about the guitar to shine through. I wish it had better qc out of the box, but there was a high quality instrument there with a little work. My road worn Vintera Strat was the same.

@@davlavmusic7070I’d be real challenged trying to figure out what’s better for it, I’m still new to these instruments. Got me a Ibanez Artcore years back thinking id start off with a few Jazz foundation but recently rock n roll been tuggin at the heart again. Besides, it’s a wee too large to play specially when singing. An old friend has an old tele and I’ve been trying it out for quite a few times now. Feels like I am meant to play it, you know, haha! Anyway, will figure out the numbers and maybe trade the Ibanez for this. Oh man I really don’t know I might just keep that and pull the trigger on this Fender. I love the guy btw, Jason, he’s one of my favorites although I didn’t know he had a signature fender. Be singing the National Anthem here locally game bet the Nats and Mets on July 2nd. It’ll be the super simplified version of Chris Stapleton’s rendition haha. I’m nervous AF it’s my first in front of many many but, you know, honored 🇺🇸. Using a PRS SE parlor, a few pedals, maybe.

@@davlavmusic7070 the new tele came in today, this morning. I’m in love with it. I think this is going to be the one to bear it all. Tuning was alright outside of the box, except for the G. Super excited for this telecaster journey. Need an amp tho. You and Guthrie kinda were the biggest influence over this and I appreciate you.

@@PopsKustojo awesome! Enjoy!

I've seen that reaction a lot. Did you mod it at all? Seems like a perfect guitar for that.

@@davlavmusic7070 I have modded alot of guitars but the only thing I touched on this one is changing out the pickguard to a pearl white one :)

@@davlavmusic7070 I have modded alot of guitars but on the Jason Isbell tele, the only thing I changed was the pickgaurd to a pearl white one :)

There’s a specific audience for this guitar. My first impression was that it belongs in a Tom Petty tribute band. Got that rough feel and vibe. I think I just feel more at home with a bit denser wood and smoother pickups.

I've had a few guitars with this radius (Silver Sky, Vintera) and not had any major issues with that. As long as the guitar is set up right.

I have the action a bit higher than I usually set it, but don't really love that. The small E string is usually the choker.

Thanks!

Nice idea. I was thinking a lighter pickguard, but I like this idea.

Yes lighter could be great to. I can imagine a brushed silver aluminium pickguard or maybe even gold would look great on this. It's definitely a beautiful instrument 🎸

One other option would be to take some #0000 steel wool to the glossy finish on the pickguard. Knock it back a little without taking it too far. I’ve done this with a shiny truss rod cover to better match a satin headstock. Not a bad look, I don’t know how well it would translate to that much more real estate on the guitar though.