Used 2021 Fender Custom Shop Danny Gatton Signature Telecaster

The Telemaster

Danny Gatton was known throughout the guitar-pickin' circuit as "The Telemaster" because of his lightning bolt fingers and near-omnipotent knowledge of the fretboard, but my favorite nickname of his was "The Humbler." Gatton was known for engaging in head-cutting duels with other guitarists at jams and gigs, and he always wound up wounding the other poor guitarist's ego and destroying his pride. His ability to humble other six-string slingers was not merely a result of his out-of-this-world chops; in fact, quite the opposite. Danny Gatton was such a special guitar player because of his ability to express complex, creative musical ideas that evoke deep feelings in the listener: he just did it at a breakneck speed while utilizing a formidable array of techniques (everything from beer-bottle slide to modified Scruggs-style banjo rolls!) that borrowed from a wide swath of musical idioms. No matter how crazy his guitar playing got, his tunes always make you go "Wow, that was a great song" rather than "Wow, that guy sure could play fast," which is the hallmark of a true virtuoso.

In case you can't tell, we're huge Danny Gatton fans here at Wildwood, so we are honored to pay tribute to one of the greatest pickers ever to pick up a Telecaster by showcasing his signature Custom Shop Fender. The Danny Gatton Signature Telecaster is a loving homage to Gatton's own customized '50s Tele, and playing it is a truly magnificent experience. With a resplendent Frost Gold finish adorning its swamp ash body, it looks fit for a player dubbed "The Telemaster," and the Cubic Zirconia side dots only add shine to its opulent aesthetic (and you'll always know where you're at on the fretboard, even on the darkest stage!).

Speaking of lighting up the stage, holy moly does this guitar ever sound awesome! It comes equipped with two bar pickups based on the originals that Danny wound himself, and they provide plenty of killer Tele tone. They have all the woody twang, bite, pop, and high-end sizzle a country picker will ever need, but they still retain plenty of warmth, body, and fullness. It's also easy to coax expressive, vocal lines out of these Teles because of the way the upper-midrange responds to your pick. With the Danny Gatton Telecaster, you don't have to choose between articulate clarity and rich harmonic response!

Of course, a virtuoso's signature guitar has to feel great in your hand, and the Danny Gatton Signature Tele doesn't disappoint in that regard. The fat custom '50s "U"-shaped neck is as comfortable as your favorite worn-in pair of jeans. Pairing a 9.5" radius with vintage-style frets was also an inspired decision, because it allows you to feel the wood of the fretboard when you make those big pedal steel bends, and it allows you to play chords and single-note lines with equal ease all the way up and down the neck.

We are proud to show off The Humbler's signature guitar, and we know that its warm, snappy tone and incredible fit and finish will inspire you to elevate your playing to the next level. Who knows: maybe you'll be the one humbling people at jam sessions!

Condition Report

This Danny Gatton Tele is in incredible shape! The only cosmetic imperfections to note are some small nicks in the pickguard. It comes with its original hardshell case, all its case candy, and a certificate of authenticity.