Earlier this year, Fender announced a long overdue G.E. Smith signature Tele. Smith is a respected "master of the Telecaster" and probably most famous for his role as front man and emmy-winning musical director for the Saturday Night Live band, a gig he did for 10 years. Smith was always recognizable with his long blond pony tail, his white shirt, tie, suspenders and his scorching guitar licks. During that time, he also toured for four years with Bob Dylan flying back to do the SNL gigs on Saturdays. Over the years he's played, recorded or toured with the likes of Buddy Guy, Hall & Oates, Mick Jagger, David Bowie and many others. In short, he's one of the all-time best "guns for hire" blues and rock guitarists around. Not only is he a superb guitar player, he's an all-round musician and a heckuva nice guy.
Smith began playing guitar at the age of 4, got good at 7 (!) and got his first Telecaster at the age of 11. That was a '52 model, the year of his birth, and he's been playing vintage Telecasters and Fender amps of one sort or another ever since. He modified his original Tele after picking up a '48 Fender lap steel guitar and noticing how the shortened bridge and direct mounted pickup gave it a fatter sound.
Fender worked with Smith to recreate this model right down to the classic U-shaped neck along with the shortened bridge and direct mount pickup. For under $1500 this is an awesome instrument. It's available in a lipstick red color or the more traditional honey blonde. Check out the YouTube video below to learn more about Smith's signature model and his nearly 50-year love affair with the classic Telecaster sound.
G.E. Smith is currently on tour with jam-band supergroup Moonalice, along side Jack Casady, Barry Sless, Pete Sears, Jimmy Sanchez and Roger & Ann McNamee.
- Fender: G.E. Smith Telecaster, Interview, YouTube video
- G.E. Smith: GreenMirror Records, 50 Watt Fuse (DVD)
- Other: WikiPedia, Vintage Guitar Interview
Comments