January 2009 \ Features \ Builder Profile \ 5 Tele-Style Builders You Should Know

5 Tele-Style Builders You Should Know

Adam Moore

We talk to Ron Kirn, Rick Kelly, Chihoe Hahn, Bill Crook and Jay Monterose about building boutique Tele-style guitars.
Premier Guitar January 2009
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There’s a lot of talk of change this year, and that’s all fine and good, but some things should just stay the same. One of those is a 1952 blackguard Telecaster. Capable of covering jazz, blues, rock and everything in between with a distinctive bite, Leo Fender’s Telecaster proved that planks of wood could indeed sound musical. Comprised simply of an ash body and major-league worthy neck, this guitar was nothing other than a workhorse; its construction and modular nature made it a natural choice for active musicians. And although it would (temporarily) be eclipsed by its space age brother starting in 1954, the Telecaster has always retained a devoted cadre of loyalists who have prized the instrument for its clarity and uncompromising honesty.

While time and skyrocketing vintage markets have taken the number of original blackguards in the wild to new lows—with the remaining likely sitting behind glass or vault doors—a still-going-strong boutique world is ensuring that these guitars are available for a new generation, or an older generation just looking to relive the glory days of instrument design. Fortunately for buyers, a competitive marketplace and expanding supply options have brought about better materials, higher quality, myriad options and bearable prices. There’s now really no reason not to have a good sounding, well built Tele-style guitar in your arsenal.

This month, we sat down with five small builders— Bill Crook, Chihoe Hahn, Rick Kelly, Ron Kirn and Jay Monterose—who all specialize in Tele-style guitars, and asked them about their approach to building and just what separates their guitars from the rest. And even though Tele-style guitars are fairly straightforward in nature, we found five different answers, each with their own dream of the ideal Tele-style guitar. So whether you’re looking for an “art-quality” instrument to call your number one, or you just need another Tele to fill out your closet, we’re betting you’ll find a builder here to call.

Hit Page 2 for the first of our five builders...

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Comments

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UsernameComment
Ted G.
on 09/09/2011 		I currently own a Hahn and a K-Line Truxton. Each has their own special vibe. The Truxton is more vintage voiced and the Hahn is a bit more modern in tone and feel. I love them both.
Dr. Jon
on 08/18/2011 		Have a Kirn strat and esquire, love them both. Ordering a tele from him next...
Ken T.
on 07/30/2011 		Just received my new K-Line Truxton Vintage from Chris. Man he really nailed the vintage vibe and tone. He suggested going with a set of Klein pickups, 52 in the bridge, and a Limited in the neck. It is ashamed that Chris's guitars did not make this article.
William
on 07/19/2011 		It bums me out that so many people have been ripped off by Vintique and I didn't even lose any money. I was thinking, since trying to get your money or hardware back from JM hasn't worked, all of you should put pressure on the celebrities that he has bragged about being associated with. Maybe their pressure on him would do some good?
jag316
on 06/17/2011 		Just got my BG Truxton..Its an Amazing guitar..7lbs on the dot of Pure Tele Tone!!.The finish and grain patterns are a work of art!!....The neck, Wow! I have played and owned several K-Lines clones, but I have to say this is the best by far.. The feel of the U shape is excellent(melts in your hands) and the low action is unreal..No buzzing? The K-Line "clone wars" are over and Chris's craftman-ship with the Truxton has just went to another level. Very Awesome!!
GuitarRob
on 05/23/2011 		Just received my Truxton Vintage and all I can say is wow. I have played most and this one is for sure a Top 5 if not competing for the top dog. You owe it to yourself to at least look into them.
Baggs1876
on 05/06/2011 		I as well am a happy new owner of a San Bernardino. I sent my Fano packing as the SB was more alive and more attention to detail than the Fano. It is a great mate to my K-Line Truxton, Texola, and Springfield.
Kevin F.
on 05/03/2011 		Not sure on the T but man, those K-Line San Bernardino's and Truxton Specials are freakin' awesome. Played one of each at a local store and walked out with the San Bernardino! Yes they are all that.
Twang Nerd
on 05/03/2011 		Sorry to confuse, in reference to my K-Line I was not meaning to make it sound like a stock spec guitar. Unlike my new D&S which I ordered with different and more unconventional features, my K-Line had been made with a regular T-style configuration. The K-Line was one of the finest guitars I've ever played in my life, but once I'd ordered my Drew & Sebastian I had to choose between the two for financial reasons, and I let the K-Line go. Both Chris and Graham are top notch builders and two great guys with equally good customer service. Once I've boosted my funds again I'll re-add a K-Line to my arsenal.
Jag316
on 05/01/2011 		I second that Ken....In the past year, I have bought 3 K-Lines from Chris. All awesome guitars that you cannot put down; no doubt he should be on the list....In regards to his customer service, he is a stand up guy and is willing to work with you in good and bad... Last year I bought a T-Style and I had some personal play-ability challenges with it.Sent the guitar back, adjustments where made, and bang!!today it is my main guitar. It's all about communicating!



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