TAPESTRY OF TONE
Guitarist|June 2021
Dale Wilson is one of the most sought-after master builders in Fender’s Custom Shop. We join him to hear how art and resonator history collided to inspire a unique Telecaster
Jamie Dickson
TAPESTRY OF TONE

Fender’s Custom Shop guitars are the best the Californian company makes. And yet, within the Custom Shop itself, there is also another tier beyond that: guitars made by the company’s master builders, its most experienced and skilled luthiers, each of whom has their own signature style and specialisms. Dale Wilson’s guitars are particularly sought after, especially the exquisitely aged Relics he produces. But, like all the master builders, Dale is a hugely versatile guitar-maker and his talents are not limited to Relics – as his contribution to a series of ornate one-off Prestige instruments demonstrates.

Dale’s new Tapestry Telecaster was made in collaboration with the LA-based artist Pamelina who has worked on several high-profile guitars made in the Custom Shop. The resulting guitar is a dazzling one-off that takes its place alongside other unique pieces made by the Custom Shop’s top luthiers in the 2021 Masterbuilt Prestige collection. We join Dale to hear how a vintage Dobro inspired this remarkable guitar and why he thinks the pickups he used are the best pairing you can get for a Tele.

What’s the idea behind the Masterbuilt Prestige guitars?

“I guess they represent the best of what we’re doing at the moment and it tends to give to the builder free access to anything and everything that Fender offers, you know? It kind of lets us run wild with whatever. We could do that with pretty much all of our NAMM Show guitars. But this is just like, ‘Okay, just go all out on Prestige guitars.’ It’s supposed to be something that’s just wild and different.”

Why did you choose to work with Pamelina to produce the Tapestry Telecaster?

Denne historien er fra June 2021-utgaven av Guitarist.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra June 2021-utgaven av Guitarist.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA GUITARISTSe alt
BASIC INSTINCTS
Guitarist

BASIC INSTINCTS

The sophisticated range of Swedish-designed guitars made by .strandberg* has lured thousands of players over to the headless side. But the company's new stripped-back Boden Essential model is its strongest play yet for the hearts and minds of mainstream players

time-read
8 mins  |
July 2024
Second String
Guitarist

Second String

As PRS's more affordable USA-made S2 line moves into its second decade, the series gets a revamp with - at last - USA-made pickups and electronics. What took so long?

time-read
8 mins  |
July 2024
PABLO VAN DE POEL
Guitarist

PABLO VAN DE POEL

When a band from The Netherlands describes themselves as 'raw, psychedelic Southern rock', it may take a little cognitive processing to work out what that might mean. One listen to DeWolff, however, and you will be duly transported to the 60s for some fuzzed-out rock 'n' roll

time-read
7 mins  |
July 2024
THE BERNIE MARSDEN COLLECTION
Guitarist

THE BERNIE MARSDEN COLLECTION

With a fabulous collection of the late Bernie Marsden's guitars, amps and other highly collectable music gear going under the auctioneer's hammer on 11 June, we were thrilled to have the chance of a sneak preview

time-read
7 mins  |
July 2024
LENNY KRAVITZ
Guitarist

LENNY KRAVITZ

Some 35 years since the release of his debut LP, for his 12th record, Blue Electric Light, Lenny Kravitz is back again with equal doses of vigour and vibes, using vintage guitars and the purest valve amps

time-read
9 mins  |
July 2024
GEORGE VJESTICA
Guitarist

GEORGE VJESTICA

You may not know him at first glance, but the work of Stoke-on-Trent native George Vjestica has probably impacted some of your favourite albums and movies

time-read
9 mins  |
July 2024
DICKEY BETTS
Guitarist

DICKEY BETTS

Emerging from the shadow of Duane to write signature hit Ramblin' Man, the Allman Brothers guitarist was a hard-living pioneer of Southern rock

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
NICK GUPPY
Guitarist

NICK GUPPY

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our highly valued amplifier guru, who died suddenly in April

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
Lucky Break
Guitarist

Lucky Break

Alex Bishop blends old wood with new in an attempt to fix a severely damaged guitar headstock

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
Tones Behind The Tracks
Guitarist

Tones Behind The Tracks

Cedric Burnside learnt at the knee of his fabled grandfather, but his latest album is a hill country blues masterclass on his own terms

time-read
5 mins  |
July 2024