Brad Paisley breaks from Fender's norms, opting to construct 19 of his signature Lost Telecasters himself, showcasing his experimental inclinations.
Chatting it up with Brad Paisley about his one-of-a-kind Signature Telecaster
The country music kingpin, Brad Paisley, has just unveiled a "jaw-dropping" signature Telecaster with a killer new finish, taking the guitar world by storm in 2025. In a sit-down with our site, he chatted about the ins and outs of this special guitar, revealing some striking differences between his handcrafted versions and those from Fender.
Diving into the past, Paisley's signature colorway has a rich history dating back to 1968, when Fender adorned their builds with the now-legendary Paisley finish. However, this cult classic was short-lived, as the unique finish proved to be prone to chipping and flaking, making it a rare treasure today.
Paisley couldn't resist the allure of this vintage color, and for his latest signature run, he will personally bring 19 electric guitars to life. Fender will handle the remaining 67, creating an exclusive, $7,000-priced collection for guitar enthusiasts. Paisley's personal touch is evident in this project, as he has more control over the fabrication process than most.
"There's going to be a lot of differences," Paisley shares with us. "The 19 that I make, I have a unique method for construction, which is different than Fender's." He goes on to explain that he'll apply the finish by hand, resulting in a time-lapse video for guitar fans to enjoy.
When it comes to the guitar's specs, Paisley embraces the spirit of improvisation. He tells us he plans to switch up the pickups, potentially using Seymour Duncan, Lindy Fralin, or Curtis Novak to create a truly unique sound for each guitar.
"It's exciting to have some freedom and originality with these guitars," Paisley says with a grin. "Whether it's improvising on stage or crafting these guitars, I like to keep things unpredictable."
Moreover, the process of applying the Paisley finish leaves room for individuality. As each paper template isn't placed identically, every guitar is guaranteed to display a unique pattern.
"No two guitars will be the exact same," Paisley points out. "One of the paisley designs might even be found around the arm, while another might be placed lower down the neck."
Although this guitar carries a premium price tag, its unique conception and array of features, such as a Glaser G-Bender system and period-accurate details, provide some justification.
When pressed on whether this marks the end of his guitar-making journey or the unveiling of a new chapter, Paisley hints at more surprises to come.
"I've got plans, and Fender might not be so sure," he says, winking. "There's definitely more to come with these signature guitars."
In case you missed it, Paisley, along with Billy Gibbons and Chris Shiflett, helped kick off Fender's new Nashville HQ last year. Meanwhile, fellow Telecaster aficionado Keith Urban is working on a PRS T-style signature, promising key features that a Fender can't deliver.
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- Brad Paisley's new signature Telecaster, a limited collection of 19 handcrafted guitars, will showcase differences in construction compared to Fender's versions.
- Paisley will personally select and use various pickup brands like Seymour Duncan, Lindy Fralin, or Curtis Novak to create unique sounds for each handcrafted guitar.
- Each handcrafted guitar will boast a distinct Paisley pattern, as the paper templates aren't placed identically during the finish application process.
- Paisley hints at more future collaborations with Fender, stating, "I've got plans, and Fender might not be so sure — there's definitely more to come with these signature guitars."
- Several other musicians, such as Billy Gibbons, Chris Shiflett, and Keith Urban, have been involved in collaborations with guitar brands, producing unique signature models.
- Urban is currently working on a PRS T-style signature model, promising features that differentiate it from Fender's offerings.
