Officially announced last week was the news of Susan Tedeschi’s first ever signature guitar. Fender has honoured the talented blues guitarist, singer, songwriter with her first Fender® signature guitar, patterned after Tedeschi’s instantly identifiable Caribbean Mist 1993 American Standard Tele®, which is featured on the cover of her seminal album Just Won’t Burn and has been her go-to guitar for over 30 years.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips had the pleasure of catching up with Susan Tedeschi over a zoom call to chat about the signature Telecaster, what it means to her and we also discussed her recent Australian tour for Bluesfest and more.
MORE ABOUT SUSAN TEDESCHI AND HER FENDER SIGNATURE TELECASTER
Known for her powerful vocal performances and dynamic musicality, Susan Tedeschi began her career in Boston in the early ‘90s, garnering a significant regional following for her soulful brand of guitar playing. Following the release of Just Won’t Burn, Tedeschi found international acclaim, and since then her unyielding commitment to her craft – both as a solo artist and in Tedeschi Trucks Band – has earned her the adoration of audiences around the world, as well as a Grammy win for Blues Album of the year for Revelator (with Tedeschi Trucks Band) and an additional seven nominations including Best New Artist, Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, Best Contemporary Blues Album (for Wait For Me, Hope And Desire and Back To The River) and Best Contemporary Blues Album.
“Honestly, it’s a dream,” said Susan Tedeschi on launching her new signature Telecaster. “I just wanted to be able to play the guitar, nevermind have one that is a signature model, so it’s an incredible honour.” On her hopes for those who pick up the guitar, Susan continued, “Just have fun with it, and make up your own stuff. There’s no rules – if it sounds good, it is good.”
Susan Tedeschi Telecaster® ($1899.99 USD, £1,999.00 GBP, €2,299.00 EUR, $3,299.00 AUD, ¥283,800 JPY) One of the most celebrated musicians of her generation, Susan Tedeschi’s powerful vocal performances and dynamic musicality are a testament to the vital emotive power of the blues. Her musical catalog as a solo artist and with Grammy-award winning Tedeschi Trucks Band showcases her prowess on both vocals and guitar. The Susan Tedeschi Telecaster® is patterned after the instantly identifiable Caribbean Mist 1993 American Standard Tele® that has been Susan’s go-to since she first picked it up. Featured on the cover of Tedeschi’s seminal album “Just Won’t Burn” and still synonymous with her soulful brand of blues 25 years since – the simple sophistication of the Susan Tedeschi Telecaster® shines brightly. From the slim Tedeschi “C” neck profile and modern block steel saddle bridge to the custom-voiced pickups and indispensable TBX tone circuit, these carefully calibrated elements combine to ensure that each Susan Tedeschi Telecaster® delivers the authentic tone and inspiring playability of Tedeschi’s treasured original.
“Susan Tedeschi is a major force in contemporary blues-based music, and it’s so exciting to be honouring her with her very own signature guitar,” said Justin Norvell, EVP Product at FMIC. “Fans of Tedeschi will be very familiar with her original 1993 American Standard Telecaster® and its iconic Caribbean Mist finish, so it’s great to be able to offer them such a faithful recreation. With its supremely comfortable slim “C” neck and incredible custom-voiced pickups, this model offers an exceptionally enjoyable playing experience.”
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