Connecticut-based RWM Guitars continues to impress with their custom creations, and this Tele-style guitar is no exception. As a content creator for guitarplayers.net, I had the opportunity to explore this unique instrument, the second of four custom builds from RWM, and delve into what makes it stand out in a market saturated with Telecasters. Priced at $1500.00 (from rwmguitars.com), this guitar offers a blend of vintage aesthetics and modern sonic capabilities.
Overview & Final Score: 8.4
Having four distinct RWM Guitars custom builds in hand for review is a treat. While the semi-hollow double cut model initially grabbed my attention as a favorite, this Tele-design variant quickly emerged as a strong contender. Staying consistent with RWM’s current builds, this guitar features a comfortable Maple neck and Rosewood fretboard, hosting 21 frets. Grover Original Locking Rotomatic tuners and a traditional Tele bridge ensure stable tuning and reliable performance. Electronically, it adheres to the classic Tele layout with volume, tone, and a 3-way switch, controlling a pair of GFS Dream 180 humbucker pickups. However, the construction takes a fascinating turn beyond these familiar appointments. Echoing the previous semi-hollow Tele reviewed, the top of this guitar is crafted from reclaimed wood sourced from an 1889 Estey Pump Organ. This piece of history rests upon a 3-piece body constructed from locally sourced Walnut sandwiched between locally sourced Maple. This unique body construction results in a visually striking back, simple yet undeniably elegant.
Sound: 8
These GFS Dream 180 humbuckers are voiced with considerable bite. Their high output and pronounced treble frequencies enable this Tele Guitar to effectively cut through a mix. Personally, I found the pickups to lean towards the brighter side, requiring a slight adjustment to the tone knob to suit my preference. While the semi-hollow double cut model exhibited a light and full sound with almost acoustic-like qualities, this Tele leans closer to the sonic territory of a Les Paul. The combination of Walnut and Maple in the body imparts a noticeable heft, contrasting with the lighter Pine bodies sometimes used by RWM. Despite this solid-body feel, the guitar still delivers impressive natural sustain, though it might not possess the airy chime often associated with traditional thinline Tele-style guitars. Clean tones are remarkably clear and articulate, yet retain that bright and snappy character. This sonic profile makes it exceptionally well-suited for indie and alternative rock lead lines, capable of piercing through layers of synths and bass.
RWM Guitars Custom Semi-Hollow Tele Guitar Review – Full Body View
When distortion enters the equation, this guitar truly comes alive. The inherent output of the pickups naturally drives a tube amplifier, and adding a tube screamer pedal unleashes wonderfully crunchy tones. It also exhibits that desirable broken-up, natural distortion response, where the intensity of your picking or strumming directly translates to the aggressiveness of the guitar’s sound. The result is a Telecaster that ventures into Les Paul territory, granting this RWM creation a distinct personality and broad appeal. While my personal preference leans towards the more traditional thinline Tele voicing, the Les Paul-esque character of this instrument offers a compelling alternative.
Playability: 8.5
The fretwork on this custom tele guitar is executed with precision, contributing to a smooth and comfortable playing experience across the entire neck. The light finish applied to the Maple neck prevents any unwanted stickiness, enhancing playability. The Grover locking tuners, while not top-of-the-line in terms of performance compared to some premium models, still effectively maintain tuning stability. However, similar to some Les Paul experiences, the G string exhibited a slight tendency to drift out of tune occasionally. Aside from this minor point, the overall tuning stability and reliability were comfortably above average. With RWM Guitars, it seems the primary focus is often on the unique tonewoods and intriguing pickup configurations. Nevertheless, RWM deserves credit for setting up this guitar with excellent action straight out of the box, making it instantly gig-ready with minimal adjustments.
Finish & Construction: 9
RWM Guitars once again shines in their utilization of reclaimed and locally sourced tonewoods. The captivating vintage wood, originating from an 1889 Estey Organ, graces the top of a chambered Maple/Walnut body. As illustrated below, the Walnut layer is strategically positioned between the Maple, creating a visually captivating aesthetic on the guitar’s back. The Maple is sourced from New Haven, Connecticut, humorously noted as the pizza capital of America. The Walnut is reclaimed from historic Main Street in Westport, Connecticut, a picturesque seaside town. This incorporation of historical wood, imbued with character and a story, stands as a significant selling point and a defining characteristic of RWM Guitars. The hardware, electronics, and overall finish are all impeccably executed. A thin gloss finish protects the aged wood while allowing the natural grain to prominently show through. For players who appreciate the visual beauty of natural wood grain, this guitar is certainly worth considering.
RWM Guitars Custom Tele Guitar Back – Reclaimed Walnut and Maple Body Construction
Value: 8
Assessing the value proposition of these RWM guitars presents a slight dilemma. The construction, visual appeal, and overall feel undeniably reach boutique standards, making the $1500 price point seem almost modest for a non-mass-produced, high-quality instrument. Conversely, while the pickups sound impressive, they might not be a primary justification for the price for some players seeking specific brand-name components. However, if you approach this purchase with the right perspective, it represents an above-average value. If you prioritize a guitar with inherent character, distinctive pickup options, and a compelling historical narrative, RWM likely offers some of the most accessible instruments in this category. Conversely, buyers expecting a purely master-luthier boutique product, solely defined by premium brand-name pickups, might find themselves slightly underwhelmed. As a Fender aficionado, I personally view this guitar as a worthwhile investment, providing access to Les Paul-esque tones within a Telecaster-style package that aligns with my preferences. Ultimately, this custom tele guitar receives a strong endorsement.
Good for: Les Paul Enthusiasts, Indie and Alternative Rock Musicians, Telecaster Players Seeking Something Different, High Output Players
