For a significant portion of my musical journey, the rich and powerful sound of electric guitars equipped with humbucker pickups was my sonic preference. The robust and smooth rock and roll character of humbuckers resonated deeply with my musical sensibilities. My collection boasted a range of humbucker-laden guitars, from several Les Pauls to my Bell Custom Guitars Jazzblaster, a PRS Starla, a Duesenberg Star Player, an Epiphone Sheraton, and my iconic Gretsch White Falcon.
However, as my guitar playing and musical tastes matured, I found myself increasingly drawn to the distinct clarity and articulation of telecaster-style guitars. There’s an undeniable allure to that bright, chiming tone. As my band, Green River Ordinance (GRO), explored more country-infused musical landscapes, my guitar playing naturally followed suit. About two years ago, I also transitioned away from Marshall-style boutique amplifiers (EL84s with 12AX7s) in favor of Fender-style amplifiers powered by 6L6 tubes. The cleaner, more open tones of these amps perfectly complemented the direction GRO was pursuing at the time.
During the recording sessions for our latest album, “Fifteen,” telecasters became my go-to guitars in the studio. The majority of the guitar tracks on “Fifteen” were recorded using telecaster-style instruments through vintage Fender amps or Tyler Amps.
Upon completing the album, I realized the necessity of adding a telecaster-type guitar to my collection to faithfully reproduce the album’s tones in live performances. However, after years of playing heavier instruments like my Les Paul Custom and the substantial Gretsch White Falcon, I desired something with a bit more presence than a standard Telecaster. I envisioned a slightly larger body and a touch of custom flair. My goal was to capture the essence of a Telecaster sound but with my own personal twist – and, of course, it had to be white and gold.
My search for the perfect custom guitar led me to extensive research on various custom guitar builders. It was during this exploration that I discovered Veritas Guitars based in Oregon, and I was immediately captivated. I was drawn to how their guitars embodied a classic aesthetic and feel while possessing their own unique style, vibe, and visual appeal. They weren’t simply replicating Fender designs, a common practice among many “custom” builders.
Image alt text: Handcrafted Veritas guitars displayed in the Oregon workshop, showcasing the brand’s dedication to custom guitar building.
I reached out to Casey at Veritas Guitars, and we immediately connected. His genuine craftsmanship and passion for guitar building were evident from our first conversation. Veritas Guitars handcrafts each instrument, tailoring them to the specific needs and preferences of the artist. Beyond his skill as a luthier, Casey is simply a fantastic person to work with.
I conveyed to Casey my vision: a larger Jazzmaster-style body, hand-wound vintage-style tele pickups, a Bigsby tremolo, 3-way switching, an ash body, and a maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. He embraced the project, and six months later, I received a guitar that exceeded all expectations. It was, and remains, one of the most stunning guitars I have ever laid eyes on.
Image alt text: Close-up of the custom white and gold Veritas guitar named “Pearl”, highlighting the Bigsby tremolo and hand-wound pickups.
The playability is exceptional, and it has completely revolutionized my live guitar tone. “Pearl,” as I affectionately named her after my newborn daughter’s middle name, delivers incredible chime, remarkable sustain, and that classic bright telecaster sparkle. It’s incredibly comfortable to play and exudes a unique vibe that’s all its own. If you’re at one of our shows, be sure to come say hello to “Pearl.” Exploring Veritas Guitars has not only provided me with an exceptional instrument but also opened my eyes to the artistry and dedication of boutique guitar builders who are pushing the boundaries of tone and design. For guitar players seeking a truly unique and high-quality instrument, Veritas Guitars is a brand worth exploring.
