Waylon Jennings, a name synonymous with Outlaw Country, cemented his place in music history from his early days playing bass with Buddy Holly in the late 1950s to his performances with The Highwaymen well into the 90s. A Fender guitar was almost an extension of Jennings himself, and more often than not, that Fender was his cherished, leather-clad 1954 Telecaster. This iconic instrument is now celebrated in a meticulous recreation: the Limited Edition Masterbuilt Waylon Jennings Telecaster® Relic®.
Crafted by Custom Shop Masterbuilder David Brown in close collaboration with the Jennings family, this Telecaster is more than just a guitar; it’s a tribute to a legend. Brown painstakingly recreated every detail of Waylon’s original instrument, capturing the wear and tear accumulated over decades of performances and songwriting. The guitar starts with a 2-piece ash body, finished in the period-accurate Butterscotch Blonde, a classic Fender hue that peeks out from under the signature hand-tooled leather cover. This distinctive leather wrap is not merely cosmetic; it’s integral to the guitar’s identity, mirroring Waylon’s unique style.
The neck is carved from a one-piece quartersawn maple, shaped to a comfortable 10/56 “V” profile. This neck shape is known for providing a substantial feel in the hand, favored by many players for its comfortable grip and vintage vibe. Paired with a 7.25″ radius fingerboard and 21 Vintage Upgrade (45085) frets, the playing experience is authentically vintage, encouraging soulful bends and classic Telecaster playability.
Sonically, the Limited Edition Waylon Jennings Telecaster® Relic® is equipped to deliver the twang and bite that defined Waylon’s sound. Custom Shop Hand-Wound ’50/’51 Blackguard pickups are at the heart of this guitar, providing the unmistakable tones of an early-1950s Telecaster. Expect clear, crisp highs, a balanced midrange, and a solid low end – perfect for country, rock, blues, and everything in between. The modern Telecaster wiring with a 3-way switch offers familiar and intuitive control over these vintage-voiced pickups.
The hardware appointments further enhance the vintage authenticity and functionality of this Waylon Jennings Guitar. A ’51-’54 Tele® bridge with brass barrel saddles contributes to the classic Telecaster resonance and sustain, while Schaller M6 tuning machines, along with a low E Banjo tuner, offer rock-solid tuning stability and a touch of period-correct flair. A bone nut and single disc string tree complete the vintage-accurate hardware package.
This Masterbuilt Telecaster is not just an instrument; it’s a collector’s piece. It comes with a custom western tooled case and a custom tooled leather strap, echoing the aesthetic of Waylon’s original guitar. A Certificate of Authenticity assures its pedigree and limited edition status. For fans of Waylon Jennings and aficionados of finely crafted guitars, the Limited Edition Masterbuilt Waylon Jennings Telecaster® Relic® is a unique opportunity to own a piece of music history, meticulously recreated to honor an Outlaw Country legend and his iconic guitar.
