When I look at my web stats, I continue to be amazed at the number of people who use the keywords “Telecaster Jazz” and end up here. I had no idea how many people were seeking such information. For today’s installment, I found this photo of the great Howard Roberts.
Howard Roberts was an exceptional jazz guitar player; exceptional. Seek out his music. The album that I wore out was, “H.R. Is A Dirty Guitar Player”. He was more known for playing Gibson’s. Early pictures usually show him with a 175. Later on, he used different versions of his various Gibson signature models. The Howard Robert’s Fusion model is a favorite of mine.
This picture looks like it was taken at a recording session. Howard was an L.A. session guy back in the heyday. Most of his contemporaries in the studios were very adept jazz players. The guys like Tommy Tedesco and Howard, who did a lot of T.V. and film soundtrack work on top of record dates, were also well versed in all other styles of music. These guys usually kept a Tele in the trick bag.
Now, they may have used the Telecaster when only they were called upon to play a surf thing, or a blues thing or the odd psychedelic sounding track for a hippy scene in a movie but, there is still a Jazz-Tele connection here.
My theory is this; These guys were more comfortable with a Telecaster than other guitars when they were called on to play other kinds of stuff. As I’ve said before, Tele’s are known for having an even dynamic response across the six strings. This is a trait that one looks for in a jazz guitar. When you play jazz chords, you want the notes to be of even volume.
Again there is the absence of a middle pick-up on the Telecaster as opposed to say, a Stratocaster. Most jazz guys use some variation of a finger picking technique, maybe not exclusively but, most of them will throw it in there. The middle pick-up gets in the way.
Jazz guys are known for using heavy string gauges. Howard was definitely no exception here. A Telecaster will hold up to heavy strings and, you can still get the characteristic bite out of one where other guitars will sound thud-like. So, if you are used to heavy strings and you are asked to emulate a twangy surf part or country hoe-down you can achieve it on a Tele.
By the way, one very famous guitar part that Howard Roberts played, that you have all heard, is the “Twilight Zone” theme. It’s definitely got the twang factor. My just be our guy Howard, working it out on the illustrious Telecaster.
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Tags: Howard Roberts, Telecaster Jazz
Pat wrote,
Hi Ya:
Jack, I am looking at your categories and you are Music, Culture, News then Baseball/Celebrity: [I left out Ramble because while a neighbor it tends to contain elements of all the others] and I put these as index.
So, 38% of your outpouring is music related 111 out of 301. Now my apology: I don’t expect others to understand fully, but this is why I shirk at commenting on Pribek Music articles. Music subjects are something I enjoy listening to, and reading about. Unfortunately, I have very few music anecdotes to share. I play instruments to keep my fingers from getting all arthritic.
Without being a nuisance, while wanting to be a good Palikar, I will let you know I have read one when I put my “subjective star value” on your Music Articles and a word or two. And that should let Jack and company know someone is reading, and learning.
Okay, Pal-o-mine? Also, all you others will be read too. I enjoy the blog for these stories. Though, I hesitate to parlay with commentators for the same shyness factor. So you trundling fools can let me be part of, while not getting exacerbated with me.
***** (five stars)
Tele Jazz — I never knew anything about it till this article.
Note: Pat 2, my little guy, has a Tele. I had to string it upside down because he is a lefty. Now he flips it over, plays both ways, or plays it on his lap. He plays violin, and that is always righty due to orchestra playing. I tell him that he is blessed to have such a strong left hand with string and percussion instruments.
Questions:
–How do you tell the age of a dusty Tele?
–What kind of beginner amp?
–Early on which weight strings for beginners?
–Other stuff that veterans could suggest for a would be jammer?
–Such as: There are lots of Pawn shops in College Station, A&M Univ, is that a good source for equipment?
As always, thanks
Pat
Pat’s last blog post..Tat not for Tit
Link | January 28th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Pribek wrote,
Hmmm….Advice for the Telelorn; Take 1
How do you tell the age of a dusty Tele?
Fender guitar manufacturing dates can generally be found. You need to have the serial# which through the years has appeared in different locations on the guitar. Google Telecaster serial numbers and you can find what you need.
What kind of beginner amp?
I would recommend a small tube amp. Fender tube amps are a natural choice but, there are actually many makes and models that would be real good for a little shaver. The Fender Deluxe Reverb is a fantastic amp that is small enough to practice with and also has enough gazooch to play gigs as well. They have become sought after and may be pricey for what you are thinking. The Fender Champ is smaller, more for practice although, very good for recording. Fender is also currently manufacturing a 5 watt tube amp for under $200. I don’t remember the name and have not heard one.
Early on which weight strings for beginners?
I’d say a set in which the gauges start at .009, would be a jumping off point.
Other stuff that veterans could suggest for a would be jammer?
Play with other musicians is the best advice I can give.
There are lots of Pawn shops in College Station, A&M Univ, is that a good source for equipment?
I don’t frequent pawn shops. As Steve Goodman said; “I hate graveyards and old pawn shops, for they always bring me tears”. That being said, college towns are usually pretty good places to find gear ’cause, most all college kids arrive with fantasies of becoming rock stars but, pretty soon the reality that they need beer money sets in.
Link | January 28th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Clay Eals wrote,
Good to see your post with its passing mention of Steve Goodman. He often doesn’t get his due. You might be interested in my new 800-page biography, “Steve Goodman: Facing the Music.” The book delves deeply into the genesis of songs associated with Goodman, including John Prine’s “Souvenirs,” from which you quote. Prine is a huge source in the book among my 1,000-plus interviewees.
Please know that the book’s first printing just sold out, all 5,000 copies, and the publisher has authorized a second printing that will be out in late February. To sign up to be notified about the availability of the second printing, visit my Internet site (below) and click on the “mailing list” page. Or you can pre-order a second-printing copy at the “online store” page. Just trying to spread word about the book. Feel free to do the same!
Clay Eals
1728 California Ave. S.W. #301
Seattle, WA 98116-1958
(206) 935-7515
(206) 484-8008
ceals@comcast.net
http://www.clayeals.com
Link | January 29th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Pribek wrote,
“Please know that the book’s first printing just sold out, all 5,000 copies”
Congrats on that, Clay. I’m glad that you wrote a book about Steve Goodman and it’s even better to see that there is a good deal of interest in it.
Link | January 29th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Patrick wrote,
Thanks Jack, you know it helps to get some direction. and plusses:
“…most all college kids arrive with fantasies of becoming rock stars but, pretty soon the reality that they need beer money sets in…” It is the same with golf. Never saw so many golf sets available.
I like to listen in here, Pribek.net, ’cause I get the straight up. You, too Clay, dba ceals.
>pd,1&2
Patrick’s last blog post..Tat not for Tit
Link | January 30th, 2008 at 10:39 am