There's something regarding a black double bound telecaster that just looks like it belongs on a huge stage under several bright lights. Whilst a standard Tele is definitely a workhorse—the kind of guitar you are able to toss in a van and not worry about—the double bound version feels like it's dressed up for an official event. It's obtained that "tuxedo" character that manages in order to be both extremely classy and a small bit rebellious at the same time.
If you've ever scrolled via guitar forums or spent too very much time on Reverb, you know exactly the look I'm referring to. It's that crisp white or cream-colored strip of holding tracing the best and bottom sides of the jet-black entire body. It's simple, but man, does this make a declaration.
The Miracle from the Double Bound Look
Let's be honest: joining doesn't actually create a guitar audio better. It's purely aesthetic. However in the world of electric guitars, aesthetics are part of the battle. When you get a black double bound telecaster , you simply experience a bit cooler. The binding outlines the iconic shape of the Tele, producing that slab body look a little bit more finished plus intentional.
Regular Teles in many cases are called "slabs" because, well, that's what they are. Simply a thick bit of wood with several electronics crammed in. But when you add that will binding to the particular front and back again, it breaks upward the visual excess weight. It makes the particular guitar look slimmer, more expensive, and honestly, a lot more vintage. It's a design trick that Fender figured out way back within the late 50s, and it's still working its secret today.
A Little Bit associated with History (Without the Boring Stuff)
The entire "Telecaster Custom" thing started about 1959. Back after that, Fender wished to provide something that looked a bit more high-end to contend with the extravagant archtops and the particular sunburst Les Pauls of the world. These people took the standard Telecaster, added several binding, and known as it the Custom Telecaster.
The particular black finish along with the white binding eventually became probably the most sought-after combinations. It wasn't just regarding looking pretty, although. That era of Teles usually presented rosewood fingerboards, which paired perfectly along with the black entire body. It a new black, moody look that will was a huge departure from the particular blonde-and-maple "Blackguard" Teles of the earlier 50s. If you're a fan associated with 60s rock or that garage-band cosmetic, this is the guitar that probably haunts your dreams.
Why Black but not Sunburst?
Now, don't obtain me wrong, the 3-tone sunburst double bound Tele is a beautiful thing. It's the classic "62 Custom" look. But there's a particular gravity to the black double bound telecaster that will sunburst just can't touch. Black is sleek. It's natural. It doesn't issue if you're performing country, punk, indie, or blues—a black guitar always fits the part.
Plus, black color is notoriously great at showing away contrast. That white binding pops therefore much harder against a deep black finish than it does against a grainy wood break open. If you toss a tortoise shell pickguard on there? Forget about it. It's easily among the best-looking instruments available. Or, if you want to move full "tuxedo, " stick with a white or great green pickguard. You really can't drop.
Let's Talk About the Taking part in Feel
Something people often inquire is whether the particular binding affects just how the guitar feels against the body. It's a fair issue. Since a black double bound telecaster doesn't normally have a "belly cut" or an "arm contour, " it's very much the square-edged instrument.
Some players discover that the holding makes the sides feel a bit "sharper" against their own forearm compared in order to a rounded-over Tele. To me, it's a non-issue. It's part of the Telecaster experience. You're wrestling with an item of wood, plus that's half the fun. The presenting actually gives a person an extremely clear feeling of where the guitar is within space. It feels solid, substantial, and purposeful. If you're utilized to playing an acoustic guitar, a double bound Tele will feel here at home.
Choosing the best One with regard to Your Budget
The great information is that you don't need to sell a kidney in order to get your fingers on a black double bound telecaster these days. Depending on how very much you want to spend, right now there are a several standout options.
If you're on a budget, the particular Squier Classic Vibe '60s Custom Telecaster is a total legend. Intended for the price, it's almost stupidly great. It's got that will slim "C" throat, the vintage-style pickups, and most importantly, that gorgeous double binding. A great deal of pros actually use these because their main stage guitars because they look and tone the part without the five-figure vintage price tag.
If you've got a bit more to spend, you might look at the Fender Japanese versions. Fender Japan is famous for producing some of the coolest double bound Teles within history. Their workmanship is top-tier, and they often make use of really interesting wood combinations. And of course, there's the particular Fender American Initial or the Custom Shop stuff if you want the absolute "holy grail" version.
Making It Your Own: Common Mods
Fifty percent the fun associated with owning a Telecaster is tinkering with it. Because the black double bound telecaster is such a traditional platform, it's the particular perfect candidate intended for some personal touches.
- The Pickguard: As I stated, switching the pickguard can totally alter the vibe. The black pickguard upon a black body with white joining? That's the "murdered out" look but with a bit of class. A 3-ply parchment guard provides it that age, vintage feel.
- The Connection: Many of these arrive with the vintage-style three-saddle bridge. Some people love it for that "brass saddle" tone, while others hate it because intonation can be a discomfort. Swapping in certain paid for saddles is a fast fix that retains the look yet improves the playability.
- The particular Pickups: If you would like that 60s "snap" and "twang, " you'll want some low-output Alnico V magnets. But since it's the black guitar, this also looks great with a humbucker within the neck or even even a set of P90s if you're sensation adventurous.
Is definitely It the "Forever" Guitar?
I believe most guitarists proceed through a phase where they want the flashiest, most modern guitar possible. Yet eventually, a lot of us finish up coming back towards the classics. The black double bound telecaster will be one of these devices that never goes out of style. It's not the trend. It appeared cool in 1960, it looked great in 1990, plus it's likely to look cool fifty years from now.
It's the type of electric guitar that ages gracefully, too. When a black guitar begins to obtain some finish wear—a few dings right here, some "checking" there—it just adds to the character. And that white holding will slowly become a creamy, vintage orange over the yrs, making the contrast look even better.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the time, you buy the black double bound telecaster since it makes you need to play. There's a psychological factor that happens when you see a guitar that looks that good sitting on the stand inside your living room. You walk by, you observe the sunshine hitting that top binding, and you just need to pick it upward for a several minutes.
Regardless of whether you're looking regarding your first "real" guitar or you're a seasoned participant adding to a selection, you really can't go wrong right here. It's got the history, it's obtained the tone, and it's got even more style than simply regarding anything else with six strings. It's a workhorse in a suit, and truthfully, what more could you want from a guitar?