The monolithic saddle from Van Dykes Harms is no joke. I have a Suhr thinline that plays and feels amazing in hand, but sounded thin and sometimes even brittle. The bridge and saddle Ben made for me completely brought that guitar to life. Amazing guy to work with, too. We went back and forth for a few days on what I thought my issue was, what I had tried, what he could do and how his hardware could help. Dude was spot on. Cannot recommend him enough.
Quick random fact: Ben Is Leroy's son and played with him quite a lot when Leroy Van Dyke would go out for shows. Google "The Auctioneer" if you're unfamiliar with Leroy Van Dyke.
I have a Rutters on my Classic T that completely woke it up. John likes the Gotoh, but there are better options out there that improve his own guitars. The Rutters compensated saddles also have grooves, which make a big difference compared to the Gotoh. Once I replaced the Gotoh with even just the Rutters, it was night and day on the same guitar with the same strings.
I had Ben do a wood pickguard and matching knobs. Did the ashtray bridge and compensated saddle. But best thing I ever bought from him was a prototype guitar cabinet. Has side fins open back kind of an old Leslie front where the grill is wood all one pice. Loaded with a neo. I use a quilter micro and it is warmer than an old tube amp and with the side fins and front grill it really sounds like an old tube boutique with the total weight of less than 12lbs! Sharing your review.
Norm sounds a little like Huey Lewis! I watch his channel and didn't even know he was a singer/musician. Love it and the solo was great, the new guitar is awesome!
The solo is a masterpiece of hands-on guitar technique with the experience of constructing solos like a story. Utterly brilliant. Note choice, timing, texture all there, brought to life with the tone from that guitar, particularly the front P90.
Okay, 45 seconds in and this one of the best sounding guitars I have ever heard! Wow! The sound and playing style in the beginning reminds me a bit of the tone on last dance with Mary Jane. Just excellent!
Great looking and sounding guitar. Also love that you’re supporting/promoting these small businesses. The more time I spend on RUclips and with your masterclass material the more I realize what a treasure you are to the guitar world.
This video made me feel good, how you are supporting small business and giving some great behind the scenes footage and advice. I have a 40th anniversary Squier Tele that I am proud of, but it has nowhere near the mojo yours has. Then again, I mainly play bass these days. You got me thinking about that saddle though!
Tim! I just want to say that I love your demeanor man! You seem like the kind of dude who would be great to chill with. Awesome guitar playing as well!
Sounds amazing Tim. Great little tune with Norm. Kinda has Huey Lewis vibes. And that guitar is just dripping in vibe. Gotta look at getting one of those bridges on my tele. Keep rocking my friend.
I had not previously heard of Shabat Guitars...your T-style build checks all the boxes for what I would consider a dream guitar. Thanks for sharing! Great session with Norm as well...very inspiring!!
I definitely want to try that monolithic brass saddle, and maybe the extra thick bridge plate too. Beautiful guitar and it sounds great in Tim's hands.
Van Dyke is crazy awesome. Next time get his engine turned chrome stuff. He makes that bridge in engine turned. Either way, his stuff is really killer... your build turned out great, Tim...
Very sweet looking and sounding guitar! Interesting bridge saddle. It's a cool drop-in solution. Leo Fender had a similar idea when he designed the Saddle Lock Bridge back in the late '70's. A set screw locks all of the saddles together. It's on some of the G&L ASAT models.
I was invited to a pool part for rich doctor. For his new pool opening it was unreal . Band was playing hot rod Lincoln told my girl that’s sound like record. It was bill kirchen. I couldn’t believe it. He goes yeah get a call. The dr paid was huge fan of bills . Bill was loving it
Best sounding Tele I ever heard... - that flamed Neck is unreal... and the headstock design is really nice... - Great Guitar in Great Hands and Fingers..!!
I love the look and concept of the bridge and saddle. I want one! It's also bs that the pounding of the brass has anything to do with the tone. Looks awesome though.
Norm has a voice....who knew. The song has a Paul Carrick feel to it with a little Elvis Costello in there. Your tone is my favorite Tim. It's one of the most pleasant sounds in the universe. Love the Tele
The more I listen to Tim the more I like his kool style. He does all this so effortlessly He's rapidly becoming one of my guitar heros. Thanks for airing these Tim!!!
That guitar sounds amazing! Did I miss where you said what the pickups actually are? You talked about making sure they're matched... either way, bookmarking this video to transcribe that incredibly tasty solo at the end. Dang, that was nice!
Norm's got a little bit of a Huey Lewis and the News sound to his vocals. Tim, another Valley boy here, thanks for supporting the local talent on guitars. I haven't heard you mention much about Schecter Guitar Research, also located locally in the SFV ? Worth a look?
Really gorgeous Tele! That bridge and one piece saddle are an interesting new take on the traditional T-style tail piece. I’ve owned and built several Teles thru the last several years. Still have 4 in my collection, on one of which, I just added a Bigsby B-5. Now I want to mod or build another, with that setup. Also, thanks so much for sharing the recording with Norm. Y’all sounded great together n very cool!
@@trevormekelburg3773makes sense. I’m using the Vibramate no drill conversion plate and ashtray bridge. It has three tabs on the back for the three compensated brass saddles that I added. My only complaint with the kit, is the thin plate that goes under the B-5, raises it ever so slightly. That no reduces the break angle and I the two E strings tend to pop out of their slot with bending and heavy playing. I ended up filing the saddle grooves a bit deeper which resolved that issue. Makes me wonder if I’d have to do the same thing with this solid bridge.
What a wonderful tone and solo! Thanks Tim, your YT stuff always makes me smile. Norm with the silky smoov vox, too, what an amazing treat on a stormy, gloomy Saturday!
Loooooove that you started with Neil Young! First observation is you could have cut the body thickness in half. And made it ergonomic, or as we called it in the day, slinky. Just ask the reigning master of the SG. Yes, the slide demon. The blond Gagoober, the Great Slidedeenie. You know.... That GUY! Even the lower horn could've been tapered to cut weight and add style. Sounds great, but I hate it.
Always think I've seen every "style" of guitar Tim is capable of, and then he plays stuff that I'm wowed by yet again. That Tele sounds fantastic. Somehow no matter what pickups you drop in a Telecaster, it still sounds like a Telecaster.
It's great because there is some mojo going on with the bridgeplate of Teles. Great idea to try a humbucker in there. That is a cool take on the Tele bridge, I would buy one if its reasonable.
Close your eyes and you can hear the absolute purity of a harp…. one string and a single finger pluck. You hold in your hands the perfect extension of an ancient musical instrument. Unsurpassed beauty in sound.
Beautiful Tele! I made a similar looking one with Warmoth parts not too long ago and went for that same honeyburst look. And I briefly considered that Van Dyke bridge but I really hate the way ashtray sides interfere with my hand and the $150 pricetag just seemed excessive. I went with the flat-sided Gotoh and it works fine and sounds great.
Wow Norm has a great voice
Just what I was about to write. Not sure why I am surprised.
Reminds me of John Hiatt
@@liedgitarrist Good call!
Evokes a little Elvis Costello, as well.
Norm sounds remarkably like John Hiatt to me
It's impressive how easily tasty solos flow out Tim's playing.
He makes it look so easy I want to destroy my guitar! /s never
The monolithic saddle from Van Dykes Harms is no joke. I have a Suhr thinline that plays and feels amazing in hand, but sounded thin and sometimes even brittle. The bridge and saddle Ben made for me completely brought that guitar to life. Amazing guy to work with, too. We went back and forth for a few days on what I thought my issue was, what I had tried, what he could do and how his hardware could help. Dude was spot on. Cannot recommend him enough.
Quick random fact:
Ben Is Leroy's son and played with him quite a lot when Leroy Van Dyke would go out for shows. Google "The Auctioneer" if you're unfamiliar with Leroy Van Dyke.
I have a Rutters on my Classic T that completely woke it up. John likes the Gotoh, but there are better options out there that improve his own guitars. The Rutters compensated saddles also have grooves, which make a big difference compared to the Gotoh. Once I replaced the Gotoh with even just the Rutters, it was night and day on the same guitar with the same strings.
Wow, that solo was amazing Tim, so full of soul and taste, and that quick position shift of double-stops , wow!!!
I'm totally going to learn it and rip it off as often as possible! Wow!
I had Ben do a wood pickguard and matching knobs. Did the ashtray bridge and compensated saddle. But best thing I ever bought from him was a prototype guitar cabinet. Has side fins open back kind of an old Leslie front where the grill is wood all one pice. Loaded with a neo. I use a quilter micro and it is warmer than an old tube amp and with the side fins and front grill it really sounds like an old tube boutique with the total weight of less than 12lbs! Sharing your review.
Gorgeous guitar Tim!
Norm sounds a little like Huey Lewis! I watch his channel and didn't even know he was a singer/musician. Love it and the solo was great, the new guitar is awesome!
In your hands sounds really good, maestro.
Have that bridge on my partcaster T-style its amazing... now i want to change all my Tele Bridge with it.
So wonderful. heard the song multiple times now on Norn's channel thanks for more of the back story!
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the comment!
Man just love Tim’s playing it’s always the right thing for the song! Damn nice solo…..
The solo is a masterpiece of hands-on guitar technique with the experience of constructing solos like a story. Utterly brilliant. Note choice, timing, texture all there, brought to life with the tone from that guitar, particularly the front P90.
Geeez, Tim, there's clearly no end to how much you inspire.
Our world is a better place with you in it, brother. 🤩
What a fabulous sounding guitar (and player)!
Go Norm! I dig that song and he's got a sound.
That solo just conveys joy and happiness, especially watching tim play it. Thanks tim for reminding everyone there is a better way!
Okay, 45 seconds in and this one of the best sounding guitars I have ever heard! Wow! The sound and playing style in the beginning reminds me a bit of the tone on last dance with Mary Jane. Just excellent!
I always love your phrasing, suspense, and timing.
Beautiful guitar Tim! Enjoy!!
Great looking and sounding guitar. Also love that you’re supporting/promoting these small businesses. The more time I spend on RUclips and with your masterclass material the more I realize what a treasure you are to the guitar world.
Love my Tom Holmes pickups. The bridge really sings with a bit of overdrive (as if you need my opinion 😇)
Just wow. It looks and sounds amazing. Even better, it sounds like it's floating on a cloud in the mix. Well done!
This video made me feel good, how you are supporting small business and giving some great behind the scenes footage and advice. I have a 40th anniversary Squier Tele that I am proud of, but it has nowhere near the mojo yours has. Then again, I mainly play bass these days. You got me thinking about that saddle though!
That's a fine guitar, and the song has a nice vibe. I especially liked the Allman brothers Riff an 9:08.
Tim! I just want to say that I love your demeanor man! You seem like the kind of dude who would be great to chill with. Awesome guitar playing as well!
Sounds amazing Tim. Great little tune with Norm. Kinda has Huey Lewis vibes. And that guitar is just dripping in vibe. Gotta look at getting one of those bridges on my tele. Keep rocking my friend.
I had not previously heard of Shabat Guitars...your T-style build checks all the boxes for what I would consider a dream guitar. Thanks for sharing! Great session with Norm as well...very inspiring!!
Tim, I enjoy your videos immensely. Your playing even more so. That solo was so appropriate to my ear.
I definitely want to try that monolithic brass saddle, and maybe the extra thick bridge plate too. Beautiful guitar and it sounds great in Tim's hands.
Great playing as usual......the guitar looks and sounds stunning! I love Norm's voice especially on that wonderful tune!!
Tim, i really enoyed your solo at the end. I literally laughed from the joy it brought me as I watched and listened.
Norm laid down some great vocals!!
Van Dyke is crazy awesome. Next time get his engine turned chrome stuff. He makes that bridge in engine turned. Either way, his stuff is really killer... your build turned out great, Tim...
That was great Tim! Love your guitar and the solo you did for Norm. He's such a legend down there and I follow his channel faithfully. Great stuff!
What a treat and surprise to see Norm. Looking and sounding great!!!
Very sweet looking and sounding guitar! Interesting bridge saddle. It's a cool drop-in solution. Leo Fender had a similar idea when he designed the Saddle Lock Bridge back in the late '70's. A set screw locks all of the saddles together. It's on some of the G&L ASAT models.
Love it
Bill Kirchen recommends that the Tele control plate should be turned around with the volume knob on top for pinky swells
I was invited to a pool part for rich doctor. For his new pool opening it was unreal . Band was playing hot rod Lincoln told my girl that’s sound like record. It was bill kirchen. I couldn’t believe it. He goes yeah get a call. The dr paid was huge fan of bills . Bill was loving it
What a lovely guitar - and it sings in your hands!
Great tone. Awesome solo.
Best sounding Tele I ever heard... - that flamed Neck is unreal... and the headstock design is really nice... - Great Guitar in Great Hands and Fingers..!!
That guitar is so rad Tim! I love my Shabat
I love the look and concept of the bridge and saddle. I want one!
It's also bs that the pounding of the brass has anything to do with the tone.
Looks awesome though.
Solo is happy and groovy, really fits the tune. Great vocals, splendid guitar tone.
Thank you kindly!
Norm has a voice....who knew.
The song has a Paul Carrick feel to it with a little Elvis Costello in there.
Your tone is my favorite Tim. It's one of the most pleasant sounds in the universe.
Love the Tele
And a little bit of Gary Brooker!!!
And Huey Lewis?
Gorgeous guitar and solo! Norm's vocals are a revelation! 😎
great video!
Just wow tone! Such a beautiful instrument and your playing Tim, it is as smooth as it gets. Thank you…
Love your tele there 🙌👍🎵🎶🎸😎💝
Very inspiring indeed , So Great to hear & see Norm sing , thank you Tim , you've warmed my heart 👌👍great Guitar too..
The more I listen to Tim the more I like his kool style. He does all this so effortlessly
He's rapidly becoming one of my guitar heros. Thanks for airing these Tim!!!
great looking and unbelievable sounding tele. awesome job highlighting small business custom shop
That guitar sounds amazing! Did I miss where you said what the pickups actually are? You talked about making sure they're matched... either way, bookmarking this video to transcribe that incredibly tasty solo at the end. Dang, that was nice!
Nice ! Just got my UAFX Dream 65 and lovin it.
Really like the sound of your new guitar and Norm can sing!
That massive bridge pan and saddles are going to give you loads of tele twang, AND sustain for days.
Really enjoyed seeing the detail in the build process and hearing the finished product. Great vid.
Tim, Thank you for sharing your knowledge and reminding us we must never forget May 4th, 1970.
Norm's got a little bit of a Huey Lewis and the News sound to his vocals. Tim, another Valley boy here, thanks for supporting the local talent on guitars. I haven't heard you mention much about Schecter Guitar Research, also located locally in the SFV ? Worth a look?
Nothing more fun, inspiring, and cool - than working with the guy building your guitar. Small builders rule!
Really gorgeous Tele! That bridge and one piece saddle are an interesting new take on the traditional T-style tail piece. I’ve owned and built several Teles thru the last several years. Still have 4 in my collection, on one of which, I just added a Bigsby B-5. Now I want to mod or build another, with that setup.
Also, thanks so much for sharing the recording with Norm. Y’all sounded great together n very cool!
They make a tele bridge like that for a Bigsby too!
@@trevormekelburg3773makes sense. I’m using the Vibramate no drill conversion plate and ashtray bridge. It has three tabs on the back for the three compensated brass saddles that I added.
My only complaint with the kit, is the thin plate that goes under the B-5, raises it ever so slightly. That no reduces the break angle and I the two E strings tend to pop out of their slot with bending and heavy playing. I ended up filing the saddle grooves a bit deeper which resolved that issue.
Makes me wonder if I’d have to do the same thing with this solid bridge.
Wow. Norm put the vocals whammy on us. Great solo Tim.
Hey I was floored when I heard norm sing this song, great job norm ❤
Great guitar Tim and your solo was wonderful bless you. 😊
That was one HELL of a solo! Captured the essence of the song too.
What a wonderful tone and solo! Thanks Tim, your YT stuff always makes me smile. Norm with the silky smoov vox, too, what an amazing treat on a stormy, gloomy Saturday!
Loooooove that you started with Neil Young! First observation is you could have cut the body thickness in half. And made it ergonomic, or as we called it in the day, slinky. Just ask the reigning master of the SG. Yes, the slide demon. The blond Gagoober, the Great Slidedeenie. You know.... That GUY! Even the lower horn could've been tapered to cut weight and add style. Sounds great, but I hate it.
Wow that sounds great! I wanna try those saddles and bridge plate combo
Exquisite note choices and groove.
Much respect to you Tim, and much joy!
Great video but so so cool to see And hear NORM SING. Well done.
so glad you enjoyed it :-)
Love the intro, Ohio ,I remember sitting around with mates in the 70s listening to ,4 way street when your only choice was LP.
I have that bridge on my DGN Daniel Donato “Epoch” tele. So quality!
Hi Tim, that is a sweet looking and sounding guitar! Norm's vocals sounded great as well!
Beautiful tele, and great job on the tune with Norm!
Anything you plug into that gear will sound amazing.
That was a really tight fitting neck pocket. Great for sustain. These guys know what they're doing.
What an interesting solo ! Thank you Tim & Norm...
With you playing it it will always sound good
It looks great. Sounds great too.
I love the tone of the Neck P/U on that guitar.
4:00 nice playing. I heard it with closed eyes. Pure pleasure.
the brass saddle reminds me of hammed bronze snare drums. very cool
Always think I've seen every "style" of guitar Tim is capable of, and then he plays stuff that I'm wowed by yet again. That Tele sounds fantastic. Somehow no matter what pickups you drop in a Telecaster, it still sounds like a Telecaster.
Looks and sounds awesome beautiful, you make them all sound good
I see the Pops Stapleton influence for sure. Very reminsint of To late to turn back now. Love it!!!
Oh my that's gorgeous, Tim - from the first notes you played in this video - WOW. Beautiful visually and sonically.
YAh..Great job Norman!
Agreed norm has a killer voice! Wow!
Nice. I had a Les Paul made with Tom Holmes humbuckers in the '90s.
!Sounds like my
Max Twang Teles.
Use 1 meg pots too.
Tone knobs become amazing.!
No wah pedals ever needed.
Always a pleasure to hear you.
It's great because there is some mojo going on with the bridgeplate of Teles. Great idea to try a humbucker in there. That is a cool take on the Tele bridge, I would buy one if its reasonable.
Gorgeous guitar Tim, always impressed with your playing.
Close your eyes and you can hear the absolute purity of a harp…. one string and a single finger pluck. You hold in your hands the perfect extension of an ancient musical instrument. Unsurpassed beauty in sound.
Wow. Such beautiful guitar playing.
Thanks a lot!
Beautiful Tele! I made a similar looking one with Warmoth parts not too long ago and went for that same honeyburst look. And I briefly considered that Van Dyke bridge but I really hate the way ashtray sides interfere with my hand and the $150 pricetag just seemed excessive. I went with the flat-sided Gotoh and it works fine and sounds great.
Now THAT'S a beautiful guitar! Congrats on the new addition!
Thanks!
That’s gotta be the coolest Tele I’ve ever seen. 😁👍
Beautiful guitar. Tasty riffs Thank you and keep making videos that inspire