I think as I've gotten older, I think that I've become a much bigger fan of having just one or two guitars that are great and upgraded how I want rather than having a million guitars that barely get played. Just my thoughts.
Same. I’m older now and have hoovered up all the dream guitars that I would have died for as a young gigging musician. Now I just want one. The question though is which one? I like them all….😱😂
Same. I’ve been playing two excellent Novo guitars and it’s all I need. I’m not sure if it’s age thing or just playing so many guitars you figure out what you connect with.
I recently went through something similar. I have some instruments and amps on consignment at a local shop. Some have sold and I have enough to pick up something more expensive. They have a custom built tele by someone you all know. I'm not here to belittle their instrument. It was what I had always dreamed of in butterscotch with the black pickguard. I have a Squier version of it along with several other nice teles. After playing alongside my other teles for a couple of days, I had to do some real soul searching on that one. In the end, I returned it. My CV Squier plays and sounds just as nice at one tenth of the price. I'm not a rich guy and my skill level doesn't justify it.
John, you're old, experienced enough to know whether it's a "lifetime guitar". You've had tons of fun dabbling in all the other flavors out there but when you find a "right one" the choice is obvious, to me anyway. I would "cull the herd" and keep only the special guitars that speak to you. Life will be simpler, and you'll have more room for your growing family. Go for it!
Once guitars started costing in the thousands of dollars, I took a different approach. I started making my own. For $1,100 I made a guitar that is every bit as nice as the tele you are holding. And absolutely everything on it suites ME. Rolling your own is an option that holds costs down, and the net result can go toe to toe with anything out there.
I think you make a valid point here where bolt on necks are concerned. I recently did the same. Bought all the bits to make my own telecaster and it cost about £850 all in for the best of the best in every aspect. I picked up a Mexican fender U shape nocaster neck in a sale for it and it turned out to be the worst part of the lot. The nut was cut badly and the frets were rubbish so I had to pay a luthier to correct that as it was above my pay grade. Plays and sounds great now with Monty's 68 Tele pickups and a 5 way selector loom but fender to be honest were as disappointing as Gibson with their awful QC. Point is though, it plays and sounds awesome now for less than half of a USA fender. And it weighed less than most fender teles I've ever owned.
I don't know mate... There's something to be said about a skills craftsman making an instrument. It's not like John did not make a parts-caster tele, have a custom T guitar (K-Line). There must be something going on with that Nacho... But making instruments is fun for sure.
@mofateam1 Thanks for the heads up on that one. Members Only? Thanks-bye. Absolutely effin' not. This whole b-ll-ckry about getting a is getting too much. George Benson learnt to play on a broken guitar rescued from a rubbish heap, it was his step dad who restored it; Blackie is a bitsa-Strat, etc. I would rather my nachos be edible corn chips, dipped in salsa and cheese.
Very much this. Other yellow flags: payment only accepted via wire transfer (so no third-party recourse for getting your money back if something goes wrong), and that all products are sold as "used" so no warranty on the product, and all insurance claims to be handled by the purchaser should something go wrong shipping the product to you.
@@simongregory3114I think they cost about 6 k us new. I have two. One I got in 2016 new from nacho and one I found used. But they come up used on reverb pretty frequently too
I have often mulled this one over with my own guitars but have come to the conclusion that the variety I have in terms of different pickups and styles of guitar is far more beneficial to me than just having the one guitar. I owned only 2 guitars until I reached 42 years old so wanted to go on the journey and see what all these different instruments have to offer. Some are cheap, some were not but I love being able to choose from a whole spectrum of tones. I suppose if you are a pro working musician it doesn't make as much sense if you are identified for a certain sound. For example, I have owned , sold and then repurchased strats and teles so now I just keep the ones I own and like playing. It's no different than liking fast cars, playing has been a passion since I was 13 years old so you are going to accrue some gear, just enjoy it or get rid if you genuinely aren't.
I love the v-neck, I've got a reproduction neck with that profile! The magic of the sound of this guitar really became obvious to me when it went particularly microphonic for a moment there -- I think that microphonic aspect is there in the sound always, and with such an acoustically responsive instrument (as this must be) it comes alive when plugged in and responding to the amp.
I’m a Tele man myself . Been that way for 25 years. And I was just about to say this Tele sounds RIGHTEOUS!! Paired with the amp you’re playing it through. From watching your latest video I came to this one just to hear THAT guitar.
Couple of years ago I sold 11 guitars and bought three Collings guitars…I’ve since gone back to playing less expensive PRS Mira X guitars…about time for me to think about purging some “channel guitars” myself.
I have started to play my first ever guitar, bought in the early 90, it is a samick cheap one. It looks steller in the colors, like ive never seen before. Upgraded the pickups and adjustet it and sanded the neck and now it plays in the same ballpark as my custom guitars. Only thing is it has a floyd rose that i wish it ditnt, but I still love it. My worst problem child is my Duesenberg. Nothing wrong with it, but we dont bond. But it looks so great there on the wall. But its a 3000 dollar guitar
You are quickly becoming one of my favorite guitar players on the internet. Sometimes, the truly great guitars choose the truly great player. No brainer to me. Do what ever you have to to get it. It will be a lifelong companion
John - I watched the video you did approximately a month ago when you borrowed Jake's Nacho. Since then, I ended up buying one used and I couldn't agree with you more. I now believe 100% in finding "the one" and not needing so many. Jack - Moody Guitar Straps
I got this one second hand too whilst at Carter’s in Nashville, as I couldn’t afford a new one in the U.K.! SOOOO worth it right? Love your straps by the way man! 👊🏻
I did exactly that. I sold two of my guitars that don't get much playing time and ordered a Nachocaster. Delivery is now in January. I think it's better to have few guitars that really speaks to you. Go for it😊!
I feel you... I do this sort of thing all the time But $8k??!!!! For a tele?!!! No Its a slab of wood with a neck and a bridge screwed on it I have built several vintage type telecasters sourcing high-quality parts and having a master Luthier finish the instruments once I've done the basics They were equal or better than the best telecasters I've ever played At most, they ran me 2K if I went all out. I can give some pointers if you desire. Nice work on the channel Jonathan
John, In the US, there are many who believe a Nachocaster to be a great T style guitar. A good friend who loves Teles has played two Nachocasters in NYC. Each time he was so impressed in every way. He reacted just as it appears you are to both of these guitars. I think you’re on the right track with your thinking on this one.
I would look into Danocasters as well if you are interested in that caliber of instrument and cannot find a Nacho... for instance, I have owned close to 15 Strats in my lifetime (ranging from Mexican Fender to Custom Shop), and my Danocaster is by far and away the most solid playing and best sounding of the lot - and his T-styles are even more well known than his S-styles. I am personally 100% in the camp that you should consolidate your gear and get rid of stuff that doesn't resonate with you, to buy "the one", or at least, something you will enjoy much more than the sum of the rest of the other "meh" ones. I also went through a similar journey of wanting to be a collector (my pedal collection can attest to that), but when I found the guitars that just spoke to me, it really pushed me to realizing how much more important connecting with a specific instrument is, at least for me. And taking them to gigs is not a problem... if I don't trust the venue, I will just take the guitar with me before and after playing. Just food for thought.
Nachos former luthier Javier Alemany who built all the Nachos and made the relics from 2015 to 2021 runs a company of his own called Candy Old guitars which cost around half of the Nachos...
Maybe the best looking relic job I've ever seen, a nice set of pickups, and a cult following name. That's it over a regular good tele. The pickups and electronics are easy and not particularly expensive. So you just have to be comfortable with paying $5k extra for the relic job and the name. Same with Danocaster. All that said, that relic job has a lot of mojo !!
Thanks for this John. It is helping to inspire me back to playing the guitar after losing 90% of my skills after a stroke and losing motor skills on my left side. My fingers are very difficult to control . However your play of this guitar inspires me to work hard to get back to my Ciustom Shop Wildwood 10. Which is lovely guitar that I so miss being able to play.
Guitarpoint in Frankfurt is about to sell another batch of nachocasters. That's like the only chance to test a few. But then again they are sold in a heartbeat.
I went from 9 really good guitars down to three, and I love it. 2 electric and 1 acoustic, and all perfect for what they do and for gigging. I've really enjoyed having "less" options. Less distractions and equipment options just helps me to get to playing good music more quickly..
That reliced finish is really amazing. I've seen his guitars being sold on GuitarPoint and each one is as close to a reliced original as I've seen, especially the bodies. I think that only the guy from 8Bomb Custom is matching that.
I think this guitar sounds pretty incredible myself. First, every single note has so much physical presence. Secondly, across the fretboard from the bottom to top E, there is so much balance volume and tone wise. No tonal area dominates any other, all the strings bite if you want that. You get all the clarity you can want, and just striking strings harder gets you into the overdrive area. It's both sweet and hard edged at the same time. My US made Tele is very similar to this and it's a "lifer" for me.
Go For It! I did the same thing in 2020 and sold a bunch of guitars to get my Nacho. No regrets. Also, a Nacho retains it's value compared to other makers.
@@ScottsGuitar Not a Dano. I did compare the Nacho to a Custom Shop Nocaster, Whitfield and LSL. The fit, finish and especially the relicing of the Nacho was streets ahead.
I’ve done this before, particularly 2 years ago, I was able to get my first custom shop les Paul 58 burst from trading 3 guitars and I don’t regret it. I’ve played that guitar more than I ever did the 3 I got rid of. I like to have a few really nice guitars that speak to me. I’ve got a tal farlow for like you said, if I want to do jazz, that’s the guitar. I have began to look at them more as tools. I don’t need 3 screwdrivers but I could use a screw driver drill and a hammer. You get the metaphor.
Yes John. 2 great teles (maple and rosewood), a 335, one pedalboard and 2 amps (primary 76DR and backup TMDR). No excuse combination I settled on after 40 years of playing. Put your energy, time and money into family and life experiences after and be happy.
Played one like this one about a year ago at TR Crandall's in NYC and thought, "this would be the last guitar I would ever buy." Of course, that's a lie, but at that moment it was as true as that thought could ever be.
What I've found after having many so so and one or two great guitars several times is a guitar puts me in a place. No matter how great the guitar is, the place or places it puts me are just those. I tend to drift from wanting to be one place for a while, then another, etc. So I work at only having the best one guitar I can afford per place I may drift to.
"...having less gear that means more two me" has been my goal over the last year or so. For me that translates to one bass and two guitars. I've found that I enjoy the instruments more, and I'm making more music. It's been such a liberating thing. A dear friend has one of everything (it seems), and he's pleased as punch-- Just comes down to what your ideal situation is; for me it's fewer things of higher quality/sentimental value.
I do think having a few really good guitars just makes sense. I have purchased almost all of mine second hand. One I-35; one Reverend Flatroc, one Godin Kingpin & my first electric I bought from a friend when I was a teen, a 71 butterscotch blonde Tele. I’ve had that Tele rebuilt with a set of Ron Ellis pickups & it sounds great. I did indulge in a new Novo Miris J that’s being built for me.
I think the answer is yes! I used to have about 12 guitars and almost none were really speaking to me. Some I kept out of utility, sold about 7 and bought an amazing strat and les Paul. Never looked back and have now owned them for about 4 years (which is a lot for me). Best decision I’ve made on gear. Rather be in awe every time I touch or even see an instrument than just owning a bunch of them.
I had a Nacho '52. Fabulous instrument. I would still have it if it weren't for the opportunity to buy a '35 Martin 0-21 hadn't come up. I figured I could find another Nacho in the future, but when I heard he was making over Les Pauls, I'm saving for one of those now instead.
This is a great post. Love this topic. Would love to hear the stories behind the “forever” guitars you all have. I’m down to 4 electric guitars. I have an amazing les Paul Custom shop with p90s and my parents gave me a when I graduated HS. My dad was a police man and mom did what she could to pitch in. It was a very generous gift and it will go to my daughter some day. I have a blue start (Daphne Blue) that I got when my father past. I say is “policeman blue” and on the strap I have his name tag from his uniform. I have a black tele I bought when I came back to playing after putting the guitar down for a few years. Reminds me of the band I’ve played in the last tens years and the friends and fun we had in our 40s. And last I bought a Gibson Sg when my Divorce was final. I call that one my “rebirthday” gift to myself.
I believe there are other relic'd Telecaster equivalent in vibe and feel and mojolicity to the Nachos for much less in the Fender Custom shop, though those are definitely cool and will hold their value you would think.
I think there is something to the notion that the Nacho Caster is a little more mellow in the high frequencies and transparent through the mids. He says that's due to less Cobalt in the pickup poles Al-Ni-Co mixture, and he literally wrote the book, so I'm inclined to accept that analysis. I don't know if I could thin down to one guitar. You'll know if you forget about those other guitars.
Nacho-caster, Dano-caster... there are a few builders able to reproduce the elements that make SOME vintage instruments very special. Not all 50's guitars are great-- and I suspect the same could be said for Nacho... however, when you find a guitar that speaks to you-- THAT's a special thing; could be a Squire, could be a speciality made instrument, or an off-the-shelf Fender. Certain things will speak to YOU in a way that's personal-- and likely not in a way that speaks to anyone else. If I were you, I'd work out some sort of deal with your friend and try to secure the guitar you've fallen for, because the next 20 Nacho's you play might not have that same spark for you. Best of luck!
FWIW, I listened to the intro piece (i.e. without watching) and you sounded just like you - like you do on any of your guitars - great. Only you know whether a Nacho would somehow be the "one" and resonate even more with you and draw even more out of your playing and future development. I sometimes look at it like: "Would buying this guitar be the last one I'd buy? Or would I always be hunting for that special axe?" I think I know the answer to that for me ;) .
I sold my Gibson Les Paul for a PRS Santana. It still hurts sometimes, I miss that guitar. But the things I can do with the Santana are worth it. I actually had to sell another guitar as well, PRS USA’s are not cheap. Sold 2, to get 1 magical guitar… not a bad deal!
I've thinned my heard down to an acoustic and 1 electric. The electric is worth about $8,000. I enjoyed having 3 or 4 guitars to switch between. I had a 12 string, a baritone and a hybrid I constantly switched back and forth depending on my mood. I miss that! So when the right buyer comes along for my boutique guitar, I think I'll go back to that situation! 😊
Another great alternative is a Gosia Telecaster. This Belgian luthier is a vintage guitar collector as well and has some real 50’s tele’s and strats that he bases his replica guitars on. I have one of their tele’s and it’s easily the best guitar I ever played. And it is cheaper than the Nachocaster and , for Europeans, easier to get. Check them out.
I am on the toilet 😂😂 What immediately stood out to me was that contour by the right inner forearm. It’s the only issue I have with my telecaster. I put up with it because of how great teles are. In the future I’d love a custom tele with that contour feature. I’d never sell my gold top. Everything else is negotiable.
If you sign up on Nachos site you can order a guitar directly from him in Spain and discuss all the details like neck shape, frets and sound. If you dont like it you can sell it.
Buy whatever you can afford, play what makes you happy. There is no one answer to this question. Some people enjoy the partscaster they assembled with labour and love. Others appreciate the fine art of instrument making and the thought and effort that goes into it. Just go with whichever makes you happy, and don't tell someone else how they should spend their money, that's the real key to being happy.
I bought a lite ash special edition tele looking a bit like the nacho caster. However it speaks to me a lot and the neck is silky… I need to try a nacho one one day
That's exactly what I've decided to do. I have around 50 guitars, loads of pedals and amps I do not need now, so it's time to cull the herd. With the cash I get I'll buy a few quality guitars and gear. It was fun finding them but now I don't need lots of inexpensive strats and les paul's. I replace them with higher end versions.
Players who say “just get x and be done” or “I wouldn’t because…” are all entitled to their opinion but without having experienced playing something magical they just can’t understand. It’s like having a bunch of girlfriends as opposed to being lucky enough to find or recognize a great woman. These are simply different paths. Choose your lesson. If you’ve been pursuing what you want and you find it(and can afford it), why would there even be a question.
I'd love to play one. I studied with Ted Greene for a long time and he let me play a lot of his original ones (he told me he had 30 at one time.) I checked Nacho's website and they don't even have any for sale, they're all sold. I couldn't afford one anyway. There's a few online for sale. They're kind of like the 'Dumble' of tele's.
The problem is the market is really soft at the moment. I've been trying to trade a bunch of guitars to fund a similar but much more modest purchase of an Eastman T186. I've tried three shops (can't really be arsed selling invidually on reverb) but they are all only interested in my Epiphone Sheraton and PRS SE Santana. I've also offered a mint FGN Odyssey SE (really great Japanese HSS strat) a Godin Fifth Avenue, a masterbuilt Alvarez parlour guitar and a lovely and really quirky Danelectro 59. They are not interested in any of them
Put it in your guitar rack and if you pick it up everyday to do your work because its so good it might be a keeper. For me if I already have guitars that I love, a new one has to be love at first site, not a lot of playing to see if I like it or want to go on more dates.
I only own 5 electrics, but I only really use 3 of them. The other 2 I keep for sentimental reasons. If you are a player and not a collector you need very few instruments and only ones that truly inspire you.
I have to admit: I have 3 Les Paul's that I bought in about 2010. But I would trade all my guitars for my Unicorn Les Paul Custom. The Custom is the only Real Guitar that I own. The other guitars are very good, but they dont have the note bloom. Its true for any guitar, Teles, Strats - most are ordinary...
I think the Nacho sounds dramatically better than your regular suspects. But I understand that there are instruments that we build up an ideal value with and we can’t let them go ✌️🎸
After getting my Nacho i‘ve sold evey other Electric Guitar. I only kept my 46‘ gibson es 300 and my atkin acoustic. Guitarpoint in Germany will get some new nachos in the next days. They cost around 8k in €
I sold all my guitars (except one sentimental) and bought ‘the’ Strat I wanted and ‘the’ custom shop Martin I always wanted.
Happy as ever
I think as I've gotten older, I think that I've become a much bigger fan of having just one or two guitars that are great and upgraded how I want rather than having a million guitars that barely get played. Just my thoughts.
Same. I’m older now and have hoovered up all the dream guitars that I would have died for as a young gigging musician. Now I just want one. The question though is which one? I like them all….😱😂
Me too
Totally agree. I’ve got five and can justify 4 or maybe only 3 so getting ready to downsize my gear footprint soon
Agree with this
Same. I’ve been playing two excellent Novo guitars and it’s all I need. I’m not sure if it’s age thing or just playing so many guitars you figure out what you connect with.
I recently went through something similar. I have some instruments and amps on consignment at a local shop. Some have sold and I have enough to pick up something more expensive. They have a custom built tele by someone you all know. I'm not here to belittle their instrument. It was what I had always dreamed of in butterscotch with the black pickguard. I have a Squier version of it along with several other nice teles.
After playing alongside my other teles for a couple of days, I had to do some real soul searching on that one. In the end, I returned it. My CV Squier plays and sounds just as nice at one tenth of the price. I'm not a rich guy and my skill level doesn't justify it.
John, you're old, experienced enough to know whether it's a "lifetime guitar". You've had tons of fun dabbling in all the other flavors out there but when you find a "right one" the choice is obvious, to me anyway. I would "cull the herd" and keep only the special guitars that speak to you. Life will be simpler, and you'll have more room for your growing family. Go for it!
He hasn’t found “the right one” this is just content. How many videos has he made where a guitar or amp or pedal “is the one”… It’s just clickbait
Once guitars started costing in the thousands of dollars, I took a different approach. I started making my own. For $1,100 I made a guitar that is every bit as nice as the tele you are holding. And absolutely everything on it suites ME. Rolling your own is an option that holds costs down, and the net result can go toe to toe with anything out there.
I think you make a valid point here where bolt on necks are concerned.
I recently did the same.
Bought all the bits to make my own telecaster and it cost about £850 all in for the best of the best in every aspect.
I picked up a Mexican fender U shape nocaster neck in a sale for it and it turned out to be the worst part of the lot. The nut was cut badly and the frets were rubbish so I had to pay a luthier to correct that as it was above my pay grade.
Plays and sounds great now with Monty's 68 Tele pickups and a 5 way selector loom but fender to be honest were as disappointing as Gibson with their awful QC.
Point is though, it plays and sounds awesome now for less than half of a USA fender.
And it weighed less than most fender teles I've ever owned.
@@muttonjeff105 Nice!
I don't know mate... There's something to be said about a skills craftsman making an instrument. It's not like John did not make a parts-caster tele, have a custom T guitar (K-Line). There must be something going on with that Nacho... But making instruments is fun for sure.
...have been thinking this myself
Definitely, recently built two strats, MJT bodies, Musikraft necks, stainless frets and custom shop neck profile.. love them
I think this is the first time you've sounded not like you, and yet like you, in a long time. I like it!
that nacho website sounds like a scientology cult for guitar nerds.
it does a bit. And I couldn't find any mention of how much they cost. So it has that "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" vibe.
@mofateam1 Thanks for the heads up on that one. Members Only? Thanks-bye. Absolutely effin' not. This whole b-ll-ckry about getting a is getting too much. George Benson learnt to play on a broken guitar rescued from a rubbish heap, it was his step dad who restored it; Blackie is a bitsa-Strat, etc. I would rather my nachos be edible corn chips, dipped in salsa and cheese.
@ you have to be worthy to join the vintage cult. dont ask. they have golden hands and magic woods.😂
Very much this. Other yellow flags: payment only accepted via wire transfer (so no third-party recourse for getting your money back if something goes wrong), and that all products are sold as "used" so no warranty on the product, and all insurance claims to be handled by the purchaser should something go wrong shipping the product to you.
@@simongregory3114I think they cost about 6 k us new. I have two. One I got in 2016 new from nacho and one I found used. But they come up used on reverb pretty frequently too
I have often mulled this one over with my own guitars but have come to the conclusion that the variety I have in terms of different pickups and styles of guitar is far more beneficial to me than just having the one guitar.
I owned only 2 guitars until I reached 42 years old so wanted to go on the journey and see what all these different instruments have to offer.
Some are cheap, some were not but I love being able to choose from a whole spectrum of tones.
I suppose if you are a pro working musician it doesn't make as much sense if you are identified for a certain sound.
For example, I have owned , sold and then repurchased strats and teles so now I just keep the ones I own and like playing.
It's no different than liking fast cars, playing has been a passion since I was 13 years old so you are going to accrue some gear, just enjoy it or get rid if you genuinely aren't.
Just a perfect analysis ..
John’s going through his Tele phase!
What phase will be next
Until his next video... Coming in 5 mins with another life defining question
That is why I love this channel... It encapsulates the neurotic mind of a guitar player @@backandfour
I love the v-neck, I've got a reproduction neck with that profile! The magic of the sound of this guitar really became obvious to me when it went particularly microphonic for a moment there -- I think that microphonic aspect is there in the sound always, and with such an acoustically responsive instrument (as this must be) it comes alive when plugged in and responding to the amp.
There's are a few Nacho's on reverb at the moment (mostly in Japan). Going price seems to be about 7k
I’m a Tele man myself . Been that way for 25 years. And I was just about to say this Tele sounds RIGHTEOUS!! Paired with the amp you’re playing it through. From watching your latest video I came to this one just to hear THAT guitar.
That's the best sounding Tele I've ever heard. So, mellow and yet articulate. I'd sell all my guitars to swap.
That’s the best tone I have ever heard from you
Couple of years ago I sold 11 guitars and bought three Collings guitars…I’ve since gone back to playing less expensive PRS Mira X guitars…about time for me to think about purging some “channel guitars” myself.
My Mira is maybe my best playing guitar. Got it for $900.
In my humble opinion, the Mira is one of the best models PRS has ever built. I think mainly because it is so simple.
I have started to play my first ever guitar, bought in the early 90, it is a samick cheap one. It looks steller in the colors, like ive never seen before. Upgraded the pickups and adjustet it and sanded the neck and now it plays in the same ballpark as my custom guitars. Only thing is it has a floyd rose that i wish it ditnt, but I still love it. My worst problem child is my Duesenberg. Nothing wrong with it, but we dont bond. But it looks so great there on the wall. But its a 3000 dollar guitar
7 - 10k ... We're here for a short time John. Go for it.
You are quickly becoming one of my favorite guitar players on the internet. Sometimes, the truly great guitars choose the truly great player. No brainer to me. Do what ever you have to to get it. It will be a lifelong companion
Your playing is like a mellow Eric Johnson, could listen to this all day!
That's what I thought, nice arpegios?
John - I watched the video you did approximately a month ago when you borrowed Jake's Nacho. Since then, I ended up buying one used and I couldn't agree with you more. I now believe 100% in finding "the one" and not needing so many. Jack - Moody Guitar Straps
I got this one second hand too whilst at Carter’s in Nashville, as I couldn’t afford a new one in the U.K.! SOOOO worth it right? Love your straps by the way man! 👊🏻
My word, the inspiration is really coming out in your playing on this one. Can always tell when you’re really bonding with a guitar. Nice job!
I did exactly that. I sold two of my guitars that don't get much playing time and ordered a Nachocaster. Delivery is now in January.
I think it's better to have few guitars that really speaks to you.
Go for it😊!
I feel you... I do this sort of thing all the time
But $8k??!!!! For a tele?!!!
No
Its a slab of wood with a neck and a bridge screwed on it
I have built several vintage type telecasters sourcing high-quality parts and having a master Luthier finish the instruments once I've done the basics
They were equal or better than the best telecasters I've ever played
At most, they ran me 2K if I went all out. I can give some pointers if you desire.
Nice work on the channel Jonathan
Id be interested in a parts list. Thx.
John, In the US, there are many who believe a Nachocaster to be a great T style guitar. A good friend who loves Teles has played two Nachocasters in NYC. Each time he was so impressed in every way. He reacted just as it appears you are to both of these guitars. I think you’re on the right track with your thinking on this one.
I would look into Danocasters as well if you are interested in that caliber of instrument and cannot find a Nacho... for instance, I have owned close to 15 Strats in my lifetime (ranging from Mexican Fender to Custom Shop), and my Danocaster is by far and away the most solid playing and best sounding of the lot - and his T-styles are even more well known than his S-styles.
I am personally 100% in the camp that you should consolidate your gear and get rid of stuff that doesn't resonate with you, to buy "the one", or at least, something you will enjoy much more than the sum of the rest of the other "meh" ones. I also went through a similar journey of wanting to be a collector (my pedal collection can attest to that), but when I found the guitars that just spoke to me, it really pushed me to realizing how much more important connecting with a specific instrument is, at least for me. And taking them to gigs is not a problem... if I don't trust the venue, I will just take the guitar with me before and after playing.
Just food for thought.
My problem is I have the ability to connect with many guitars. :)
@@sundrenched6248 doesn't sound like a problem to me 😉
Nachos former luthier Javier Alemany who built all the Nachos and made the relics from 2015 to 2021 runs a company of his own called Candy Old guitars which cost around half of the Nachos...
Good info!
@erikbaehr3498
Thank you for the heads up about Candy - I just visited his website, they look superb.
Maybe the best looking relic job I've ever seen, a nice set of pickups, and a cult following name. That's it over a regular good tele. The pickups and electronics are easy and not particularly expensive. So you just have to be comfortable with paying $5k extra for the relic job and the name. Same with Danocaster. All that said, that relic job has a lot of mojo !!
Thanks for this John. It is helping to inspire me back to playing the guitar after losing 90% of my skills after a stroke and losing motor skills on my left side. My fingers are very difficult to control . However your play of this guitar inspires me to work hard to get back to my Ciustom Shop Wildwood 10. Which is lovely guitar that I so miss being able to play.
Guitarpoint in Frankfurt is about to sell another batch of nachocasters. That's like the only chance to test a few. But then again they are sold in a heartbeat.
I went from 9 really good guitars down to three, and I love it. 2 electric and 1 acoustic, and all perfect for what they do and for gigging. I've really enjoyed having "less" options. Less distractions and equipment options just helps me to get to playing good music more quickly..
That reliced finish is really amazing. I've seen his guitars being sold on GuitarPoint and each one is as close to a reliced original as I've seen, especially the bodies. I think that only the guy from 8Bomb Custom is matching that.
If you lose it or it is stolen, you lose everything.
I think this guitar sounds pretty incredible myself. First, every single note has so much physical presence. Secondly, across the fretboard from the bottom to top E, there is so much balance volume and tone wise. No tonal area dominates any other, all the strings bite if you want that. You get all the clarity you can want, and just striking strings harder gets you into the overdrive area. It's both sweet and hard edged at the same time. My US made Tele is very similar to this and it's a "lifer" for me.
Go For It! I did the same thing in 2020 and sold a bunch of guitars to get my Nacho. No regrets. Also, a Nacho retains it's value compared to other makers.
have you played a Danocaster before? Any opinions on comparing them?
@@ScottsGuitar Not a Dano. I did compare the Nacho to a Custom Shop Nocaster, Whitfield and LSL. The fit, finish and especially the relicing of the Nacho was streets ahead.
Your playing is what prompted me to subscribe, and is always my reward for coming back.
I’ve done this before, particularly 2 years ago, I was able to get my first custom shop les Paul 58 burst from trading 3 guitars and I don’t regret it. I’ve played that guitar more than I ever did the 3 I got rid of. I like to have a few really nice guitars that speak to me. I’ve got a tal farlow for like you said, if I want to do jazz, that’s the guitar. I have began to look at them more as tools. I don’t need 3 screwdrivers but I could use a screw driver drill and a hammer. You get the metaphor.
Amazing how good the simple ol Telecaster is.
Yes John. 2 great teles (maple and rosewood), a 335, one pedalboard and 2 amps (primary 76DR and backup TMDR). No excuse combination I settled on after 40 years of playing. Put your energy, time and money into family and life experiences after and be happy.
Played one like this one about a year ago at TR Crandall's in NYC and thought, "this would be the last guitar I would ever buy." Of course, that's a lie, but at that moment it was as true as that thought could ever be.
What I've found after having many so so and one or two great guitars several times is a guitar puts me in a place. No matter how great the guitar is, the place or places it puts me are just those. I tend to drift from wanting to be one place for a while, then another, etc. So I work at only having the best one guitar I can afford per place I may drift to.
"...having less gear that means more two me" has been my goal over the last year or so. For me that translates to one bass and two guitars. I've found that I enjoy the instruments more, and I'm making more music. It's been such a liberating thing. A dear friend has one of everything (it seems), and he's pleased as punch-- Just comes down to what your ideal situation is; for me it's fewer things of higher quality/sentimental value.
You don’t need to rationalise it to us , John. We’re not your wife.
Just buy the bloody thing. It’s a business investment. There ya go. Tell her that.
I do think having a few really good guitars just makes sense. I have purchased almost all of mine second hand.
One I-35; one Reverend Flatroc, one Godin Kingpin & my first electric I bought from a friend when I was a teen, a 71 butterscotch blonde Tele. I’ve had that Tele rebuilt with a set of Ron Ellis pickups & it sounds great.
I did indulge in a new Novo Miris J that’s being built for me.
You're right John. Fewer and better guitars. Consolidating OK guitars for great guitars is the way.
I think the answer is yes! I used to have about 12 guitars and almost none were really speaking to me. Some I kept out of utility, sold about 7 and bought an amazing strat and les Paul. Never looked back and have now owned them for about 4 years (which is a lot for me). Best decision I’ve made on gear. Rather be in awe every time I touch or even see an instrument than just owning a bunch of them.
I had a Nacho '52. Fabulous instrument. I would still have it if it weren't for the opportunity to buy a '35 Martin 0-21 hadn't come up. I figured I could find another Nacho in the future, but when I heard he was making over Les Pauls, I'm saving for one of those now instead.
This is a great post. Love this topic. Would love to hear the stories behind the “forever” guitars you all have. I’m down to 4 electric guitars. I have an amazing les Paul Custom shop with p90s and my parents gave me a when I graduated HS. My dad was a police man and mom did what she could to pitch in. It was a very generous gift and it will go to my daughter some day. I have a blue start (Daphne Blue) that I got when my father past. I say is “policeman blue” and on the strap I have his name tag from his uniform. I have a black tele I bought when I came back to playing after putting the guitar down for a few years. Reminds me of the band I’ve played in the last tens years and the friends and fun we had in our 40s. And last I bought a Gibson Sg when my
Divorce was final. I call that one my “rebirthday” gift to myself.
I believe there are other relic'd Telecaster equivalent in vibe and feel and mojolicity to the Nachos for much less in the Fender Custom shop, though those are definitely cool and will hold their value you would think.
I think there is something to the notion that the Nacho Caster is a little more mellow in the high frequencies and transparent through the mids. He says that's due to less Cobalt in the pickup poles Al-Ni-Co mixture, and he literally wrote the book, so I'm inclined to accept that analysis.
I don't know if I could thin down to one guitar. You'll know if you forget about those other guitars.
Good for you. I feel the same way about my Slash Les Paul. Telecasters struggle with high gain settings and Santana tones.
Nacho-caster, Dano-caster... there are a few builders able to reproduce the elements that make SOME vintage instruments very special. Not all 50's guitars are great-- and I suspect the same could be said for Nacho... however, when you find a guitar that speaks to you-- THAT's a special thing; could be a Squire, could be a speciality made instrument, or an off-the-shelf Fender. Certain things will speak to YOU in a way that's personal-- and likely not in a way that speaks to anyone else. If I were you, I'd work out some sort of deal with your friend and try to secure the guitar you've fallen for, because the next 20 Nacho's you play might not have that same spark for you. Best of luck!
Spot on, great comment🤘🏻
I can imagine this episode done as a PowerPoint presentation to your better half 😂
FWIW, I listened to the intro piece (i.e. without watching) and you sounded just like you - like you do on any of your guitars - great. Only you know whether a Nacho would somehow be the "one" and resonate even more with you and draw even more out of your playing and future development. I sometimes look at it like: "Would buying this guitar be the last one I'd buy? Or would I always be hunting for that special axe?" I think I know the answer to that for me ;) .
I sold my Gibson Les Paul for a PRS Santana. It still hurts sometimes, I miss that guitar. But the things I can do with the Santana are worth it. I actually had to sell another guitar as well, PRS USA’s are not cheap. Sold 2, to get 1 magical guitar… not a bad deal!
Gotta keep that Tokai 335 style
That guitar sounds dynamic and beautiful! Less is more! All in on the nachocaster! PLEASE SHOW US THE WIRING AND CAPACITORS!!!
I sold 6 guitars to get a Collings 470 JL and I don’t regret it for a second. Some amazing guitars are worth more than a good collection. Go for it!
I've thinned my heard down to an acoustic and 1 electric. The electric is worth about $8,000. I enjoyed having 3 or 4 guitars to switch between. I had a 12 string, a baritone and a hybrid I constantly switched back and forth depending on my mood. I miss that! So when the right buyer comes along for my boutique guitar, I think I'll go back to that situation! 😊
What about the high e string? Seems very close to the edge? No logo headstock is a dealbreaker for me. 😅
Leo Fender got it right the first time. The rest is history. This Nacho Caster is a great compliment to Leo's genius.
He did it again with George Fullerton, with G&L USA and Indo! 😊
John's on the journey of buying a Nachocaster--he just needs to make 6 more videos about it to finally get one
You could prbably get something built just as well (and from closer) by Oswald Guitars. The ones I've heard are phenomonal
Another great alternative is a Gosia Telecaster. This Belgian luthier is a vintage guitar collector as well and has some real 50’s tele’s and strats that he bases his replica guitars on.
I have one of their tele’s and it’s easily the best guitar I ever played. And it is cheaper than the Nachocaster and , for Europeans, easier to get.
Check them out.
I am on the toilet 😂😂
What immediately stood out to me was that contour by the right inner forearm. It’s the only issue I have with my telecaster. I put up with it because of how great teles are. In the future I’d love a custom tele with that contour feature.
I’d never sell my gold top. Everything else is negotiable.
If you sign up on Nachos site you can order a guitar directly from him in Spain and discuss all the details like neck shape, frets and sound. If you dont like it you can sell it.
Your playing seems particularly inspired here and the guitar sounds fantastic. What’s not to love?😍
hahahaha , I just finished making a list of my own guitars to possibly fund a Nachocaster. I'm really itching to try a Seuf tele as well
I don’t know… Paying off the mortgage sounds like a smart idea, most of us musicians are not that smart
Buy whatever you can afford, play what makes you happy. There is no one answer to this question. Some people enjoy the partscaster they assembled with labour and love. Others appreciate the fine art of instrument making and the thought and effort that goes into it. Just go with whichever makes you happy, and don't tell someone else how they should spend their money, that's the real key to being happy.
I bought a lite ash special edition tele looking a bit like the nacho caster. However it speaks to me a lot and the neck is silky… I need to try a nacho one one day
I think what is intriguing about these and sets them apart from other boutique brands is that it seems they machine ALL their stuff in house.
Subscribed for the wonderful playing.
That's exactly what I've decided to do. I have around 50 guitars, loads of pedals and amps I do not need now, so it's time to cull the herd. With the cash I get I'll buy a few quality guitars and gear. It was fun finding them but now I don't need lots of inexpensive strats and les paul's. I replace them with higher end versions.
Players who say “just get x and be done” or “I wouldn’t because…” are all entitled to their opinion but without having experienced playing something magical they just can’t understand. It’s like having a bunch of girlfriends as opposed to being lucky enough to find or recognize a great woman. These are simply different paths. Choose your lesson. If you’ve been pursuing what you want and you find it(and can afford it), why would there even be a question.
Iam also selling guitars now that iam into my telecasters :) It took me 20 years to understand that it got all i need (and more :)).
I'd love to play one. I studied with Ted Greene for a long time and he let me play a lot of his original ones (he told me he had 30 at one time.) I checked Nacho's website and they don't even have any for sale, they're all sold. I couldn't afford one anyway. There's a few online for sale. They're kind of like the 'Dumble' of tele's.
Less (but very good) is more. Go for the Nacho! 💪🏼😊
Why is he dressed like a Jedi?
Where is Yoda?
Cause he is a Jedi of the guitar, listen to how good he plays!
That is the guitar that he is looking for. Hmmm that is so.
I was given a gretch for Christmas this year. And I love it. But my other guitar is a tele. And I’ll tell ya what, I’ll never ever ever get rid of it.
The problem is the market is really soft at the moment. I've been trying to trade a bunch of guitars to fund a similar but much more modest purchase of an Eastman T186. I've tried three shops (can't really be arsed selling invidually on reverb) but they are all only interested in my Epiphone Sheraton and PRS SE Santana. I've also offered a mint FGN Odyssey SE (really great Japanese HSS strat) a Godin Fifth Avenue, a masterbuilt Alvarez parlour guitar and a lovely and really quirky Danelectro 59. They are not interested in any of them
How did he know we're on the toilet?😂 Another good vid as always and awesome playing.
Put it in your guitar rack and if you pick it up everyday to do your work because its so good it might be a keeper. For me if I already have guitars that I love, a new one has to be love at first site, not a lot of playing to see if I like it or want to go on more dates.
I only own 5 electrics, but I only really use 3 of them. The other 2 I keep for sentimental reasons. If you are a player and not a collector you need very few instruments and only ones that truly inspire you.
I have to admit:
I have 3 Les Paul's that I bought in about 2010.
But I would trade all my guitars for my Unicorn Les Paul Custom.
The Custom is the only Real Guitar that I own.
The other guitars are very good, but they dont have the note bloom.
Its true for any guitar, Teles, Strats - most are ordinary...
I’ve found the same trying to find a better instrument - getting rid of the “not right ones” is actually a breath of air …
here it s was a bit less noise floor on the audio - cheers
I have one. It‘s a really great guitar for sure but so is my other guitar too - for 4K less^^
Just saying 😅
Sounds regal, authentic and fits your personality
I’ve thought that this is the best sounding guitar I’ve heard on this channel since the first time it visited.
I think the Nacho sounds dramatically better than your regular suspects. But I understand that there are instruments that we build up an ideal value with and we can’t let them go ✌️🎸
It’s not drinking the koolaid at all. They are really great guitars. It’s always a treat to play a great guitar.
Is it enough to be a better violinist to have a Stradivari or Guarneri violin?
First, I admit I'm a telecaster guy 100% 2nd, that "may be" the best sounding telecaster I have ever heard 👍
Need a tele that plays and feels like that.
After getting my Nacho i‘ve sold evey other Electric Guitar. I only kept my 46‘ gibson es 300 and my atkin acoustic. Guitarpoint in Germany will get some new nachos in the next days. They cost around 8k in €
Something to consider, would you be concerned about gigging with it, because of it's value. If so, it might not be what you need.
When it comes to guitars... I still want 'em all! It's bicycles I just want one of. Or maybe n+1 🤓
I'm sorry, you can't say "Strongest shape" without making me think of "Real Civil Engineer"
“Maybe you’re on the toilet, good luck with that” 😂
in general this has worked for me and I've ended up with 6 that I love. But a couple of times I've realised I've made a mistake and bought them back.
What’s with the moving left arm?