FT31

This build was inspired by Buck Owens. It is a modern version of Buck’s Flag Telecaster. See the entire build here.

Buck

Evel Knievel probably had some influence here as well.

Guitar strap is very Evel Knievel

Guitar strap I bought for this guitar is very Evel Knievel

I spared no expense on this custom build. The body is custom made by Tony DeLacugo. Tony started out by making an Alder ’69 Telecaster body in which he then carves the flames directly into the wood before he does his incredible paint job.

This one is not the standard carved Telecaster bodies that Tony has built in the past. This one has arm and tummy contours as well as some weight relief making it quite unique. Tony actually made this body for himself, but was nice enough to sell it to me.

The Stars and Stripes American flag paint job has a rock hard Polyester clear finish is like polished like glass. The red silver and blue deep candy colors really stand out and look a mile deep. Pictures really do not do this body justice.

FT43

The neck is an American SELECT Fender Telecaster Neck has tinted premium Birdseye maple & black Pearloid inlays, Modern “C” Shape, compound Radius 9.5″-14″ with 22 Medium Jumbo Frets and 1.685″ Width at Nut. Nitrocellulose finish with a satin back and gloss headstock. The fretwork and build quality on these necks is quite great. Especially like the satin back. These are some of the best necks Fender produces in my opinion and I have used them on several of my custom projects even though they are quite expensive to purchase.

FT42

I used Fender/Schaller locking tuners with pearloid buttons like the Fender Custom Shop uses on some of their builds. The locking tuners have staggered posts.

Neck has a satin feel on the back

Neck has a satin feel on the back

I used only the best premium parts available for this custom build.

The pickups are “Hayride” pickups hand wound by Don Mare and are quite versatile. Don Mare winds these by hand. He makes some of the best sounding pickups you can buy.

Bridge: 6.4k, staggered A-5 magnets
Neck: 6.6k AlNiCo-5 magnets with the Nickel Silver Cover

Marc Rutters Hot Rodded parts.

  • Rutters Bridge extra heavy for sustain and twang
  • Angled Selector Switch Control Plate reverse mounted
  • 1953 T Knobs which are heavy knurled dome style “old school” Telecaster knobs
  • NoCaster Switch Tip just because it looks so cool

I used vintage push back wire like Fender used to use in the “good ole” days. Glendale “Speedking Tonemaster” 250k Volume and Tone pots and an old style paper and oil capacitor. The Glendale pots have the tension eased for very smooth turning pots which have a nice feel and great for volume and tone swells. Fender 3-way switch was used to wire the control plate in reverse. Weighs in about 7 lbs 15 oz.

Electrosocket Anodized Input Jack Cup Plate and Fender branded string ferrules. Chrome pickup ring and Dunlop strap locks round out the parts used.

Also picked up a guitar strap I thought would look good on this guitar. Looks like Planet waves was also highly inspired by Evel.

FT20

It is very hard to capture the sparkle metal flake finish in pictures as it looks way better in person. The sparkle has real depth to it.

Tummy cut contour

Tummy cut contour

Fender SELECT neck and locking tuners

Fender SELECT neck and locking tuners

FT23

Arm and Tummy contours

Arm and Tummy contours

Flames are carved into the wood

Flames are carved into the wood

FT28

FT29

FT30

Strap looks good too!

Planet Waves strap looks good too!

FT34

FT35

FT37

Dunlop strap locks

Dunlop strap locks

Arm contour

Arm contour

FT41

FT42

FT43

Sounds great too!

FT44

I picked up a great cable to use with this guitar.

Red, White and Blue Guitar Cable

Red, White and Blue Guitar Cable

15′ Lava American Stadium Cable

The Lava American Stadium™ cable is a special version of our flagship cable the Lava ELC with a red, white and blue outer cloth braid and white heatshrink with the CEO’s signature, a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Army. It completely meets the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s Made in USA standard.

This cable is made in tribute to all those who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States, especially those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Like them, this cable is a true patriot. The cable is specifically designed for guitar and instrument applications and is designed to be flexible, rugged and provide superior high definition. 99.99% Pure Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) and superior components are used to make a world-class cable capable of superb performance in all situations. G&H nickel straight and right angle plugs are used and each cable is assembled using silver solder. Like all Lava Cable products it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Features: 15′ American Stadium cable with (1) straight and (1) right angle plug 99.99% Pure Oxygen Free Copper (OFC) Red, white and blue outer cloth braid

Thought I would try these cool neon strings…

DR Neon Red, White and Blue strings

DR Neon Red, White and Blue strings

DR K3™ NEON​™ Hi-Def© RED WHITE & BLUE ELECTRIC

Red White and Blue Coated Electric Guitar Strings on Hexagonal Core.

DR NEONs™ are super bright color coated strings that sound clear, bright and musical. Players love the bright NEON™ colors and their remarkable sound. Super bright in daylight and under stage lighting, DR NEON™ is 100% black light reactive and glow strongly under UV lighting. NEONs are the first coated string to make no apologies. While Neons last as long as a coated string should (three to four times as long as uncoated strings) they sound as good, or better, than uncoated strings.

FT45

The other Carved Flame Telecasters I have built.

Carved Flames Telecasters

Carved Flames Telecasters