Category Archives: Gear

I recently picked up this awesome Danocaster deluxe style telecaster after spotting it on the TGP Builder’s Emporium. Danocaster is the guitar business of Dan Strain – previously a session player in Nashville who is now turning out fantastic relic guitars of the big “F” variety. His guitars usually get sold within about 5 minutes of being listed on the forum. Lucky for me this one hung around a little longer – the color isn’t for everyone but I absolutely adore it. I’ve always loved the 70′s mocha teles. Due to the slower nature of the sale and the brown color I dubbed her “Choc Tortoise” : )

The basic specs are Medium C profile neck with 6125 frets on a 9.5” radius (my personal favorite). The neck pickup is an original 1974 Wide Range Humbucker. It sounds amazing. Thick but clear – beautifully fat but with lovely crisp edges to the tone. The bridge pickup is a Lollar. The guitar looks great and feels perfectly worn in. My dad has a later 70′s custom deluxe which I love too but this is its equal in every way. I’ve been playing Choc Tortoise non stop for the past month and its snuck into equal number 1 position with my red roses Trussart. That is a huge wrap in itself. I’ve always considered that guitar untouchable.

So if you are in the market for a great playing and sounding relic F style guitar I highly recommend Danocaster. Dan is a stand up guy and he does incredible work. Choc Tortoise is a great (and very brown) example of how good Dan is at putting together guitars for guitar players.