Is The Richie Kotzen Tele Worth It?

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[@mr.e8432]

I commented on here earlier but one other thing I really liked about this guitar is the fact that Richie actually uses it… a lot. If you see Richie play live or in his videos there’s a 75% chance he’s using this guitar. You’ve got guys like Bonamassa with a dozen “signature” models but in real life he’s using vintage gear nobody could afford. Richie didn’t just sign a deal for Fender to use his name, he designed the guitar for himself and his guitar is literally an off the shelf model.

[@armanneto]

And when he is not using his tele, his using his stratocaster signature model. To reinforce what you just said, this say a lot!

[@matthewt.5313]

Just ordered myself one for my 12th year sober anniversary! This video sealed the deal for me. Thanks..

[@scottperrin9655]

Congrats on both accounts!

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Congrats man!!

[@mpoirier2323]

Good for you my man, we all struggle with something. keep it up

[@tjg5150]

congratulations hang in there

[@j_freed]

Sounds like a great way to save money for guitars! I mean besides overcoming the darkness of addiction, a kudos.

[@Honkey_Tonker]

I purchased one a couple months ago. Took me a couple weeks to get used to the softball bat sized neck. I have found myself playing ikon the neck position 90 percent of the time. The twang king sounds phenomenal through my VOX AC30 amp. Craftsmanship was spot on and couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Well done Fender

[@finishin.my.coffee8780]

Is yours neck-heavy? I've heard some were and its something that's stopping me from getting one.

[@jaytheguitarguy7200]

Just watched Winery dogs play in Nashville. Front row and met them all before the show. It was amazing

[@lueyteledeluxe7457]

Such a genuinely beautiful telecaster! Usually "beautiful tele" means "cool looking, but still ugly, guitar ". But this one is both cool AND beautiful! Ha! Want it.

[@powbobs]

I couldn’t disagree more. It sounds great and I love a big neck but I hate the flame and gold hardware.

[@joseph_lacy]

I saw them live in Dallas! Front row but didn't get to meet them before hand :( really wish I could've though. It was probably my favorite concert to date

[@jaytheguitarguy7200]

@@joseph_lacy It was awesome man. They're all cool down to earth guys. I actually met them on accident.

[@jaytheguitarguy7200]

@@joseph_lacy long story lol

[@PetarBladeStrok]

This makes me want to buy this guitar. Richie is my favorite musician of all time but you showed the guitar off so well..

[@chrisschneeweiss2007]

They had one in my local guitar center and I played it on multiple trips. I was so close to pulling the trigger. Never knew who Richie Kotzen was nor had I heard Winery Dogs before. I'm now a fan of both.

[@ScottJamesHicks]

I believe I’m learning that you buy a Strat for the neck pickup (and the quack) and a Tele for the bridge pickup. Oh yeah, and a Jazzmaster and a Jaguar and a Mustang… 🤑

[@diegoleiva7242]

And you never ever convince yourself that a Nashville Tele can replace both. They just don't. They're their own thing.

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

This is one of the best looking Tele's i've ever seen and it also sounds great, a rock machine!

[@calfb]

I've had one for 18mths and the hardware still looks new. Love it. Build quality is custom shop level.

[@samcomfort6564]

Your growth as a player is noticeable. I don’t often watch your videos but I was pleasantly surprised with this one.

[@michaeladamcaira9174]

That's the best sounding Tele I've ever heard,I bought 1,2 years ago,and through a Peavy Valve King with just the natural drive from the amp,it's the perfect blues rig.

[@RC32Smiths01]

That is without a doubt a really pristine looking tele compared to the more traditional models. Also really blues and rocking sounding when in the hands of a skilled player indeed. I would get one if I had the funds honestly, already now owning a normal tele! Great video my man!

[@SuperGuitarNerd]

For what it's worth, I've seen Richie's Tele up close, and he has both pickups set very low height-wise, almost flush with the pickguard, so you were right to drop the pickup height.

[@ibanezjem77]

I bought this guitar about 6 months ago....unreal piece of art and sound. I get tons of compliments on its look, tone and twang Well worth the money...a keeper

[@PhilMoseleyMusic]

The biggest neck I have is an Epiphone Dot. Feels great, I would love a Tele with one like that. That Kotzen Tele is a thing of beauty man. Congrats!

[@MrRoarkeFI]

I’ve had this guitar for about 4 years now. It’s also my go to guitar, and my personal favorite. It sounds and feels so incredible.

[@thekoochy6347]

I own one myself, and I have small hands and my palm is longer than my fingers. But it still feels amazing to play once i bought it i played it non stop. I would recomend it, if you have the money for it of course ;) Felt like i had to buy one when Richie Kotzen is my favorite guitarist and one of my biggest influences

[@doctordelatierra]

Dude same. For how big I am I have small hands, but I honestly don’t know what people are on about with this tele. It’s a dream to play. If I can play it and if Tash Sultana who’s all of 5 feet tall can shred on it then the neck isn’t a problem for small hands.

[@blacksabbath4252]

I have small hands and I'm unsure whether to buy it

[@boxer4engine]

The best Tele Fender has in their lineup right now for less than 2k. Richie Kotzen is a monster player, he and Fender designed an amazing guitar

[@allguitar3349]

It is nice. I like the parallel universe American Elite also. .so versatile..

[@MikeBradleyofficial]

Such a sexy guitar, i've always wanted one, seeing this hasn't helped that matter! haha

[@davethompson2881]

Sounds very similar to my 91 American Tele; I replaced the standard rear pickup with a SD Hotrail version in the bridge years ago, flipped the control plate and pots so I could swell the volume easier and never looked back. I love the body cutaway in this guitar though....

[@kylekarich]

Stoked for you man. You know me, I love Teles and Dimarzios haha. You get great sounds with that.

[@garyjohnstonemusic]

Perfect way to demo this gtr man. Well done and beautiful playing 👍 My friend has one and we agree on most points

[@mr.e8432]

Just got mine a few months ago. Richie really knocked it out of the park with this one. Wish I had got it a lot sooner. Pickups sound incredible, The fat neck is awesome, even with my smallish/medium digits. Beautiful instrument

[@beister21]

Should I pull the trigger

[@CBGypsy03]

Still dig it ??

[@mr.e8432]

@@beister21 I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this again. I am really blown away by how nice it plays and how good it sounds.

[@mr.e8432]

@@CBGypsy03 Oh yeah, my other guitars I think are jealous. I’ve hardly touched them since I got this.

[@MassiZeGH]

I got one like 14 years ago and never changed guitar ever since and I played all kind of genre with it. The thing that kept bothering me through the years is the weight in live situations. It's the heaviest guitar I've ever played and jumping/moving on stage while keeping the fingers where they need to be is like trying to drink a cup of tea on a roller-coaster But otherwise this guitar is heavenly

[@GDCDGC]

Is it heavier than a les paul?

[@Highcastle_of_Tone]

Going to see Richie and the Dogs tonight. I have a RK tele and love it as well.

[@frankiej4128]

Here's some of the guitars I have Ibanez JS1000 Washburn N4 Paduak 59 Kossoff VOS Les Paul Eric Johnson Strat from 2005 Kotzen Tele John Mayer Strat I have a few more but I can tell you this without a doubt, if my house was on fire I'd grab the Tele first and the EJ strat second Even though I don't have giant hands but the neck on this just feels so organic that you cant help but play without a pick. I would recommend it to ANYONE.

[@will-i-am5374]

The Japanese guitars are insane! Their factories run like the most well oiled machine ever. Japan is where lean 6 sigma was invented after all.

[@reviewforthetube6485]

Yes it's worth it's my favorite looking guitar like seriously and the tone is fantastic I want this guitar as my secondary yes secondary because I still want a strat as my main

[@joeabrenica4467]

Oh I have that too it’s a beast very versatile!🤘🔥🤘

[@markcastrillon7539]

Dude!!! You literally described this guitar to a Tee. I bought mine NEW at TruTone in Santa Monica, CA. I have 4 TELES and it’s my “go To” as you said. Not to say I don’t love my others, but this Tele is SO unique. And for those of us with large hands it’s absolutely perfect. My band mate and I began referring to it as my “Super Tele” as you put it. It’s Japanese, but it’s high-squalor craftsmanship. And I’ve played hundreds of guitars. It looks great, has all the beef you want, all the bite, but cleans up nicely as well. I use it with my Orange head and it’s a beast! I got mine for $1,499 (US) probably 4 years ago but they are going up in value. And they are not easy to find. Feel very lucky to have mine. I will NEVER sell it. Fantastic playing. You made it truly SING!! Bravo 🙌

[@rudiyantohalim736]

I adore the guitar and the player from the start of his Carreer from 1989. Electric Joy is my fav album and Slow Blues is my fav song 👍

[@Olwehn]

Fever Dream and MHFR are my favorites, discovered him just around that time. I love the style he played on those albums! Totally unique and beautiful.

[@Aelmal]

man that od tone was killer!

[@wakjob961]

Dimarzio Area Tele neck pickup is the best I've tried. Silent and clear. No mud.

[@IvorThomas]

I love the neck pickup on the RK Tele... really squishy and lush. Switch to middle position and instant gain boost mid range bark. Really versatile axe and gorgeous. MIJ is no hype!

[@johngilley3518]

Been wanting one of those for a while now. Thought about just buying the pickups and dropping them in a Slick SL50, but would rather have the real thing.

[@partriotsfight5039]

I purchased this guitar and I am forever a telecaster lover. Actually, this is the greatest guitar I’ve ever played in my life. I have a massive collection, but seriously this is my go to Guitar every single day now.. this and my Stratocaster. But mainly this I just absolutely love this guitar. I can’t walk by without picking it up anymore. I’m seriously glued to it all the time.

[@YaoEspirito]

The first five seconds you played, I said: it's a winner!

[@tompantaleo9441]

that is most definitely the best Tele I've ever heard. It also really helps that Robert is an awesome guitarist.

[@johne1599]

I heard some great Eric Johnson riffs and tones between 3:05 and 3:24, plus really touch sensitive, too.

[@dreamscuba]

I know this is 3 years old. But, Fender does make the RK Strat. They have them in a store here in Singapore. The neck is similar if a little more comfortable. I want one of these Teles. I played one in the store and fell in love with the neck.

[@scottbrown5403]

I got one in November for a smoking deal(900 Canadian) but it needed some TLC. It was missing the gold hardware and had been rewired improperly. It had a 4 way switch that only had two settings. I stuck with the 4 way and changed the switch plate to have the volume in front and the switch at the back. I am gonna put gold hardware back down the road. But I love the neck and I love the pick ups. I set the pickup height to factory and put on pure nickel strings and it is perfect. I ,play it into a Traynor YCS90 and it is heaven on the clean channel for music that is country leaning.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

THAT'S A GREAT TELE! Thanks for sharing brother!

[@hearpalhere]

Hi there. I'm new to your channel but just wanted to say that this was awesome. I really dig Richie Kotzen's playing and this guitar is beautiful indeed. Your playing was great too!

[@tidepoolbay]

I bought one back when they supplied two cases. On hard one soft leather. Fender Japan makes Quality instruments.

[@mylesanderson4073]

I couldn't buy that guitar, so I bought a 2tsb US tele and have systematically converted it in to something similar. Same pickups, new saddles, 12" radius neck, locking tuners. Hell yeah. I put a push/push pot in the volume position that is also a series/parallel, so I still have that no-load tone pot. I wasn't aware of the arm contour though, that's rad.

[@mickdebergerac1143]

Don't we just love ALL our guitars??? This is a great chanel

[@moose6676]

Well!!!!! I’m picking one up today, and can’t wait, great video and of course great playing thanks 👍🏻

[@tonstagnant]

Bought that guitar last month. And i must say. The neck is thick but coming from an ibanez user and ltds. It feels weird because i feel more comfortable with my RK tele. I have more to grab on. I bought it because its beautiful. But now i love it because it is my best guitar so far. I love everything on this guitar.

[@TruBluGuitar]

If you love that neck so much, the Warmoth fatback is the same profile. I have it on 2 of my guitars and yes, LOVE them.

[@denmut]

Do you still have the guitar?

[@MintIceCreamEnjoyer]

No, he doesn't. This was revealed to me in a dream...

[@thisguy2973]

I don’t have big hands, but ever since I got a Les Paul Standard 50s, I’ve realized a thicker neck is more preferred for actually playability.

[@johnhanna4719]

I hav e been playing this tele for years and agree with you 100%. But you let the secret out!! I had a kotzen strat and the neck is NOT the same, sadly. The strat neck much thinner but it had the 12 radius like the tele. ITs also a heavy stretch like this tele is although the one I have, after going through about 4 of them is under 8 lbs and will never be sold!!! Great vid, thanks

[@jeffhunter9311]

Still loving my RK Sig Tele, I had to make a few changes. American wiring Heavy duty 3 way switch, Replaced the Twain king neck pickup with the Dimarzio Area T a true double stack. The Area T and the Chopper T go together

[@MikeyNewman1974]

Best teles ever!!! I have 3 of them.

[@patrickgesner2991]

If you want to get the Kotzen Strat sound, just order the Dimarzio Richie Kotzen pre-wired pickguard. You can probably get a neck made just like it from Warmoth.

[@johnevered9640]

I literally just bought one today! Honestly the neck doesn't feel that big! I've played a couple of teles that had far less comfortable necks

[@CBGypsy03]

Hey John is the finish Poly or a Nitro? thanks😊

[@MikeLee-lg5vq]

Just replace the neck pickup with a tele-sized mini-humbucker and, voila! 😃 Great playing btw!

[@johnevans1453]

Its definitely worth it! I want it. Jumbo frets, huge neck, Japanese build. Played it at GC twice. Ill have it eventually even though im not too familiar w Tele's. What ^he says!

[@t-boog2173]

The neck pickup sounds killer now. The Chopper T sounds great too. It's clear & percussive yet very thick sounding. I would love a RK Tele I just know I'd have to change the neck. I have big hands but I still don't like fat necks. Modern C is my bag.

[@IvorThomas]

Got my RK for $1200 on Reverb. Spent $60 on setup which included grinding down those infernal Fender saddle height adjuster screws aka palm bleeders. Plays like a dream now. Robert, the neck is a deep C like a '59 burst rather than the really deep U. I find the Tele's neck more inspirational but really like the RK Strat neck also. If you have tried a Fender Ed O'Brien Strat, the RK is similar but maybe a mm or two thinner.

[@sprintbass]

I adore the yellow fade...or yellow burst....this guitar will definitely solve some problems for me...but that yellow.. I got to have it...

[@rickyjones7282]

I have a Kotzen Telecaster & it's absolutely AWESOME!!! My only gripe with it is the weight! The only reason why I say this is because I'm a small guy (9 stone) & I guess Richie Kotzen is heavier by a long way!!?I know he's a lot taller than me (I'm 5ft 6") so I gather he weighs more than me!!? My hands aren't huge,but the big neck isn't a problem for me!! I have to say that the neck is a absolute boon too play & it has loads of sustain!!!

[@_death_3047]

I want a telecaster that has the look of a traditional telecaster, but I only play rock/metal. I genuinely feel like this may fit the bill for what I’m looking for.

[@patrickvanvlooten]

6:12 I have both, a 2006-2008 RK Strat and 1994-1995 RK Tele which looks way darker than yours! Basically they are same neck. If anything, I'd say the strat neck feels a bit more D shaped near the lower region but going up the neck they're pretty much identical. To me, it's a marginal difference. Great instruments although I might swap the bridge pickup on the strat, it sounds a bit thin. Cool video by the way!

[@joelander3054]

Can you tell us what gear you are playing the Richie Tele thru? Thanks for the review, looking at one of these now, I have an US Made Elite Tele with a Seymour Duncan Hot Rail PU in the bridge and a Seymour Duncan double stack in the neck and absolutely love it thru my rig, I am certain this axe won't be much different - Cheers

[@robwingler2453]

I have one, and it is my go to guitar currently. The neck is the best feeling neck to me and the sound is killer

[@ryemill7787]

I loved playing that guitar too and yes the neck really is a hand full.

[@ShopazonOnline]

Awesome vid! You convinced me man! Please do some Richie style lessons! You do a great job emulating him

[@theguitarelectric5218]

Amazing. I have a tele and I was on the fence about hot rodding it. But, after hearing that ; it's on......Great vid and nice playing . BTW I love that semi- vintage Kotzen riff.

[@hernangonzales9602]

Besides everything you said, it is gorgeous!!!! its way too beautiful

[@JesseFSegovia]

What are you using for your amp, FX, etc.? Your overdriven sound is fantastic!

[@danhermele]

Would also love to know.

[@j_freed]

Good to know about the neck profiles, as a dude with larger mitts I have the same issue. I was thinking either a Dave Friedman or a Warmoth replacement neck. But these are super cool.

[@Chord_The_Seeker]

I tried a Richie Kotzen tele at a store and I fell in love with the pickups. I like pretty thick necks, but the neck on the Richie Kotzen was just too huge for me. If ever a guitar fit the description of a baseball bat neck, it would be this one, and I’m talking about the fat end of the bat, at the end that hits the ball.

[@johnevans1453]

The jumbo frets and baseball bat neck inspired me when I played it at GC. I dont need it. But its what I'll buy if I decide to get another guitar. It is different and the build is so solid!

[@MaestroJericho]

I just got one, it's got some really unique quirks to it imo. I like it more than an ESP Ronnie Wood I've had. I'm a huge tele fan and my other tele is a super modern Aristides t/0 and they compliment each other really well in that neither sound like traditional teles but the Kotzen is so muscular sounding.

[@LookinUp2001]

Did you keep this guitar???

[@MintIceCreamEnjoyer]

The guitar wasn't real. It was some kind of mirage, like a Fata Morgana. It never actually existed. You have to believe me brother!

[@bradleystroup1457]

Jeff Loomis recently posted that this is the guitar he's been playing a lot lately

[@GuitarJesse7]

Tried one of these a couple weeks ago. Love the look, neck way too thick imo (and I have a bunch of different guitars and size necks). Not sure if it was supposed to be this way, but the pickup selector went opposite (forward was the bridge). Tones were decent though. Also loved the arm contour idea, more fender teles should have that.

[@the-ryan-lester]

Great video man. Made my decision to get one much easier. Well “played” lol.

[@jonduke3919]

I love that GUITAR....

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Played one today in the store. Fit and finish were excellent. Played beautifully but I have small hands and the neck was a bit too big for me. All in all, it's a made in Japan beauty of a Tele.

[@RJRonquillo]

That's a great sounding guitar fo sho!

[@jezzer1969]

I imported my Kotzen from Japan in 2003. Mine has a lovely patina on the bridge and the neck has yellowed over time like a 50’s guitar. I think it’s the best Tele Fender make. I did own the Kotzen Strat for 2 years. They did a small run into the U.K. But I traded it for some cash & a 81 JCM800 2204. The Strat isn’t as good a guitar IMHO. The neck is a 1/2” shallower compared to the Tele. Plus I found the pickups were a bit non descript.

[@charlesfitzgerald3201]

Great video Thanks , Answered my questions about this guitar and pickups , Sounds frikkin great , what amp were you plugged into ,, if you dont mind me asking , sounded badass

[@khalilhabib9607]

Killer tone. What are you playing it through? Thanks

[@chriswilliams9284]

Robert, if ya check eBay as of 5/14, there's a used Kotzen Strat direct from Japan for under $1100.

[@CC-qb9sm]

Hey Robert, you have so many posts I don’t catch them all, but I understand you no longer have this telecaster (I think I have that correct), what made you give this one up?

[@roychan2160]

Hi. Would like to know if you had any issues with the bridge pickup on your Ritchie Kotzen Tele? Went to collect mine couple of days ago and it was buzzing and humming like a nest of angry bees. Hope its just a defective piece and not the norm. Your feedback on yours will be appreciated. Thanks!

[@muriloninja]

"So rich, so full"....you sir have a great ear!

[@MisterTee]

I have one but replaced the pickups with a set of Lollars. I also swapped the three way for a four way and added a tone control

[@srenfriisalexandersen9423]

What a killer tone! Which amp/effects are you going through?

[@zzkeokizz]

Hey Robert. I just found a strat pickguard loaded with Richie Kotzen dimarzio's at guitar center- via Google. Maybe you can build your own RK strat

[@metalmick]

At 1:10 what you said right there, I swear I saw the headstock of standard Tele droop forward a little and a small tear fall from it. Harsh words Robert, harsh words.

[@moonchild4806]

By winding the pickup down do you mean lowering it in the pickguard or actually unwinding some of the coils on the pickup?

[@Alec_McCloskey]

Moon Child he means lower the pickup height so it’s farther away from the strings.

[@musky2much]

Love mine! Had it a couple years now and gold plating on bridge plate has worn. I changed bridge pu to SD Pearly Gates awhile back and absolutely kills. Nothing at all wrong with chopper T just always been a Pearly Gates fan.

[@BadHorsie1]

A Richie Kotzen Tele, a Richie Sambora Strat and a Buckethead Les Paul. Ideal line up 😂

[@chrisdbluesguitar3032]

Hey Robert thanks for your fantastic demo even though I'm already a RK telecaster owner & " true believer " it Really IS a Badass Do-it-all Tele !! I'd Love to know what your running through to achieve your awesome Badass Juicy Tone !!! obviously your fantastic playing & great Hands tone are a big part of it but I'd Love to know your signal path ta & the Kotzen Tele is a big Go-To guitar in my live & studio work $ I did actually my guitar Tech did swap out the rotary series-parallel switch & we put in a CTS 250k tone pot & a little upspec rewire & it gives the guitar a whole Lotta Love in the tonal flexibility dept & found I could balance the Neck pickup a little better with the Bridge & just round off the note & get that cool subtle "squish' on the nose of the note for great Blues tones !! look forward to more brother all the best cheers from Downunder ChrisDBlues

[@ShredRexGuitar]

Mine arrives tomorrow.....can't wait

[@jah8859]

Love RIchie and only wish my abilities were good enough to justify getting one. Nice riff btw.

[@lt4801]

if you think you would be motivated by buying an expensive guitar then do it :)

[@simonbeckwith]

Without a doubt my most used guitar, love it

[@tolgagul7007]

I'm curious about something. I'm lefty player. I'm playing guitar almost 9 years and I need this one! Sound like 'fan guy' but nope. This guitar is the beauty/beast. is there any chance to create lefty models this one or the Fender Custom Shop can build this guitar for the left handed players? I need some answer please :(

[@lt4801]

you can have pretty much the same thing built for you by the custom shop, not even masterbuilt, just the normal custom shop

[@tolgagul7007]

@@lt4801 thanks a lot! but price is not okay for Turkey people I guess :D in Turkey 3.500 $ = 29.500 Turkish Lira... hmm :D