Why I Use a Telecaster Guitar - James Burton

[@jerrydoyle4627]

I know James Burton. He came into a car dealership where I sold cars in Shreveport, La. He and I sat in my office a couple of times. We talked about Elvis. Super nice man. I'll never forget that experience.

[@shanewalton8888]

My father died last spring and when I went to clean out his apartment, it was filled to the brim with Teles. Glad to see how much joy that guitar brought to him over a half century.

[@stevestringer7351]

Wow. I am so sorry for your loss. What Re you doing with the telecasters?

[@shanewalton8888]

@@stevestringer7351 I play left handed, and I live in Japan while my father was in Canada, so I had no choice but to sell off all but one of the guitars. The one I spared I carried back to Japan and gave to my 13 year old daughter who plays guitar. My father and daughter used to play the guitar back and forth to each other over the phone, so I am sure he would have wanted her to have it.

[@williamkelley75]

No one gets the sound you do on your Tele. I have my share of teles, no guitar can beat the Tele for stage work. You’re my favorite.

[@robinrockstheworld1962]

James was the guy that got me "Tele hooked" in the first place and he still inspires me today. I still play a pink paisley Tele although l do my own thing with it, but James planted the seed in my heart that grew into what l do today. Cherish the fond memories!

[@geraldrustick7966]

So sorry to hear about your dad he didn’t happen to mention that I was a good friend and he wanted me to have one of his teles

[@seanatteberry3686]

Great interview. I ran I to James Burton at a hotel in Memphis once. What a great guy. Talked for about 20 minutes before he had to leave.

[@seanatteberry3686]

@@ebsenraptzski9522, someone else said they met him. You didn't leave a rude comment to him.

[@jbfonfrias9133]

I'm 68 & grew up watching & listening to Burton on those memorable Ozzie & Harriet episodes when I was a kid. Obviously, I was (& still am) a huge fan of Ricky Nelson (who inspired me to ask my parents back then for a guitar) & loved all his songs, but as I got older, understood & appreciated what a phenomenal guitarist James was - & is. The way he not only sparkled throughout all the songs, it was his way of sprinkling & bending those beautiful twinkles within his great groove & amazing solos. It all stands up today so many decades later. Long live James Burton. Great interview !

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you...... Best, Joe

[@kennethhiggs3877]

James is my inspiration..he brings his original style to make any piece of music sound just great

[@20cencool]

It such a groovy thing when you hear about parents that start a musician on their personal journey and it became a successful career for them. As a parent, I can't imagine a more beautiful thing than to help your child achieve what they were truly put on the earth to do.

[@jimilee4609]

James Is The Telecaster Master ! Totally Untouchable 👍

[@SolarReturn1966]

Legendary...James Burton...just LEGENDARY!!! I had two people I wished I could meet since I was a little kid... Never in my life could I have imagined that someday I would get to finally meet these two legends... One of them was Scotty Moore and the other was the MASTER of the Telecaster Mr. James Burton!!! It was so surreal!!! Both very humble and down to earth. Two of the greatest person's I have ever met! Thank you for this interview sir! I can see how much admiration you have for James in this interview as well! Best regards!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Solar... yes James is a close friend. Just like you said... a great guy. Period. Scotty too. If you haven’t seen the interview I did with Scotty it was one of my very first(we call Vault Series)interviews that I did a couple of years before the museum opened. I knew Scotty before I met James actually. Both were/are just good guys. Thanks for watching....Joe

[@SolarReturn1966]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thank YOU my friend! I appreciate the reply and I sincerely appreciate everything your doing!!! I really enjoy your channel. This here is really priceless!!! I'm looking forward to the day I can come to Nashville and tour your Musicians Hall Of Fame And Museum. Hopefully this Covid thing goes away soon so Life can get back to normal, whatever that was...🤔😀 Take care of yourself my friend, we need you!

[@donwoodswirral]

I had the pleasure and privilege of sharing the stage with this great man on several occasions....singing Ricky Nelson hits with the JB backing...a lovely man and total legend and proud to regard him as a friend.

[@jpavlvs]

He looks great at 80. Plays even better.

[@justinmilam6899]

Such a good humble man! Love him and his family!

[@John-vk4gs]

James Burton is an absolute living legend !!!!!!!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching John.... vote for us as best music museum in the USA Today poll everyday until February 17th... best.,..... Joe

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

When young players see me plug an old Fender straight into a good amp they always ask, "Where are your tone pedals?" I tell 'em, " My hands are my pedals." Burton touches on this about @10:55 and beyond. It's a difficult thing to explain because it is something that only comes from years of experience. You just "do it" so to those who can't yet even grasp the concept it's an imperceptible puzzle. It's old school.

[@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84]

Bassmangotdbluz Ok, but how do you switch from a clean to an overdriven or distorted tone without taking your hands off the guitar? That’s the purpose of them to me and they serve his purpose well, but some people do depend on them too much for their sound. If you just play clean all the time, than obviously it’s not necessary for you to use them.

[@bassmangotdbluz3547]

@@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84How would I? I probably wouldn't. I'd setup the amp for the tune and a 5 way switch on a Fender guitar along with the tone circuit can offer numerous sound combinations. All that aside, I think you missed my point. What I was discussing is more about attack, growl, sustain, pitch control etc. as they pertain to both right and left hand techniques which become almost instinctual in time. I don't mean as simply as finger style, picked, slapped or finger tapped.

[@MrHallyLou]

Selfdefence

[@JMac.]

Ryan Haydon to switch from clean to distortion without taking your hands off the guitar and using pedals... you crank an amp until it distorts... then roll back your guitar volume, that cleans up nicely then when you want to dirty it up you crank up the guitar volume and let it howl.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

@@AllTheCoolNamesAreTaken84 Not trying to be a smart ass, but It's called a volume knob. You set your amp up as hot as ya want it to be, for certain songs, then ya simply back off the volume knob of your guitar to varying degrees for most everything else.......and when you're ready for more bite/growl/sustain, ya simply crank up your volume knob on the guitar. This is how all the greats have been doing it for decades.......and STILL do to this day. As guitarists mature musically, most will come to realize this, and watch how fast they start getting rid of pedals. Hell, it took me years to realize that the quality of tone comes mostly from THE GUITAR.......and less so for the amp. Of course a sweet tube amp helps, but make no mistake, THE GUITAR ITSELF is where it's at, for sheer tonal quality........and no 2 are exactly alike, even if they are identical models from the same year. The tone of the guitar tends to get buried via a bunch of pedals & distortion. Ever see a woman who is naturally drop-dead beautiful, yet she plasters on far too much makeup? You get the idea..........Me: lifelong guitarist/blues harp/singer/stage performer of many years.

[@GetawaysandGuitars]

The original guitar hero! Back in the day he inspired all the greats. Elvis was the rock vocalist that inspired generations, James and Scotty Moore were the guitar gods before Hendrix, Clapton, Beck and Page ;0)

[@kevdean9967]

Don't forget to mention Cliff Gallup if you're bringing Jeff Beck into the equation. Gallup was huge with the British guys. I think half the material that British invasion bands used came from Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley! They both deserve mention.

[@BrentMFisher]

Don't forget Dickey Betts lead guitar player for Allman Brothers. Do I need to mention Don Felder? Kimie Girl :)

[@drs401960]

I knew James Burton personally, and his family! He is one of the nicest, sweetest men that ever lived! I'm very happy to hear that he was inducted to the Musian's Hall of Fame! He deserves it! He is/was one of the finest guitar players ever!! Kudos James!

[@tunesmith7437]

My first electric guitar (back in 1968) was a rose boarded Tele. I have since come to prefer the maple neck model. To me, a Tele is the shortest distance between two points: The electricity that causes the sound in the first place and the electricity of your soul that feeds it.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

Love the stories about Merle, Glen and Chet Atkins.

[@anthonyc1883]

Love the reference at 7:40 when James opens the guitar case at the Fender factory in 1969 and sees the paisley Tele for the first time, saying "No, no, not for me, maybe Van Halen." Meanwhile, elsewhere in Southern California, the 14-year -old Edward Van Halen must've said "'Excuse me, someone mention my name?"

[@50gary]

Cool guy, legend. The Telecaster is IMO the true electric guitar.

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Agreed. It has no rival

[@Fandao19]

Wade Wilson except for the mighty LES PAUL

[@kevinblackburn3198]

@@Fandao19 great guitar by if I had to live on Mars and could take only one guitar it will be a Telecaster.

[@wesleyplass2324]

And on the 7th day - he didn’t rest - no! he grabbed his guitar and started to play... thank you James that you gave me the chance working with you and and the TCB’s feat. Ronnie Tutt, Jerry Scheff and Glen D. Hardin back in 2009 in Nashville

[@fredfox3851]

It's not the arrow but the Indian that wields it. Thanks for another great interview Joe!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Fred........ Joe

[@guitarman6742]

I met and talked with James Burton at NAMM in Los Angeles. I give him one of my cd's. He smiled when he looked at the back...and there was a Tele with the American flag as the pick guard.

[@user-dr8ug3gs3c]

What's not to love about this guy? He is such a humble ,down to earth GOD fearing man that has been blessed with amazing talent. I have heard many stories from family in the Shreveport area that attest just how generous this man is with not just his money but with his time. and how wonderful and kindhearted his wife is also. James Burton is Truly the Master of the Telecaster. Great Interview.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Joel.... Joe

[@2000konnie]

Great interview. One of the highlights is how Elvis and Merle Haggard were interested in his guitars.

[@sugarlife485]

L E G E N D Ive been around a long time Heard em all live...It doesnt get any better then James Burton.

[@larydixon4824]

Oh Yeah ! Joe you have done it again.. This was Great ! All of the information from the world's best players is more important than anything you can Ever find in a book.. There is no greater teacher than a lifetime of experience.. Thanks again my friend.. Lary

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

You’re welcome Lary... thanks again for your support!!!! Joe

[@larydixon4824]

Thanks Joe for your kind reply... It it must be very rewarding to see all these Great comments... Lary

[@iancunningham5576]

I play a tele exclusively. James Burton was my earliest tele picker influence. Immeasurably grateful.

[@LIGHTintheHALLS]

Great questions, Joe! I always wondered about those. You ask great questions because you’re a musician and a fan. Right on!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Stirk.....thank you.... actually I tell people I thought I was a musician until I moved to Nashville:) Thanks was the kind words and supporting our channel.... Best, Joe

[@anthonyhuffman7306]

All the wonderful things ever said about James are absolutely true.

[@Sonic_Ox]

American standard Telecaster was my first guitar and is still my favorite. Man I wish I could make it sound like JB. Thanks for the interview and video. It's great to hear these legends tell their stories.

[@JackKincaid..]

You can watch old footage when James was with Elvis. He was at the top of his game. Elvis knew what he had with James in the band. An absolute monster player on that Telecaster!!

[@kennethcurtis1856]

Can one imagine JB and Glen Campbell in the TCB band? Had Elvis gotten his way, it would have happened, but Campbell had other plans.

[@AlJohnsGuitar]

Only 1 guitar. That is amazing...lol. kinda proves how well Leo Fender and company did in designing that bad boy.

[@thomaspick4123]

Al JOHNS Leo did not like Hendrix burning one of his creations at Monterey. I don’t blame Leo. It was a childish thing to do. Who a person crush a Stradivarius violin?

[@TomCPlus1]

Interesting. Millions of Strats produced (before 1967, and since) . . . and what was burning was lighter fluid, not the guitar. Sure could use a new paint job, but the instrument didn't die. So . . . not a Stradivarius-scale incident.

[@Sonic_Ox]

Hello Thomas, I agree it wasn't a Stradivarius scale incident but being a guitar lover, I also hate to see musicians destroy their instruments. Pete Townsend destroyed some beautiful guitars, amps and other gear. I get it, it's part of their artistic expression and all that... it's just a sad thing for me to see an instrument die lol.

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Yes Sir......I LOVE a good Tele. The old, original Les Paul's actually have a thinner tone, much like a Tele. Many popular guitarists dubbed the old original Les Pauls as "a Tele with just a bit more growl". The newer Les Pauls sound nothing like the old, originals. I actually prefer the Tele over a Strat. Of course that's if I could only choose 1. But we all know they each have their own qualities and draw backs. Tools in a toolbox for special needs.

[@theWARMJET]

@@thomaspick4123 rock and roll

[@tomjones239]

I met James years ago in Shreveport. I bought a small PA system and a ton of music gear from him like cables and microphones and even a primitive drum machine. He gave me a great deal and threw in an old mic stand that Elvis had used on stage (according to him). The chrome on the mic stand was rusted from the sweat on Elvis` hand. I used that stand for over 20 years. One night the base broke and someone threw it away without asking me.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Great story... thanks for sharing... Joe

[@tomjones239]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thank you Joe for all these great interviews! This is one of my favorite channels.

[@lisag18]

Oh, my, gosh. Threw it away?! I'd cry

[@jerrydoyle4627]

I worked at a car dealership selling cars in Shreveport, La. You got to agree, super nice man. We sat in my office and talked about Elvis. I will never forget the experience !

[@mandojoe1391]

this man is a legend. a true innovator not unlike edison. cheers to this video!

[@vasiliosagio3127]

Everyone says Hendrix and Blackmore , Clapton and Paige but to me James gave me greater joy with his playing especially with the elvis live recordings - what a legend

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Agio......Joe

[@sirbaronvoncount4147]

Great job Joe. Guitar players want to talk about guitar. I like the questions about settings and amp choices. Great series

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Wade.... Best, Joe

[@davehollamon1985]

James You Are The Man!!

[@TheGuitologist]

One of the big boys.

[@roywalker677]

First of all he is A REAL Christian who practces what he preaches.Second,in my opinion hes on of the three best guitarist EVER ! Very humble and nice man.Rock on brother!

[@ramboweed5169]

Humble guy....for a guitar god. Thanks Joe for these intimate conversations

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Rambo.... Joe

[@63mckenzie]

Telecasters are the most versatile of all the guitars. You can do anything with them, country, blues, rock, soul,metal. Love them.

[@LisaSunnyDays]

Thanks for the great interview Joe! I am blessed to have met James Burton in Vancouver, Canada, at the Yale's Dr. John show in about 2003. What a down to earth, genuine guy. I have had the opportunity to meet lots of great performers, but meeting James is truly a highlight of my life. Hope to cross paths again one day!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing Billy... Joe

[@2011littlejohn1]

There is a story about the first Stratocaster in the U.K. being bought by Cliff Richard and used by Hank Marvin the U.K.'s original guitar hero. At the time there were no Fender guitars in the U.K. but they knew that James Burton played a Fender so they sent off for the catalogue. They saw the most expensive model - a red gold plated Stratocaster and thought that that must be the one Burton would play. They sent off for it and became very successful having an authentic U.S. rock sound and thus a generation of British guitar players all wanted a Stratocaster. Then they found out he played a Telecaster. :)

[@Rushscored4]

Tele will cut through anythin , fell in love with teles when i got my fIrst one at 15 , still my faves today at 58. Long live the Telecaster ❤

[@howabouthetruth2157]

Mr. Burton is absolutely correct, and I know from decades of playing & performing myself: A satin neck is indeed, the fastest neck you can get. Even though it seems as if the "glassy smooth" finish on necks with poly, would be better, the fact of the matter is, during a performance, that glassy finish actually gets gummed up and will "grab" the palm of your hand. Ya find yourself having to constantly wipe & clean the neck off DURING your gig. A satin neck stays incredibly smooth & consistent as can be....... throughout hours of playing. It just doesn't gum up, and NO NEED to apply anything such as powder, sprays, or wax.....EVER. Of course you clean it periodically, but that's simply "general maintenance". He's also right about how sweat actually causes the satin neck to become even faster, even though it's smooth & fast to begin with. When I discovered this first-hand decades ago, I started choosing only guitars......including acoustics, with satin necks. Never went back.......other than nice guitars I already owned that had glossy finished necks. Had to keep them for the sweet tone they produced, but I did come to realize that the glossy finish all around is inferior to satin, pure & simple.

[@anoldmannameddave7455]

James’s Tele on Black and White Night, was SO awesome. Him and Bruce, trading licks, Still gets all over me. 😊

[@davehopping7212]

James was very kind to Bruce in that segment!

[@seankearney5469]

Wow that was so great!!!!!!

[@jysmtl]

James was great, as always. Bruce is good, but next to James he really couldn’t keep up.

[@kennethcurtis1856]

@@davehopping7212 JB made Bruce look like a school kid playing guitar on the sandlot. He is so smooth.

[@davehopping7212]

@@kennethcurtis1856 You're SO right!

[@KaninTuzi]

One guitar, no pedals - just tweaking the guitar and amp. Boss

[@ValleyForge-dk6mf]

Less is more.

[@surfrby8876]

Agree with you guys,I’ve gotten away from pedals maybe a little overdrive once in a while just for fun and certain songs

[@jasonthunders78]

Like Angus and Malcolm from AC DC,...just worked off the amps,.

[@fastteddyb]

exactly

[@guitarman6742]

Why distort the beautiful sound of a Telecaster?

[@andresilva8444]

Had the pleasure of meeting James Burton a few years ago and told him I now need to get a pink tele. And he replied: You do that! All you ever need.

[@rclamb04]

I have to admit some of these people I dont know about including Mr. Burton but of course I am familiar with his work. Just another reason why I love this channel so thanks for doing that!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Robert…..Joe

[@tjyoung8069]

Great interview, Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks TJ..... Joe

[@randysheets898]

Congratulations James on your career your the best I have Seven guitars and play them all thank for the inspiration s hope to play like you .

[@professor_prte4104]

I got my Telecaster thanks to James Burton. I was about to buy a second hand JB signature, but my father said it was an ugly guitar... pfff and it was at a very reasonnable price. Now, I play my 2016 American Elite Telecaster for a few years, I'm very happy with it. But I hope I will be able to own a reissue of an oldie one, just to get that particular sound, bright and twangy. Thank you for the interview and thank you James Burton for the music revolution you made with all these great artists. TCB

[@whimpypatrol5503]

Yes, that out of phase setting was fantastic

[@flintdavis2]

I met Jim in Hawaii a few years back. Still have the signature guitar pick.

[@terryozburn4417]

Wow!...... Great interview. James Burton always had his own style with his Tele! One of the greatest pickers of whom could improvise on the spot! Thanks for sharing this.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Terry.... hey do us a favor and vote for us as best music museum in the USA Today poll “Best Music Museum” Closes Monday night... Appreciate your vote... best....Joe

[@stevehornshaw4478]

Joe, wow How do you get these legends. Again so humble but a legends. 1 guitar, and the stories from those that made the music. Rick Nelson, Elvis and Glen Cambell's guitar. Just majic Joe. Thanks again

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Steven.... I’ve loved the music of the mid fifties , Sixties.... Seventies etc..and was lucky enough to know many of the people who created the music that was such a huge part of my life. As you noticed... most of the greatest were also the most humble! Thanks for your kind words and supporting our channel ..,...Best...... Joe

[@everly-shadystudios9900]

James Burton This is my favorite guitar player of all time his resume speaks for itself. And there is no guitar more iconic than the pink Paisley tele. I know if Elvis was still alive You would have him on your show, Wondering if you had one question to ask Elvis What would it be? Because you have the best of the best guests all the time.👍⚡TCB⚡

[@scottstrand1874]

Keith Richards said he bought Rick Nelson records to hear James on guitar.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

Legend. Just a legend.

[@StephenOshea]

i play the red flame and its awesome

[@JonRaffety]

There's just something about a tele!

[@calsurflance5598]

He could get so many tones out of that one guitar because it was his one and only, and he knew how to use it. Beware of the man who has only one gun. He will surely know how to use it!🎸 Great interview Thanks Joe!👍

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again Cal……Joe

[@pilartena4648]

Gran guitarrista James Burton. Admiro su trabajo🎸

[@adriennelee1520]

yep.. gotta '52.. been playing it for over 40 years.. love it.. I get ya, James..

[@annaelvis3138]

Great great James Burton.James is ICONE.Thank yuo for sharing.

[@TheOrdonje]

I'll never forget James onstage with Roy Orbison On "Black and White night"..during "Pretty Woman" he's trading licks with Bruce Springsteen and absolutely destroys him! Bruce is a songwriting a rock and roll legend, but that night Bruce brought a knife to a gun fight!.

[@DannyLee-bx1tp]

Springsteen's name does not even belong in a sentence with James Burton when it comes to playing a gutair musicianship and class.

[@MrConan89]

Since closing out my band days I mostly play an acoustic Taylor. When fronting my band I didn't play much lead stuff. I tried a Les Paul a few times but I was exhausted with the weight of it at the end of a three hour gig. The problem for me with the Stratocaster was that the volume knob was always too close to my right hand. Thus the telecaster,

[@tmo7734]

Great interview, Joe. I like your style: you ask friendly yet probing questions. Worked perfect for a pro like James Burton. Thank you. - Tim

[@deboisblanc]

I saw the paisley guitar or replica at The Hard Rock that used to be in La Jolla about 20 years ago. Aloha From Hawaii, iconic.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

James still has his original. Thanks.... Joe

[@tonymarinelli7304]

There is no doubt, the telecaster guitar is Leo fenders masterpiece. The Tele is my go to and desert island guitar. James Burton wouldn’t have had any influence on me wanting to play a Tele LOL yeah right watching the Aloha from Hawaii concert when I was a little kid did it for me. James Burton, Eddie Van Halen, Neil Schon and Steve Lukather are my biggest influences and guitar

[@edbankston5593]

Great interview of a great player, Oh the stories he has

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Ed.........Joe

[@britisheagle9776]

the one and only mr james burton hes double awesome legendary performer there no one could take is place

[@jamescarter8699]

I started playing Tele's in 1972. Then I started to notice it sounded like all the guitars on all the hits from James Brown to Booker T and the MG's to Blues, R&B and Pop hits. Then I kept hearing people say: You always sound just like the record. I guess that way because the Tele or strat was what everyone was using. Except the Fat Box Jazz players. And even then the Tele has a nice Jazz tone on the neck pick-up. But I too would always have a middle strat pickup added to the center & go 5 way switch with an on/off toggle switch for the lead neck pickup to get the neck and bridge pickup Tele sound. Which makes for 7 tones. This made it a Tele Ultracaster. Everything on a strat and Tele in one guitar.

[@thomaspick4123]

I have played the James Burton signature Tele. It is a wonderful guitar. That satin neck is so comfortable. I remember red from the Ricky Nelson show. I did not know it was his original white Tele painted. Not much mention of one pickup Esquire guitars. They were wonderful. They had a unique tone circuit. I prefer a mellow sound on a Tele. James mention of amps- the 50’s amps with that suitcase luggage covering had a more brown, biting, dirty sound, then the black face 1964 models. James uses quite light gauge strings.

[@NVRAMboi]

Thanks Joe. Great and interesting interview - including your comments and observations.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks.... Joe

[@RobertVeasquez]

One of the early guitar Gods! Another great interview Joe.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks 707.....And he’s still rocking...Joe

[@shaunw9270]

JB's one of the reasons I just had to get a '52 reissue Tele ! There is a brilliant compilation CD "James Burton - The Early Years 1956 - 1969" , which came out on ACE records in 2011; what I thought was weird , was the photo on the cover ,he's playing what appears to be a Gretsch ! Awesome interview Joe 👍

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Shaun... Joe

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you too Shaun...... Joe

[@John-vk4gs]

I love you James !!! Get well !

[@doug941]

If that's the guitar he wants ....go git it for him! Great parenting!! Thank you for producing an American Legend!

[@bill_nj8543]

This is such a cool interview!

[@promerops]

There is one well known video, available on YT, of Ricky Nelson and his band doing "Hello Mary Lou"; in this James plays a Fender Jazzmaster.

[@doccyclopz]

It seems to me that up until Hendrix came around in late 66' with the Strat that the go to "Rock & roll lead guitar" was the Telecaster or in Jeff Beck's case was his Yardbirds Franken-Esq/Tele but I digress. Now the Tele instead of being the premier Rock lead guitar is now the quintessential Country guitar IMHO 🎸

[@jsteed44]

Don't know much about the electric guitar but I know who this guy is and most of the songs he's played on and the people he associated with one of a kind

[@colico14]

Much respect!

[@donharrold1375]

One guitar is all you need if you know what your doing and you’re really bonded to it. Especially if you know your amp

[@MrAMF50]

Great interview, I particularly loved his work with Ricky Nelson man he wrote the book. Real nice interview thanks.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Tony..... many thanks.... truly appreciated..... Joe

[@atxplankspanker]

Still trying to find a picture of Burton playing the paisley guitar in 1969 at the International hotel. There are lots of pictures in the 70's.

[@crlguitar1]

I think that a couple pictures of the guitars they were discussing would have been nice to see...His signature model & the Pink Paisley....

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

String Fan, my Dad, Joe, passed September 28th- I know he would have responded, as he also liked to have photo references for the viewers, and probably did that more in later interviews. I don’t think you can edit once it’s posted on YT- but you should come see James guitars at the museum sometime. Best, Britt

[@TheTwangKings]

Yep. The man said it. It's the player that makes the guitar, not the guitar that makes a player.

[@TonyAguirreJazz]

"I even played it with Elvis" who get's to quote that? Just awesome

[@d.b.4201]

Love love love James Burton!!!💕

[@bhhNC]

It would be great to learn how JB has those three pickups wired to the 5-pos switch.

[@brcisna]

Great information in this video. As a couple others have said,,there is no education,,,anywhere close to being out on the road like James has done since 16 years of age to learn many little does and donts in your craft. Never have played an instrument until 5 years ago am trying to learn Banjo,,,:). James mentions about getting his first guitar at local music shop in Shreveport. On my motorcycle trips i always look for music shops tooling through various towns,and they are almost non-existent anymore,other than maybe university towns. Joe, have you ever thought of sending a crew to look Ray Butts old music store in Cairo IL? Reason asking went through cairo on a motorcycle trip 4 years ago,and looked for that music store just for kicks and did find location. That is one of the most depressed small downtowns i think ever been through recently. Thanks again.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Barry…. No I haven’t but I’m sure it would be cool to see. Scotty Moore was a good friend and he told me the whole story about that amp. I almost bought his but someone in N.Y wanted it for about double what I was willing to spend which was great for Scotty. Ray’s son stopped by the first museum location years ago. I enjoyed talking with him. Lot’s of history. Scotty wanted one because Chet had one. Thanks again for watching….Best, Joe

[@seankearney5469]

Great interview, didn't james burton blaze the path on light gauge strings???

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Yes Sean... he did. Use to use banjo strings. Thanks for watching and your comments!!!! Joe

[@keithgrimes9622]

When Fender first came out with their light gauge "Rock and Roll" string sets, which I think was in 1963, their gauges were, as I recall, very similar to the light string sets James put together by mixing gauges, before Fender offered a standardized set of that type. I think he was having to use a banjo string for the high E before!

[@fastteddyb]

Love James - best player ever

[@1Ascanius]

Thank you sir for being you I look forward meeting you in HIS kingdom Peace

[@ludevinadefreitas213]

I love James Burton!!!! FANTASTIC!!! 👏👏👏👏

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Ludevina.... best, Joe

[@vincesarmento4854]

Great video!

[@ericheine2414]

I use a Telecaster because it is like a framing hammer. The guitar is very stable. The action can be almost buttery. The tone stands up above the mid-range. It's lighter than a Les Paul. The body has angles on it that lock into your own body. The Stratocasters is very slippery. A slippery guitar makes it harder to control bends. I got my first Telecaster for my 17th birthday, 1976. still have it. It was my 17th electric guitar. I cut my teeth on it. More importantly I was bitten by a Telecaster at a very young age. That'll leave a mark on you. "Iron American Dream" on KZbin I wrote lyrics for Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt. I was a big fan of Waylon Jennings. Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt are not nice people. They are not trustworthy. They take your lyrics smile and shake your hand, all well looking you straight in the eye, the promise to pay depending on how good they are, then they welch on their agreements. Put their names on the songs and claim to have written the lyrics themselves. I do like Waylon Jennings though. He was a great man and a great songwriter. Waylon Jennings was an honest man. Thank you Mr. Jennings.

[@rogerarmstrong8893]

James Burton in my book is the best of the best . I know there are shredders out there and wonderful guitar players. But to me he is the best.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts Roger......Joe

[@baneverything5580]

We miss you Joe. Thank you for these videos.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

baneverything, thank you for your kind words and continuing to support the channel… it would mean so much to my dad, Joe, and does to me too. Hope you can visit the museum sometime. All the best, Britt

[@keithgrimes9622]

Thanks for this informative interview. I figured James was using a little Fender tweed amp on "Suzy Q," nice to have my hunch verified.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Keith………Joe

[@keithgrimes9622]

You're welcome. Thank YOU for a great series of interviews.