Why I Use a Telecaster Guitar - Steve Cropper

Steve Cropper answers the question: "Why a Telecaster?".
Steve is a producer, songwriter, and soul man. Interviewed by the Musicians Hall of Fame founder and CEO, Joe Chambers.
See the whole interview here: • The Story of Booker T ...
This was recorded at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN. Visit us here:
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[@dunlop7rush]

"We all tuned to the piano...which hadn't been tuned in a looong time" I love it!

[@beachhunting69]

Yup. That's classic.

[@shakeyourguitartutorials]

The way it was : )

[@panspermiahunter7597]

No piano use pitch pipes like we all did back in the day.

[@commontater8630]

A fine bunch of musicians, tuning to an out-of-tune piano! (Seriously.)

[@tonyhemingway7980]

We had a garage, country music, band, in the early 70s and the keyboard was an inexpensive organ. I didn't play an instrument, I just sang. The guitar and bass would tune to the keyboard but there was a problem with that. The keyboard had a knob to change it's pitch and, if the knob got moved, you could be a whole step out of key. Most songs I could handle, in a different key, but some would sound pretty bad.

[@rickcourier8451]

Steve Cropper is one of my all time favorites. No frills just an honest player.

[@maxmilligan5672]

Steve Cropper kindly signed my 67 Telecaster at a gig we did here in the UK.I was in the support band and he took time to have a real good chat about his recording days with Otis.Lovely man and a legend.

[@thomaspick4123]

Steve’s collaboration with Otis on Sitting On the Dock of the Bay was lovely. Steve’s fills were angelic. Otis’s vocal was much toned down volume-wise to his usual high powered performance. But, Otis’s vocal is so emotional and sweet. One of their best together.

[@Berniegraph]

A friend of mine, a huge Otis Redding fan, bumped into Steve in a hotel bar next to the venue he was playing in Holmfirth UK. Ended up having a drink with him, a good chat and the inevitable photo. Steve gave him a signed pick and dedicated a song to him at the show that night. He still carries that pick in his wallet to this day!

[@mightymikethebear]

@@Berniegraph mementos and memories

[@howiesmith1504]

@@thomaspick4123 A posthumous collaboration. IIRC, right after the fatal plane crash, Stax wanted to get the "Dock of the Bay" single into immediate release. Steve, like everyone else at Stax, was torn up over the tragedy as Otis was a helluva nice guy and much beloved figure there, but he went into the studio that night, created and overdubbed the lead guitar part on the spot, and created a classic.

[@nickf9392]

The stories from the early musicians are just the best! Today, we obsess over so many minute details and go to crazy levels of OCD to get this sound or that.... These guys for the most part, picked up a guitar and amp they could afford, and just made hits with that gear. I always said you could give Jimi Hendrix a spaghetti box with strings on it and he would probably blow your mind with it. Sure gear is always a fun hobby, but man, take a lesson from these guys and just play!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Very true Nick... thanks for sharing your thoughts... Joe

[@The3leggedhusky]

Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum I wonder what Joe said. Probably something along the lines of “music today sounds better.” It all sounds good to the ears it’s supposed to fall on.

[@davideskelin5807]

My first drum set was a three-piece (snare, mounted tom and bass drum). Kingston brand. It had a tinny cymbal, and then for Christmas, I got a hi-hat from Sears. The whole thing cost $75, in 1977. My drum instructor made that kit sound like a $10,000 drum set. It isn't the gear, it is the musician... I know a guitarist who plays in many of the local bands. He doesn't have a guitar that cost him over $200.

[@nowayout8773]

It's the same in all industries. Bicycling is notorious for advertising bikes with expensive parts that the pros get for free, and endorsements. The nicer the stuff the more expensive it is to maintain. Replacing bridges, nuts, fret work and if you have a good luthier then you are in luck, but it comes with a price. I play guitar and other instruments. I own one acoustic and recently bought a 100 buck ukulele. Ukulele is fun as hell. Love the simplicity. But yeah. These musicians are the ones who wanted to make the guitar sing not the other way around. I respect the old school players. There are many from Jesse Ed Davis to Joe Walsh or Danny Gatton. Hendrix was completely out of the ordinary. Music needs to make me speechless.

[@superbroadcaster]

It's an issue lately, everyone insists on copying other people and the music gear industry just feeds it

[@paulsimmons5726]

Cropper is a true American music legend. The number of icons he made sound good while they were in the spotlight would be staggering if you ever managed to complete the list. A great guitarist among the best!

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

A great player and seems like a great guy! Joe Chambers was a wonder interviewer and a great gentleman. May he rest in peace!

[@doccyclopz]

Yes sir! I too really miss Joe's interviews. He is missed.

[@sabbracadabra8367]

Who died?

[@doccyclopz]

@@sabbracadabra8367 Joe Chambers

[@sabbracadabra8367]

@@doccyclopz No way :/ Wikipedia never got updated.

[@JamrockVybzTV]

Mr Steve Cropper is a living legend! THANK YOU for everything you've done.

[@MetaphysicalMusician]

This guy is so down to earth and cool.Great player..a Legend

[@warrendoris9669]

And plays the hell out of that tele. He gave Otis Redding the best guitar lines possible.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

Dude is such a legend, and so many people don't even know who he is.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Ikken.... Joe

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Ikken Hisatsu - Re: "Dude is such a legend, and so many people don't even know who he is." Yeah, that's true, and it is a shame considering all that Steve Cropper and his fellow band-mates in Booker T. and the MGs and at Stax accomplished. But that's the fate of a session man; they work to make the headliners and vocalists sound good. In a way, Steve and the other MGs were fortunate that they could do sessions on their own and release recordings under their name. Berry Gordy at Motown, for example, prohibited his session musicians from moonlighting or recording as a group apart from their work in the 'snake pit' - what they called that old Motown studio in Detroit. So, while Steve and the other MGs go world-famous - the Funk Brothers over at Motown got nothing. Gordy didn't even list the names of session players on Motown recordings until the 1970s. Steve Cropper and his fellow MGs were smart, though, in that they diversified their talents by playing with all sorts of other artists once Stax-Volt shut its doors. Each of the members of the group did his own projects, and so when the opportunity came to pay together for "The Blue Brothers," at least for Duck Dunn and Steve, they were ready for it. Cropper is and will always be one of my favorite soul-R&B guitar players. And when all is said and done, he'll end up being one of the most-recorded guitar playing session men in history, alongside such fellow luminaries as Cornell Dupree and Reggie Young, to name two.

[@Larrymh07]

Your statement (which I agree with) reminds me of the beginning narration of the 1983 movie The Right Stuff. Masterfully performed by Levon Helm!

[@evansgate]

We speak his name :)

[@OakLawnSpeedShop]

I am sure that is the way he liked it. RIP Colonel

[@mrmusic248]

Today is 7-19=23, and I am reading about Joe's passing for the first time. Thanks, Joe, for all the great conversations, especially with heroes like Steve Cropper. Rest in peace, Joe, and I hope you are enjoying all the eternal interviewing you'll be doing from now on.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

mrmusic248, thank you for you kind words and continued support for the channel, it would have meant so much to dad. Love the thought of eternal interviewing. Hope you can visit the museum sometime. Best, Britt

[@frankmartin182]

Undoubtedly one of the greatest American guitar players of all time.

[@markandersen793]

Check out his guitar duel with fellow Tele. wielder Roy Buchanan on Green Onions, it pretty awesome.

[@OldMod67]

Spot on!

[@Daveymallon]

Frank Martin One of the greatest guitar players of all time, period. For what he does, there really aren’t many that can do it better. Him and Jim Burton had that double stop thing nailed the fuck on..

[@unclenogbad1509]

Totally agree.

[@shannonthomas8894]

Absolutely one of the greatest ever!

[@Riverdeepnwide]

Steve Cropper 👍🏻 A buddy worked sound back in the 60's had a talk with Mr Cropper. He carried the amp tubes in a padded travel case and installed them himself at sound check. Asked why he said "The case is cheaper than a new set of tubes at showtime, IF you can find 'em". Super guy.

[@belo1971]

Thank you Mr Cropper for all you have given to music ! Kindest regards from France

[@KevyNova]

I grew up in the ‘80s and while all my friends were into hair metal bands, I was influenced by Steve Cropper, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Dick Dale and all the guys who started it all in the ‘50s and ‘60s. I still think that’s the best music!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Kevy....thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts....Joe

[@YungTrinidad407]

I bet you were lame as hell back then listening to Chuck berry in the 80s 😂

[@PR-BEACHBOY]

Let’s not forget bass player and Cropper running buddy “Mr. Donald Duck Dunn” what a pair of guitar players

[@wilburwokeii8298]

Cool but who asked?

[@snowline8935]

I love these living legends who played very modest equipment when making their great records.

[@mr.wizard2974]

Is there immodest equipment ?

[@DucksDeLucks]

@@mr.wizard2974 Some people don't bother to cover the electronics inside the amp and show naked speakers. That's pretty immodest.

[@russellparratt9859]

I have always admired Steve Cropper's work with Booker T and the MG's, and I can honestly say that the blonde Tele with rosewood fretboard is the Tele I wanted, because of Steve Cropper. Well, I ended up with a 1988 American Standard Telecaster in Vintage White, which was the closest option available at that time. Now this guitar is 31 years old, and the polyester finish has turned to a richer yellow. It's the only Telecaster I've ever needed.

[@HeleneLogan]

Russell Parratt Telecasters are workhorse guitars. I have a number of rosewood neck Teles (along with Strats, etc.). The Teles are still my faves, and normally my go-tos for...well, everything! ✌️

[@russellparratt9859]

@@HeleneLogan I like the idea of having a few Telecasters, but I can't justify it in terms of money or storage space. But, I've always loved the early '60's bound Sunburst Telecaster Custom, too. Also, Esquires interest me, but they're quite rare. ( My first ever electric guitar was a cheap Esquire copy.) But, the model I have now, because it has a TBX tone control, probably gets a more biting, trebly sound than even an Esquire. For some reason, I prefer Rosewood necked Telecasters, and Maple necked Stratocasters. After a while, we get to know what we want. I also think that the bridge pickup on a Telecaster is THE supreme pickup, and would prefer it to a P90 or PAF any day. My Telecaster also would be my go-to guitar for rock shredding, if I was into that style. But I'm not.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Russell Parratt - Steve Cropper is the reason I bought a Fender reissue 1953 Telecaster when they came out in the 1980s.... man, that sucker sounded good! I had to buy it!

[@russellparratt9859]

@@GeorgiaBoy1961 Thanks for your reply. I have all the Fender literature from that time, and know the guitar you're talking about. That's an excellent choice. I ended up buying a Vintage Reissue Stratocaster, circa 1991, and for me it's the benchmark for authentic Stratocaster sound. Even though Fender had limited resources at that time, their quality was superb.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@@russellparratt9859 - I love Strats, too, so enjoy yours. They're wonderful guitars. That Leo Fender was a genius.

[@stevehelton997]

I met Steve and Duck at the Peabody Hotel . Unbelievable , Steve talked and talked , what a great couple of guys .

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Steve....Thanks for watching....... My wife and I spent the night in Memphis and stayed at the Peabody around 1985 heading to my brother in-laws wedding near Branson. I headed down to the bar for a drink before going to bed and to hear the band I had heard while checking into our room. It was so crowded I couldn’t hardly get in and could barely see the band from the back side of the bar but they sounded so good I stayed anyway. When they took a break I went outside and sat in the lobby. I met Duck the first time sitting out there because he went out there too to get out of the club. Duck was like Steve was to you... he talked the whole time and was very interesting to listen to. Best... Joe

[@ajdc88]

we like both kinds... country AND western!

[@coolnamebro]

If the shit fits, wear it!

[@TheReubenKincaid]

What key?

[@matthewturnage4998]

A, good country key.

[@guitrr]

Matthew Turnage So G Major

[@matthewturnage4998]

@@guitrr I was quoting Duck Dunn's line from Blues Brothers, in response to the question of which key, so it is A.

[@christophermay4998]

Steve Cropper is the real deal........amazing talent.........

[@dickjohnson4268]

"Thanks, Steeeeve!" Truly a soul man.

[@Dreyno]

Nice he didn’t want to mention who borrowed the Esquire and didn’t give it back. Gentleman.

[@_Peremalfait]

One of the greats, both Steve Cropper and the Telecaster. Funny how the first solid body electric after all this time is still the choice of many top musicians. I guess Leo Fender knew what he was doing back then.

[@mikethebloodthirsty]

Its such a workhorse guitar, no messing... and also quite versatile. A great tool.

[@winstonbeech3418]

I'm a total beginner. I had several different guitars... combos, an LP... I only have my 2017 American Tele and a Gretsch. I love the clean sound. Wish I could play it better but I can always hand it to my teacher and let him put it through its paces.

[@monmixer]

Amazing for a man that doesn't play a guitar.

[@michaelroche4559]

It’s the same in the world of bass guitar: the P-bass, like the Tele, was (essentially) the first bass guitar, and it’s still hugely popular today. Leo Fender was a genius.

[@_Peremalfait]

@@michaelroche4559 Amazing isn't it? And after the Tele, Leo Fender made the Stratocaster!

[@rstuartcpa]

Love that Steve shares his settings on the tele...volume and tone all the way up with the pickup selector in the middle! Wow, Steve Cropper is my number one guitar hero!

[@johnvender]

Reminds me of hearing how to get the best sound out of an old Vox AC30, turn all the knobs to full :)

[@nicksonthevet]

I do this all the time, and I find this has the best sound

[@Jackdesj]

Good Lord, Steve Cropper does not age.

[@rorystorm4284]

Really?

[@matthewgrimm5383]

This man is a legend. Pay close attention

[@markandersen793]

@@chipgaasche4933 YOU LISTEN BOY!

[@lowellkennett6560]

Really? with all the outrageous stuff on the internet you get fired up about somebody suggesting people pay close attention to steve cropper? btw the earth is flat

[@jamespollock11]

@@chipgaasche4933 ookay Biff--er...CHIPPERMUNK

[@jamespollock11]

@@chipgaasche4933 wasn't one of the kids on My Three Sons called Chip? By the Is that short for, the casual informal form of, the nick of...Chalmondelay? And is there still a bounty on wolves in your county?

[@Dave-vc4mh]

Matthew Grimm Steve” The kernel “ Cropper🤘😎🤘

[@jamien.8639]

I liked Steve when he was with Murph and the Magic Tones.

[@BackToTheBlues]

High point of his career.

[@marcholland1554]

Quando, Quando.

[@guitarzan34]

Long live the Blues Brothers!

[@kenchristie9214]

before Murph & The Magic Tones, Steve and "Duck" were with that obscure group Booker T & The M.G's. Time Is Tight is still one of the two greatest ever instrumentals.

[@michaelriley7064]

@Ross Mark its a great line in the movie but there is a difference between country an western....western has more swing in it an different style abit for pedal steel players an def.old school..BOB WILLS AN THE TEXAS PLAYBOYS is a prime example..

[@Kyrieru]

I love how people always ask sort of "what's the magic" questions and the the answer is pretty much always "because it's what we had" or "iunno, just sounds better to me".

[@BoxTunnel]

So true.

[@viennapalace]

I find it interesting that one of the greatest guitarists of all time didn't waste time mucking about with tone controls & foot pedals. His playing was his sound. What the engineers ended up with to use on the recording was almost incidental. It already sounded like Steve Cropper. Seems to me that a lot of guitarists these days concentrate more on their gear than their technique...

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching vienna.........Joe

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Back when Cropper started out in the late 1950s and early 1960s, guitar effects were pretty primitive. In his case, he was probably limited to the tone controls on his amp and guitar, the characteristics of the room, and his reverb and tremolo circuits on his Fender Princeton amp. No one ran direct to the board in those days, or almost no one, so live mic placement was paramount. The singer and the whole band had to deliver when the light came on or the take would be done over. Cropper had such a unique style of playing lead and rhythm guitar at the same time. Jerry Wexler, the famous producer and co-owner of Atlantic Records, was blown away by it, and by the way Booker T. Jones and the guys worked out tunes without writing much down. Wexler later went on to say that apart from the great Cornell Dupree, he'd never seen another guitar player able to hold down two parts - lead and rhythm - at once like Cropper did. Cropper's sound on those early Stax-Volt records is just so great! Not just his choice of notes and what/what not to play, which was superb, but his tone and overall sound.

[@chizorama]

What about Hendrix? He already had the skill, bit he utilized his pedals to take his sound to the next level. Same with Eddie Kramer in the studio, they did make some masterpieces together.

[@viennapalace]

@@chizorama As you said (proving my point), he already had the skill... But have you ever seen (or heard) Hendrix playing an acoustic guitar? I have & he sounded just like Hendrix. I'm not saying DON'T use pedals & effects, I'm just saying don't use them as a shield to cover up your lack of practice.

[@chizorama]

@@viennapalace Sorry for the misunderstanding, Jimi's 12 string version of Hear My Train a'Coming is one of my favorite songs by him, saw a few other snippets of him playing acoustic, all amazing.

[@brettlazor8219]

I could listen to Steve tell stories all day long. Thanks for this.

[@BlindTom61]

I made a career from the licks I learned from listening to Steve Cropper. He still the best in my book.

[@warrendoris9669]

Best most original soulful licks from this guy! Check him out on Otis Let me come home!😎😎

[@chuckmccroskey4864]

My first concert experience was, opening act Sam &Dave backed by Booker T & the MGs, then James Brown. Now, I play a Blonde Tele ‘ G&L , through a Swart & Rivera combo. Yes, I’m a Soul Man!

[@onpsxmember]

G&L's are great. I know so many Tele lovers who end up there and buy a few and never look back.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Chuck McCroskey - I got the chance to see Sam and Dave live at a club in Atlanta back in 1980 or 1981. It was near Georgia Tech where I was a student at the time. Those guys darned near tore the roof off the place, a big club whose name I can't recall. Just like a scene out of "Animal House" or something. I was stunned years later to learn that Sam and Dave didn't get along with one another; given how good they sounded together, that was a stunner to me.... seeing Booker T. and the MGs live on their reunion tour in the 1990s was one of the musical highlights of my life. Absolutely amazing, I was on cloud nine for a week.... Far as James Brown goes, I saw him and Wilson Pickett on a double bill. Talk about double dynamite in person!

[@charliegregory4148]

Steve seems like a friendly, down to earth, for real guy👍❤

[@Gilyslas]

Great guitarist. God bless you Steve for inspiring so many of us to play.

[@realityboost4405]

"I don't think any of us played in tune…We'd usually tune to the piano, which HADN'T been tuned in a long time" …Just a priceless lesson on what's truly most important: the in-the-moment experience and togetherness of playing music with friends.

[@obiem9319]

Steve Cropper has the best representation of the American English accent and R&B guitar style.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

"The solo in 'Proud Mary' was me being Steve Cropper." -- John Fogerty

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi N&P.... Thanks for sharing...Joe

[@lordofthemound3890]

I can totally hear that.

[@jacksoneverage7163]

Man I love Teles. The one guitar that's stood the test of time. The design was so good that it really hasn't changed in all these years.

[@LfunkeyA]

cant intonate and stiff as all hell, dont sound like the best deal

[@theshakinsteamrollers2947]

@@LfunkeyA Real guitars are always like that..............but check yr bridge saddles

[@jacksoneverage7163]

LfunkeyA I’d suggest maybe you go buy an Ibeenhad and play. Because obviously you and Tele’s don’t get along lol.

[@kevinbillingsley8256]

"The one guitar that's stood the test of time?" LOL Are you kidding? You don't think Stratocasters and Les Pauls have stood the test of time? Tell me, do you see more Tele copies today than you do Strat or LP? LMAO The Telecaster is the one that DIDN'T stand the test of time.

[@thirdgearband]

Bertie Bollocks they should of kept making the Gibson Blues Hawk man what a great guitar getting Tele, Strat, and Gibson tones all with the 6-way vari-tone selector. True Blues P90’s in a semi hollow body! I have a older SG, Tele, LP, and Strat and the Blues Hawk runs with the best of them. 1996 model red

[@joeroganjosh9333]

‘nobody was in tune….’ that’s going to keep me smiling all day.

[@tcrane8630]

This man IS rock and roll / R&B

[@Ramshackled17]

I love his playing

[@stevejoines8604]

In the words of the great Rev Willie G ....telecasters dont lie

[@adriannasanchez468]

Same with a Martin d18. D28 will whisper sweet thing, but a d18 tells no lie

[@laurenced2916]

First you trade the Cadillac for a microphone, then you lie to me about the band, now youre gonna put me right back in the joint!

[@nathanmcgrady]

We're on a mission from GOD

[@stevehornshaw4478]

Just amazing hearing the greatest who are humble but so talented and to hear those stories. Thanks

[@fredmahar5431]

Thank you Steve !!...you're the best!💜🎸

[@JDSAGE]

Thanks for sharing some History about my favorite guitar Steve Cropper.Best wishes.

[@samhill6590]

My first guitar came from Western Auto in the 60s. They also sold individual strings. I remember my mom getting mad because I broke a string. She should see me now. I buy them in bulk, 24 sets at a time!

[@blueterrace]

Sam Hill my first guitar came from thrifty drug store. Had a rotating rack w/ about eight guitars on it.

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

These interviews are excellent. I could listen to Steve talk all night. Thanks.

[@drippinglass]

Very Kool story! Steve makes the Tele sing!

[@robertcudny1839]

"Colonel" Cropper and the beautiful Southern accent. What more you can ask for.

[@1952FMS]

This man has done so much for music, from Jimi to Otis he has added so much to so many. I thank you Steve

[@chrisandersen5635]

What a goldmine this one interview is. Thank you. Looking forward to hearing the other ones.

[@laserlithuanian]

steve is an outstanding musician

[@mysteriousplankton]

I have the same shirt he's wearing, so I'm one step closer to greatness. :)

[@skippettit4014]

I love these sessions -- keep up the great work!!!

[@glenkepic3208]

Born in '57 so a fan for a long time. Two tracks stand out, though... 'Paradise Road' from American Graffiti with Green Onions. One my fave bits of film ever. Sam And Dave. "Soul Man". sliding sixths. Learned this from a guitar mag tab. ha, story was Sam or Dave kept waiting for the Zippo lighter to fall off his knee. "Play it Steve!" Never did. Helped me learn the break for Johnny Winter's "All Tore Down". man, around the 2:50 mark, Steve mentions a Fender Harvard amp. I read yeears ago, this was Randy Rhoads favorite amp. Thank goodness, not among the great things stolen thanksgiving night from Musonia

[@super63strat]

Older and worth the age .I too have that been through the Best of Musical times in the history of r and b ..Was with Billy Harner and Keith touring in teen age days

[@mtnbikertx6134]

Truer words were never spoken, I get more joy out of my 149.00 dollar Squier tele from Mexico . the challenge to make it sound off and sustain a bit. Thanks Mr Cropper!!!!

[@classicartfoundation639]

They make Squires in Mexico?

[@phillipchambers6055]

Hi Jo, it's great to see another CHAMBERS on line :)

[@jimmyleon2983]

Original Steppenwolf guitarist, Michael Monarch, also used a Fender Esquire on Steppenwolf's debut album. The guitar you hear on the record 'Born To Be Wild', & that entire album is an Esquire.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

Thanks to Steve for All he's created and Shares! Love Ya Brother! Great Topic and Interview! Thanks for sharing, Be Well!

[@Vichedges]

His tone on those old records was unreal. I'm a Les Paul guy but a Tele is next on my list of guitars I'm going to buy. There's a MIJ one on Reverb for $400 that's been calling my name for the past month but I think I'm going to hold out for a nicer one, nothing against MIJ but that particular one isn't the greatest.

[@stevenmgyori3826]

@@Vichedges I'm of like mind, Gibson player switched to Fender. Finally decided on a Tele Pro HS! It's a Great Guitar! Still had Fender fever so I aquired a HSS Strat Pro! Their Great Guitars and sometimes can be had New reasonably priced at close outs or blemished! Thanks for sharing brother! Be Well!

[@wintonhudelson2252]

Personally, I liked the neck on the jazz master much better. Still playing Ventures model Mosrite. Gene Mole was the shop foreman at the Bakersfield factory in the '60s and a fine musician in his own right. I remember he performed with the "Sharpshooters" in the Valley back in the '80s.

[@alphadogstudio]

I never really appreciated Telecasters until I started doing sessions and he is absolutely correct, if you want a guitar that will cut through a mix play a Tele!

[@daveg4236]

alphadogstudio. My band plays one song where I absolutely need a Tele but had an issue bringing one guitar for one song so I dialed in my pedal board to get the Tele for every song we play. Absolutely love it

[@zeyy84]

Exactly

[@andy_182]

Jesse a tele isn’t versatile

[@jonbrooks6748]

@@andy_182 it is if you can play well.

[@nickklok4955]

Truth in my believe. Sounds wonderful with a bit of distortion aswel.

[@arnoldzilban8274]

What a beautiful, down to earth interview.

[@Daveymallon]

What a player. Talk about the perfect marriage of melody and feeling. Not many better at what he does, if any.. Teles are a beautiful thing. I have two and they aren’t my primaries but they are the favourite auntie or uncle that gives you what you want when you want it.❤️🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@paulcooper5748]

Great musican and nice guy.

[@kellyshenkerguitarlessons]

Enjoyed listening I love the telecaster just the best guitar ✨🎭🤘🎭✨🎭🤘🎭✨🤘🎭✨

[@Vitotesta]

Great interview! Thanks for posting!

[@cew142]

Fascinating!!! Thanks for posting!!!

[@CC-te5zf]

Telecaster observation: In the old days, it was the starter guitar - but made it to so many records. It's 2022. Telecasters are for sale all over the place and... they're still used in recording and live performances. Some things just don't need changing. This was a great segment - especially for us guitar nerds. Hope all is well - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

[@edeledeledel5490]

Just watched a clip with Jeff Beck playing a Telecaster with the Yardbirds back in the 60s. He used Telecasters all his career as well.

[@bmwcarrmann429]

Hello Steve Cropper my cousin was the late Tyrone' Green that played drums for Wilson Picket my dad met you also in New York at his funeral I have always been a a fan of yours I love everything you have played on whatever and whenever I say you I have just enjoyed Congratulations in all of your accolades and hall of fame.peace

[@warrendoris9669]

Awesome player! Invented a whole new style of guitar! 👍👍👍👍

[@vulgarresponse7080]

I got a pair of telecasters I'm addicted, I find they are excellent for blues.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

@ Vulgar Response - If you like Telecasters and you like blues, have you heard of the late great Albert Collins? Albert could make a Telecaster do things that you'd never believe if you hadn't heard it. Nothing like tuning to an open E-minor chord, using a capo, and running into a Fender Dual Showman turned up to the max with a 100-foot long guitar cord. Albert would make a gag out of playing to traffic outside the club sometimes, and one time, he went into a phone booth (yeah, it was a long time ago!) and ordered a pizza! Played his axe the whole time, too.... man, that guy was some kind of performer and showman. It tore me up when he died back in the mid-1990s.

[@douggarrett5288]

I could listen to this guy all day.

[@v2vroth]

Great interview thanks for posting!

[@Alanoffer]

Great interview as usual ,asking all the right questions ,

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks RA....Joe

[@0mega.mechan1c.]

The 1st song I learned on guitar when I was in my early teens was Otis Redding's "Don't mess with Cupid". Cropper is TOPS.

[@54fighting5]

Steve Cropper deserves the title Legend! These older vids make me think of Joe. Such a nice man... RIP🙏

True legend and one of the contributors to the Memphis sound.

[@justme-re4jz]

hey, i know joe. he used to have a music store in murfreesboro tn. i bought 3 guitars, one old fender amp and many packs of strings, picks and various guitar stuff. he was a nice man. was playing very regular back then in the late 80's. would stop by and pick up some picks or what ever i thought i might need for the gig that night. would always ask where we were playing that night, band name was bulletproof. would always say his wife didnt want him playing out anymore. i remember him having a gold record in his shop for co-writing old 8 x 10, that randy travis sang and also one for being ascap song writer of the year one year. what an achievement that was. he was a nice man. he had a store just outside lavergne tn. where i first met him. i bought a new red strat for myself, a black ibanez roadstar for my son and a left handed ovation acoustic balladeer for my daughter for christmas that year. no longer have my strat, which i was a fool for selling it, my son lost his roadstar, his junkie x-girlfriend stole it and would never say what she did with it. pawn shop i bet, still have the ovation, serial number is 04104, really nice guitar. i cant play it though, left handed, im right handed. all in all i really enjoyed spending time at his stores. he always had very interesting gear there. last time i was there before i moved back to maryland, he had a i think it was a 58 gold top les paul. very expensive guitar even back then. got a old fender concert fender amp off of him. was a great amp, wish i still had it. tube, 4 ten inch speakers. played it for many years and thought of him everytime i plugged in to it. sounded great. was playing alot and thought i needed something alittle newer, so like a dumbass, i let it go. im still playing, hope i can play for many years to come.

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

Dang Joe, just when I think I've seen all your interviews ... I run across another. Thanks for saving these & posting them for us

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Wayne... you’re welcome... there is another video we did with Cropper too other than the Tele one. Just go to MHOF KZbin CHANNEL... there’s a ton of them.... with more coming... Best..... Joe

[@WayneMemphisMojo]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thanks for the info ... y'all just keep doin' what y'all are doin'

[@peterjohnson617]

I loved "Green Onions" great to hear a seasoned pro speak about the tool`s of his craft......

[@super63strat]

Saw him back in his Booker T touring days in the sixties in Southern NJ..Great pl Ayer , thanks for the entertainment and awesome interview .Green Onions , Sam and Dave , Blues Brothers , and on and on . Teles and Esquire fan and player here . I have a 1957 cbs Esq. Seventies tele, Jaguar .,the tele is ....my favorite go to guitar other than stratocaster ...Steve Cropper is the soul of Soulman

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 63....Joe

[@misterschubert3242]

1) They are extraordinarily simple to maintain. 2) They only go out of tune if some a-hole comes along and turns one of the tuners. 3) You can use it to paddle the canoe to and from the gig. I've tended to use a stratocaster over the years, but my teles have far more clarity and I never accidentally turn them down with the side of my pinky while playing...

[@davidboyce8683]

I was lucky enough to see the original blues brothers band with tower of power at the Royal festival hall in London. This man is an incredible guitar player, a gig I will never forget.

[@darrelldadams]

My favorite part of The Blues brothers movie is seeing the look on cropper's face while they were playing. Looked like he was having a blast, playing with that band.

[@virtuososo]

Steve played a Peavey Generation for years - he might still. That led to the Peavey Cropper Classic - a sweet Tele-inspired guitar with dual blade pickups. He could kill the buzz in any position. ;-) I lucked out and got to jam with him once back in '99. Highlight of my "hobbyist" career.

[@sam_klotz]

A boss of mine has an early prototype of a peavey generation, blade pickups like you mentioned. It’s easily the best tele style guitar I’ve ever played.

[@thekriskokid]

Love these videos!

[@roymartin500]

I love the neck pickup on a Tele for the Jimi Hendrix "warm but twangy ", perfect for my leads. I love the Esquire for different reasons.

[@dougmisantoni4384]

Cleanest guitar sound ever

[@mrDCunningham]

I love my Tele. And these interviews. Great work Joe 👍🏻😎

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you David...Joe

[@MikaelLewisify]

Absolute legend

[@tomy.1846]

Love to hear him play, so melodic!!!

[@voodoochile3201]

'Wanna learn some real soul licks? Steve cropper's got'em!🎸👍🏿

[@1LOCKNLOAD]

Since 1993 I've made sure I have 2 electric guitars; a Tele and a Les Paul. Got it all covered.

[@thomaspick4123]

I also love the tone of the Esquires. The tone circuit is unique. Regular Telecasters, I agree with Steve. Play the pickup selector in the middle position. Those old bridges with 3 brass barrels were hard to into steel, but the quality of the tone was nice. More modern Teles with 6 individual saddles are better for intonation. But, they do not sound as good to my ear.

[@bubba4001]

Thank you Steve.

[@Mickcotton]

Jimmy Page Recorded The First Zeppelin Record with Jeff Beck’s Tele. Dazed and confused ❤️ The Dragon 🐉

[@markandersen793]

His legendary solo on Stairway is also on a Tele.

[@kevingamache1512]

He did teles on at least the first 3 zep albums

[@libertatem_semper]

Joe Chambers is about the nicest person you could ever hope to meet. He runs the Musicians’ Hall of Fame in Nashville and it is 100% worth the visit. Better than the Rock HoF in Cleveland IMO.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Jeff.... all I can say is thanks to our viewers for sharing your thoughts on sharing The R&R is a great musician stah

[@yodajazzcat]

Steve told Bobby Whitlock to call Eric Clapton. He did. The next thing you know there's a group called Derek and The Dominos. How cool is THAT?

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching cat....Joe

[@jamescarter8699]

I know exactly who he is and I started playing a Telecaster because of him. And I also found that the Telecaster was all over the hits on the radio in the 50's thru the 80's and even today.

[@watkinsharp8756]

Steve Cropper is a master of good taste. the right note at the right time