Fender Custom Shop Fred Stuart Masterbuilt Telecaster 1994, Bass Boat Gold Flake

This 1994 Fender Custom Shop Fred Stuart Masterbuilt Telecaster is a true one-off, dripping with vibe and pedigree. Finished in an outrageous bass boat Gold sparkle with tasteful pinstriping and a pin-up girl decal on the back, it was built specifically for Gunnar Nelson and comes with his letter and photos documenting its history. Outfitted with a Parsons/White B-bender and an excellent ’50s-style birdseye maple neck, it feels like an old friend in the hand—solid, comfortable, and effortlessly playable.

Under the hood, a set of hand-wound “Abby” (Abigail Ybarra) pickups deliver exceptional Tele tone with uncommon depth. As Gunnar puts it:

“Simply put, ‘Lila’ is the best guitar I’ve ever owned… From the bass boat gold flake and pinstriped paint job to the Parsons/White B Bender and the truly perfect birdseye maple neck that feels like an old friend, this one’s amazing. The hand-wound ‘Abby’s’ sound better than any tele pickups I’ve ever heard. They have all the punch and clarity you expect… but they also have a warmth and depth I can’t seem to replicate. On a country song, they’re sparky and articulate. On a rock song, I can best describe them as ‘chewy.’”

A favorite stage and studio companion for Gunnar Nelson, this Masterbuilt Tele stands out as a uniquely spec’d, artist-owned piece with top-tier playability, tone, and provenance.