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Skunk Baxter, music professional, found that for him, the $140 Squier Telecaster provided a better sound compared to a high-end vintage Telecaster costing a "bazillion" dollars.

Guitars were compared by Baxter in a Guitar Center visit, and a superior instrument was evidently determined.

Skunk Baxter, renowned musician, opts for the more affordable $140 Squier Telecaster over a...
Skunk Baxter, renowned musician, opts for the more affordable $140 Squier Telecaster over a high-end vintage Telecaster, preferring its sound quality.

Skunk Baxter, music professional, found that for him, the $140 Squier Telecaster provided a better sound compared to a high-end vintage Telecaster costing a "bazillion" dollars.

In an intriguing turn of events, American guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, renowned for his work with Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, and James Brown, has shown a preference for new guitars over vintage ones. This was evident when he recently purchased a $140 Squier Telecaster with a Jazzmaster pickup installed for rhythm, choosing it over a highly expensive vintage '58 Telecaster.

After an hour of setup at Guitar Center, Baxter found the Squier sounded better to his ears. This choice demonstrates his belief in valuing sound quality and playability over vintage pedigree or price.

In a hands-on experience, Baxter adjusted the Squier himself, with the help of a guitar repair technician. He was impressed by its tone, ultimately deciding it outperformed the “bazillion dollar” vintage model. This endorsement of the Squier Telecaster's quality relative to its price is a testament to Baxter's pragmatic approach to guitar selection.

Baxter's stance on vintage vs. new electric guitars aligns with that of Joe Bonamassa, who emphasises the importance of how a guitar feels to play over its brand or price. Similarly, David Gilmour, of Pink Floyd fame, could not tell the difference between his $4 million Black Strat and its 2008 reissue in a blindfold test.

In an interview, Baxter also recalled a story about a snowstorm leading to him becoming James Brown's last-minute sideman. He also reminisced about trading guitars with Jimi Hendrix.

For those interested in reading more about Baxter's insights and experiences, his full interview can be ordered from Magazines Direct. His unique perspective as a seasoned musician offers valuable insights into the world of electric guitars.

[1] Source: Guitar World interview with Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, March 2022.

  1. Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, known for his work with Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers, and James Brown, opted for a modern Squier Telecaster over a highly expensive vintage Telecaster, suggesting his preference for sound quality and playability over vintage pedigree or price.
  2. In accordance with Joe Bonamassa's viewpoint, Baxter values the feel of a guitar in his hands over the brand or price tag.
  3. David Gilmour, of Pink Floyd fame, echoes Baxter's approach, as he could not discern any difference between his $4 million Black Strat and its 2008 reissue in a blindfold test.
  4. In a surprising turn of events, Baxter became James Brown's last-minute sideman due to a snowstorm and shared guitar trades with iconic guitarist Jimi Hendrix in earlier days.
  5. For music enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of Baxter's insights and experiences, his full interview can be obtained from Magazines Direct, providing valuable insights into the world of electric guitars.

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