Chad Underwood T-model

[Car1]

Alright all?

First post here, but thought I would add some info in relation to Chad Underwood guitars.

 

Just bought a T-model in an auction. Couldn't find much online before I bid, apart from a couple of vids and the knowledge that Walter Becker, John Fogerty and even Paul Reed Smith play them.

Almost all reviews I read said he was an incredibly underrated and unknown luthier, but the common theme was a boutique builder that was a level above. Convinced!

 

It arrived yesterday and it is jaw dropping.

 

It is light as a feather, but the sustain is off the charts. It just rings. Like hitting a piano note. Unplugged, its as clear as a bell and just hums beautifully. Not sure what the pups are, but I did read he winds his own, and underwinds them for that vintage feel. The range is incredible. Spanky on the bridge through to smooth, glassy clarity in the middle, to a mellow jazzy tone on the neck. It snarls with overdrive too.

 

Neck is a D shape near the headstock and it thins down to a C shape further up the neck.

 

Anyway. I am bowled over, and wanted to share some first hand info with the commune! 

Added some pics below.

[EdwardMarlowe]

Headstock reminds me of another brand that used to do spins on the Fender style - James Taylor? Something like that? This looks nice. Have the vibe of a middle / late 60s piece. Interesting idea to have a compound radius board on something so otherwise retro looking.... Though I suspect that sort of thing wasn't so unusual in practice in the days when all necks were finished by hand? Looks like it'll be a blast to play. Enjoy! 

[ezbass]

2 hours ago, EdwardMarlowe said:

Headstock reminds me of another brand that used to do spins on the Fender style - James Taylor?

Tyler, if I’m thinking of the same one as you. 

 

 @Car1

Edited June 18, 2024 by ezbass

[randythoades]

I love that look, looks awesome. Always fancied a Dakota red tele with gold scratchplate.

[EdwardMarlowe]

32 minutes ago, ezbass said:

Tyler, if I’m thinking of the same one as you. 

 

 @Car1

YES! That's exactly the one! Thanks, that was driving me daft. Could see the logo, just not remember the spelling.... like not having me mental reading glasses on....  

Funnily enough, I always thought the Tyler headstock shape wasn't bad, but that it would look much better without what was a very 80s looking logo to my eyes. Subjective aesthetic preferences are subjective, of course, but the guitar in the OP shows to my mind how much nicer a very similar shape looks with a different approach the labelling. 

[ezbass]

2 hours ago, EdwardMarlowe said:

it would look much better without what was a very 80s looking logo

It over emphasises the shape IMO. It's perfectly reasonable shape, as seen in the OP, before the logo is added, afterwards... not so much.