A feature on guitarists who use the famed Telecaster—an instrument beloved even by vocalists

Live Spot LugHirata Hiroyasu
I’m Hiroyasu Hirata from Live Spot RAG. When I was 15, I was blown away by how cool music—especially rock—was, and I started playing guitar and formed a band. I’m from Kochi Prefecture, where there weren’t many live houses or concert venues, so there were few opportunities to experience live music. Back then, our sources of information were magazines, CDs, and even VHS tapes (!?). Still, I was captivated by the sparkle of music, and I spent my days enjoying guitar and music, mostly neglecting my studies. I moved to Kyoto for university and “graduated” from the light music club, so to speak (laugh). Until then, I mainly listened to Japanese rock and Western hard rock, but thanks to seniors and peers I learned there was so much more music in the world. Now I listen to anything that strikes me as good, regardless of genre. After graduating, I joined RAG. After about six years in the office and about ten years in the music studio, I now work at the long-established Live Spot RAG, which has been around for 39 years, mainly handling promotions. Being exposed to the “real music” performed by Japan’s top musicians and delivering it to our audience lets me feel the brilliance of music anew every day. I still play guitar and keep a band going casually, and in recent years I’ve even started singing—better late than never. I’ve fully become an old guy by now, but I hope we can continue to chase “what lies beyond the dreams I painted with music back then” together.

A biting, thick low end and a bright, sparkling high end that rings out crisply.

And a uniquely emotional sound—possible only on this guitar—created by the half-tone combination of the rear and front pickups.

Born as the Broadcaster before the name change, this guitar already boasts over 50 years of history, yet it continues to be produced without changing its shape.

Loved for so long, it’s used by countless guitarists around the world and in Japan.

From among the innumerable Telecaster lovers, we’ll introduce some especially famous guitarists along with their characteristic sounds.

Guitarists who use the legendary Telecaster—an instrument beloved even by vocalists (21–30)

Taisuke Inamura

Arukara 'Thirsty Thirsty Thirsty Girl' undivided Ver.

Daisuke Inamura, the frontman of the rock band Arukara, who continues to forge ahead armed with highly addictive sounds.

In addition to his excellent songwriting sensibilities, his overwhelming live performances are hugely popular.

Many young people have likely started bands because they admire him.

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Araki Jakkan

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TACK

THE BAWDIES – JUST BE COOL

THE BAWDIES are a four-piece band influenced by 1950s black music, known for their retro sound and exuberant live performances.

Their guitarist, TACK, plays a Telecaster Custom.

His love for Telecasters paid off, and in 2013 he signed an endorsement deal with Fender and even released his signature model, the TAXMAN TELECASTER.

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Guitarists Who Use the Legendary, Vocalist-Loved Telecaster (31–40)

Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Complicated (Official Video)

Known for edgy tracks like “Sk8er Boi,” her sound is powerful and bold! The song featured in the video, “Complicated,” lets you enjoy the sharp tone of a Telecaster from the very first note of the intro.

It pairs perfectly with her strong vocals, and she looks great performing it.

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