Teye Guitars and me

[gtrfinder]

Yesterday I went to pick up my Teye guitar.

For those unfamiliar with my quest, background information is here
http://www.thegearpage.net/board/sho...=teye+zemaitis

It was easily one of the coolest experiences I've ever gotten to be a part of.

Teye lives in Manor, TX just northeast of Austin which is about 3 hours from my house. It is a beautiful spot out in the country. (What's Eating Gilbert Grape was filmed in Manor, TX)
I can't tell you how eagerly I've waited for an email from Teye telling me my guitar was done. Knowing that I'd make that 3 hour drive in 2.5 or less when something this beautiful was waiting for me.


I met Teye just before lunch out at his house. He, as always, was very warm and welcoming. He invited me in out of the 103 degree heat into his house and I was immediately greeted with this sight


Hard not to stare at something like that...
Anyways, we sit down and have an espresso and discuss how things are going. For those that don't know, Teye has recently built up his business from what was previously a small one man operation, to a small multi-man operation. He's gone from working in the equivalent of a closet or living room, to having a dedicated workshop on his property.


He invited me to go visit his shops, and I obliged.
Here is the master speaking with Ryan, one of his employees


Ryan was there eagerly working away on something. Here I'll make a note of just how involved these guys are in these instruments. Ryan was there on a Saturday morning, off the clock, because he wanted to get something right. He didn't have enough time on Friday to do it, so he came back on his own time to correct things. To say that this is common practice at Teye guitars would be making a huge understatement. They don't rest until it is done right.


Now. Back into the house where the real fun begins.
Teye is a huge Rolling Stones fan, so when it came time to play the guitars it was nothing other than a huge, Stones approved, Ampeg stack. I actually started out by playing Teye's Zemaitis guitar that he got from Tony.




Then of course Teye showed me how a real musician does it. Do some research. Teye can hold his own with just about anyone on the guitar. Don't even get me started on what he can do with a Flamenco guitar in his hands.


Now it was time to play mine.

Now realize that I had just put down a Tony Zemaitis masterpiece (valued somewhere between a nice luxury sedan and a small house), to pick up Teye's masterpiece.

Mine sounds better. Teye showed me the multitiude of sounds you can coax out of the Electric Gypsy, and I was just completely blown away.

After an hour or so of playing guitars (including an original Dan Armstrong, and one of Teye's A-Series guitars), it was time to pack her up and head back home.

Teye has left nothing to chance. All of the instructions and booklets I received with my guitar provided me with everything I need to care for this fabulous instrument on my own.

Here is one last shot with the master and his children


Teye goes beyond customer service. As I'm sure other owers of his instruments know, when you buy a Teye guitar you buy the man who built them too. I've never purchased a high-end guitar before, but I just want to make it clear by saying that I have never had this level of service before, in anything.
Our country is a better place with wonderful people like Teye in it.

It was a long drive back to Ft. Worth, and I could not keep from looking in the back seat to make sure it was really there and not some fantastic dream.
It was still there.


Here are some shots of the most beautiful woman in the world holding my new child.



Thank you Teye. My friend for life.

[todd richman]

What an awesome experience. I am a bit jealous and hope to have an S-Series soon. From my limited conversations and PM's with Teye, he is a genuine guy with a dedication to his craft second to none. I wish him the best as his company grows. His guitars have caught on and they are truly masterpieces that also play really well. BTW, his original Pearl Front Z is amazing looking-what a thrill to have gotten to play an original Z.

[Guitarpentry]

Great thread! Enjoyed all the pics and it's nice to see a smiling builder included.

[BettyFjord]

Great story and pictures. Thanks for sharing that.

[Ipressthebutton]

How did the A and S guitars compare?

[sanhozay]

Bravo! Encore!

[markom89]

Very nice!
Thanks for the beautiful story and the fabulous pictures!
I really love hearing stuff like this.
I've pondered getting a Teye in the past... I'm gonna' have to start pondering again I'd seriously love to own one of these (functional) works of art.
You're a luck guy! Beauty of a wife, beauty of a guitar and a beauty of a friendship
Best of luck with it.

[todd richman]

My understanding is that the S Series do not have as intricate engraving and also the bridge and tailpiece are not handmade but rather Tone Pros. The pickups and electronics are the same. You can also upgrade the S Series with some or all of the A Series appointments.

[kodecar]

Very cool guitar and a great story. I bought my Thorn largely because of the man. It's great to hear about other builders with great service and customer appreciation.

Is that a painting of Esteban on the wall behind Taye?

[gtrfinder]

Originally Posted by kodecar

Is that a painting of Esteban on the wall behind Taye?

No it is Teye
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvBwMnkpnU4

[kodecar]

Wow! Awesome player.

[gtrfinder]

I was not kidding when I said the man could play.
He's pretty incredible.

[kodecar]

I just got done reading through his whole site. Pretty amazing guy all around.

Did you have a chance to play an "A" model while you were there? Was there a difference between the two tonally or just aesthetically?

[gtrfinder]

Originally Posted by kodecar

Did you have a chance to play an "A" model while you were there? Was there a difference between the two tonally or just aesthetically?

I have played the "A" models on, I think, 3 occasions now. I will start by telling you that all of Teye's guitars are very special instruments.
The A-Series is really the pinnacle of Teye's idea for a guitar.
(I like wine so I'll use a wine analogy here)
There are differences aesthetically (of course), but I would liken the tonal difference to two very fine wines, both from the correct vineyards. One is vintage (A-Series) and one is newer (S-Series). Both are very delicious, but if you are going to drink wine and you can afford the correct vintage, there is no substitute.

If I compare the sound of the A-Series and S-Series it is a very close comparison, but there is a difference. The extra care put into the A-Series makes an audible difference. When you strum a chord on the A-Series and let it ring it sounds like Pavoratti just joined the angelic choir already assembled in the S-Series.

At this point in my life I am not able to afford either vintage wine, or an A-Series, so I'll get the absolute closest substitute I can. Teye offers people like me a very close approximation of the A-Series at a price that I can afford. For me there is no other guitar that can touch mine in terms of tone and playability, but if I ever am able to afford an A-Series guitar, Teye's number is set in speed dial on my phone.

Hope that provides some clarification.

Once I get some proper speakers for my amp I'll provide a full tonal report with my rig.

[dirtypool]

Beautiful pics of those guitars, Teye and your wife!!
We obviously share some good taste :-)