La Cabronita Especial
By Scott Weinmann
Don’t judge a book by its cover, that’s what my mom always told me…or at least my mind thinks that’s what she told me. This adage is very appropriate for Fender Custom Shop’s La Cabronita Especial. A true wolf in sheep’s clothing, this guitar can go from country gentlemen clean to reverend mean in a moment’s notice.
While the La Cabronita features Fender’s tradition Tele shape, this guitar is not your regular twangcaster. Loaded with 2 TV Jones Classic pickups, a 3 way toggle switch and a volume pot with S-1 switching capabilities, this guitar is not a one-trick pony.
The S-1 switch acts as a high end roll off when engaged. This allows you to from chick’n pick’n to all out bluesy rhythm with a literal flick of the switch. While the bridge pick up has enough bark and bite to satisfy even the most discerning Tele player, the neck pick up will satisfy players from finger pickers to even jazzers. The TV Jones neck pickup has a silky warmth to the sound. Flip the 3 way switch to the middle; hit the S-1 to roll off the highs and you will be playing Stella by Starlight in no time.
With Fender’s tasteful relic treatment, the La Cabronita feels like an old friend. The Shoreline gold finish is one that everyone will enjoy, especially highlighted by the white pickguard. Fender’s Large “C” shape neck feels comfortable and smooth in my hands and the Sperzel tuners with Pearloid buttons makes this one classy tone-machine.
Fender Custom Shop’s La Cabronita Especial in one versatile guitar that player’s from most genres will enjoy and will not want to put down. This is one guitar that even a tone-tweaker will not want to mess with.