TMG Gatton Deluxe, medium aged daphne blue, made in USA 2016. TMG Guitars launched in the mid 2010s and enjoyed an explosion in popularity, before the founder hit some speedbumps and sold to Jonathan Brosnan, a new builder who re-built the whole show from the ground up and has consistently delivered brilliant guitars. This one is based on the Tele Deluxe, but it's got a Bigsby and an ebony board as a nod to Gretsch guitars. It sounds amazing: crunchy, thick, full, springy... so alive. There's a sweet sparkle to the top end balanced by a percussive bass response and a wild, expressive midrange. The Callahan aged bridge brings the best out of the tremolo system, it holds tune convincingly and has a really lively feel. The neck has the signature TMG finish on the back, which feels superbly smooth in the hands... just enough to keep it consistent without feeling sticky. It's a comfy shape too, you're never working too hard. Now, I'm generally not a big relic finish fan, but I can get around this for sure. The checking is a highlight, it adds a depth and intrigue to the daphne blue that makes it pop. TMG are as good as anyone in the biz at a relic finish, it's very luxurious indeed.  As best I can tell, it's pretty hard to track down a new TMG, at best you're up for a long wait and a big bill, so skip the hassles and nab yourself a proper spicy T.

Model: TMG Gatton Deluxe
Made: Bend OR, USA, 2016 (serial 1012016)
Finish: daphne blue, nitro, 'medium aging'
Body: 'musical grade' swamp ash, deluxe-style routing
Neck: maple, standard TMG profile and finish, AAA ebony board, 10" radius, vintage C style shape, TMG signature relic finish
Mods: none
Pickups: TV Jones Classic (neck) and Classic Plus (bridge)
Case: G&G custom cream hardcase, TMG branded

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear, noting that it's a relic-finish. It's a little hard to know what's play-wear and what's part of the original finish, but there's no nasty dings/dents/scratches to note really. Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets are in great shape, there's minor wear only, 9/10. Wearing fresh 10/52 strings.