Toby Friesen
I was born into a musical family. My parents introduced me to an assortment of instruments at an early age. We played handbells, recorder, piano (though I quit piano lessons pretty quickly). I developed an obsession with guitar after starting on the Ukulele at age 6. Once I was big enough my parents bought me my first acoustic guitar. At 12, I was given an electric guitar out of the blue from one of my dad’s childhood friends. From that point, the electric guitar has been my primary instrument and obsession. I moved to Nashville in 2005 when my band signed a record deal. After we broke up in 2009 I started my career as a hired gun guitarist. I’m blessed to have toured and played for some incredible artists including Jeremy Camp (current), Jackson Waters (member), NEEDTOBREATHE, Sam Tinnesz, Francesca Batistelli, Casting Crowns, TobyMac, For King and Country, David Leonard, All Sons and Daughters, Andrew Jannakos, Andrew Ripp, and more. I’m grateful and humbled to be a part of the LSL family!
Toby Friesen Signature Silverlake HSS
$3999 Retail
Model: Silverlake
Aging Specs -----
Aging Level: Medium
Hardware Specs -----
Hardware: Chrome
Bridge: Graphtech Resomax Wraparound
Tuners: Vintage
Knobs: Chrome
Body Specs -----
Body Woods: Alder
Top Woods: None
Colors: 3TB
Binding: None
Pickguard: Tortoise
Neck Specs -----
Neck Shape: Medium C
Neck Wood: Quartersawn Maple
Neck Finish: Satin
Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
Radius: 12"
Headstock: Satin
Nut Width: 1.650"
Frets #: 22
Frets: Jumbo Nickel
Elec. Specs -----
Electronics: VT5way
Pickup Config: Mini Humbucker HSS
Pickup Color: Chrome (C) Cream (C)
“My vision for the guitar: This guitar is the result, of after loving certain guitars and hating others, finally being able to articulate WHY I like it and what I look for in a guitar. It boils down to the LOOK, the FEEL, and the TONE. It all starts with the looks.
I prefer a classic body style and paint job and LSL NAILED this relic’d 3 tone sunburst! I chose the Silverlake body because I’m a tall guy and I like how it fits my frame but still feels accessible to players of all heights.
Next, and more importantly, it needs to feel good in my hands, particularly the left hand. Because I prefer a flatter radius with a comfortable grip, I chose a 12” radius and medium C neck with rolled fretboard edges. It melts into my hand!
Then, I needed something that could cover a wide range of tones. I need to go from blues, to pop, to ambient, to rock - sometimes all in one song, so I chose the Mini-Hum SS configuration with 5-way switch. The 2 single coils are slightly overwound and are deliciously punchy, while the Firebird mini humbucker in the bridge handles all the crunch!
Finally, I went with the wrap-around tailpiece. Bends are easy, and the tuning stays rock solid. This guitar arrived in the mail, IN TUNE, and stays in tune incredibly well. LSL nailed it with this one and I think you’ll be just as happy with it as I am!”