Rock guitarist Jake E. Lee has opened up about a rare moment of “reverse buyer’s remorse,” revealing how one unexpected encounter with a Telecaster guitar left a lasting impression he still thinks about decades later.
Best known for his work with Ozzy Osbourne, Lee admitted he has never been a fan of Telecasters—criticizing both their sound and appearance. But that long-held opinion was briefly challenged during a visit to a local guitar shop nearly 20 years ago.
While browsing, Lee came across a 1967 Telecaster that caught his attention despite his usual dislike for the model. Curious, he picked it up—and immediately felt something different.
According to Lee, the guitar had an undeniable feel and tone that stood out. For a moment, it created a rare connection—something many musicians spend years searching for.
Despite that instant spark, he hesitated.
Dismissing the experience due to his general dislike of Telecasters, Lee left the store without making a purchase. But the feeling didn’t go away.
Just two days later, he returned—only to discover the guitar had already been sold.
That missed opportunity, he says, became one of his biggest regrets—not because he bought the wrong instrument, but because he didn’t buy the right one when he had the chance.
Lee described the experience as a different kind of buyer’s remorse—one rooted in hesitation rather than action. Even now, he admits the memory of that guitar still lingers.
His story doesn’t end there. Over the years, Lee revealed he has parted ways with several instruments he now wishes he had kept, including vintage models like a 1956 Les Paul Junior and a 1967 ES-335, as well as his original SG.
Reflecting on those experiences, Lee offered a simple but valuable lesson to fellow musicians: always play a guitar before making a decision. According to him, true connection can’t be predicted—it has to be felt.
His message is clear—sometimes the instrument you least expect can become the one that gets away.
