The 1970’s Fender Telecaster Custom was a significant departure from the 1960’s Custom, which had basically been a stock model with a bound body. In contrast, the Telecaster Custom introduced in 1972 and built until 1979 introduced the head-end “Bullet” truss rod adjuster, the three-bolt MicroTilt neck angle adjuster, and a huge change for Fender – the Wide-Range Humbucker designed by Seth Lover.
1978
Since its introduction as the Broadcaster in 1950 as the world’s first two-pickup, solidbody electric guitar, the Fender Telecaster has gone from strength to strength. It has been used in virtually every musical context that accepts electric instruments, and many musicians have built careers on its use. It’s truly an inspired design. Here we’re looking at a Fender Telecaster Maple Neck in Sunburst finish and largely original condition, built during 1978 in Fullerton, California during the CBS era.
This instrument has sold
MORE →Here we’re looking at a Gibson S1 built in Nashville TN, with a date of April 19 1978. This guitar is built exclusively of Maple, used for the three-piece body, three-piece neck, and fingerboard. This example is in largely original condition, except for the bridge pickup. Some time ago, the original single coil was removed, put in the case, and replaced with what looks like a Duncan Hot Rails.
This instrument has sold
MORE →Here is a rare piece – a Fender Telecaster Custom with an original Wide Range Humbucker, a model produced from 1972 to 1981. Fender’s goal was to provide a guitar with a humbucker to compete with Gibson, and added a humbucker in the neck position, three way toggle switch, and individual volume and tone controls. This model was used by a number of prominent guitarists, including Keith Richards and The Edge.
This instrument has sold
MORE →Here’s a rarity and bit of history – a MusicMan Stingray 4 Bass, built during 1978 in Fullerton, California by CLF Research for MusicMan. CLF stood for Clarence Leo Fender. MusicMan was founded in 1974 and in 1975, Leo Fender’s non-compete agreement lapsed and he became president of Music Man. Until 1979, MusicMan guitars and basses were built by Leo’s other company, CLF Research. After 1979 and until Music Man folded in 1984, Grover Jackson built the bodies and necks and assembled the instruments.
This instrument has sold
MORE →Here we have a Stelling Golden Cross Gospel banjo, built of Black Walnut during 1978 in Afton, Virginia with a raised, rather than inlaid, rear cross. One other Gospel model like this is known to have been built for Ralph Stanley with the serial number 428. The current Golden Cross models do not have the rear cross. The Stelling Golden Cross Gospel is based closely on the stock Golden Cross, with the primary difference being the headstock inlays.
This instrument has sold
MORE →