Just 50 are available of the iconic custom Tele!
Fender has today announced the global launch of the Limited Edition Terry Kath Telecaster, honouring the legendary Chicago guitar player’s legacy with a collectible, limited run guitar created out of the esteemed Fender Custom Shop.
What you need to know:
- Fender has today announced the global launch of the Limited Edition Terry Kath Telecaster.
- Master Builder Dennis Galuszka has replicated the guitar to every exacting scratch-for-scratch detail from the Pignose stickers to the gaff-tape-sealed rear body route, it’s as close as you get.
- The Tele was an amalgamation of highly personalised modifications, including a synchronised Strat tremolo with a sawed-off Tele bridge plate, a humbucking neck pickup, custom body routes, a reverse control plate, custom tuning machines and three “wing” string trees.
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Master Builder Dennis Galuszka has replicated the guitar to every exacting scratch-for-scratch detail from the Pignose stickers to the gaff-tape-sealed rear body route, it’s as close as you get.
The Shop said they are “distinctly honoured to pay tribute to such an acclaimed pioneer by recreating Kath’s custom Telecaster which was played throughout his live performances with Chicago and truly embodied the notion of ‘custom’ long before the Fender Custom Shop was founded”.
“When I was growing up, riding around in my mother’s Pinto with the radio on, I definitely knew Chicago,” Galuszka said.
“It wasn’t until later in life, as my appreciation for music became sharper, that I first learned about Terry Kath through guitar friends and from that point on, I was able to hear the music with fresh ears.
“Who knew one of the all-time greatest guitar players created the soundtrack of my childhood!”
Kath was so attached to his main axe that he’d buy a seat just for the instrument when flying rather than entrusting it to airline baggage handlers or even Chicago’s road crew.
The Tele was an amalgamation of highly personalised modifications, including a synchronised Strat tremolo with a sawed-off Tele bridge plate, a humbucking neck pickup, custom body routes, a reverse control plate, custom tuning machines and three “wing” string trees.
Adorned with Pignose stickers and other intricately placed regalia, the guitar has become legendary in of itself and is synonymous with Kath and his enduring musical legacy.
“Bringing the guitar to Fender for the first time was probably one of the most exciting days,” Terry’s daughter Michelle said.
“Going into Dennis’ workspace, I got to see his tools, how the flow works and how they go about the process of making the guitar, which is really cool, he nailed it.
“My hope for the replicas is that they find really good homes with people who are just as excited as we are about them being in the world. It means a lot to our family.”
“With up to 50 units made worldwide, the Limited Edition Terry Kath Telecaster is a guitar for the ages and a meticulously crafted homage to one of the true guitar greats of our time,” Fender said.
Head to Fender for more information.
