Vintage Vibes: 1970 Fender Rosewood Telecaster
VINTAGE VIBES: 1970 Fender Rosewood Telecaster
Shelby says there's something in the way this 1970 Rosewood Fender Telecaster moves. Most commonly associated with George Harrison of The Beatles and Traveling Wilburys fame, the Rosewood Telecaster was designed for Fender in the 1960s by former Rickenbacker luthier Roger Rossmeisl. This 1970 model differs from the original Rossmeisl prototype Fender gave Harrison in that this body is two pieces of rosewood bound together, whereas Harrison's was solid rosewood. But you'll see it weeps just as gently, if not more so. Don't let us down, Shelby.
Shelby Describes the 1970 Fender Rosewood Telecaster
The Rosewood Telecaster became synonymous with one iconic guitar artist, a gentleman by the name of George Harrison from a band called The Beatles. If you don't know who the Beatles are, stop watching this video. Look that up, then come back.
The Rosewood Telecaster was designed by Roger Ross Maisel, who started his career with Rickenbacker and moved to Fender in the mid-'60s. The Beatles began their career playing Rickenbackers, so when Fender gave the prototype to George Harrison, they gave him a guitar that was designed by the very same man. A fitting end as George decided to play it in their last public performance on The Abbey Road Studio rooftop in 1969.
The original version of this guitar is quite heavy because rosewood is an incredibly dense wood. So what they did for this 1970 Rosewood Telecaster is swap the solid body for two pieces of rosewood sandwiched together, giving this '70 model a lighter, chambered body.
Fender produced the Rosewood Telecaster from 1968 to 1972, but it's unclear how many. They were never very popular. It's only in retrospect that these have become a coveted piece of history.
SHOP VINTAGE FENDER
Related Posts
Fender | Limited Edition Tom Delonge Signature Gear
Available in four eye-catching colors—Daphne Blue, Black, Surf Green, and Graffiti Yellow—the new Fender Limited Edition Tom Delonge Stratocaster brings back the same powerful Pop Punk guitar tones recorded on some of Blink 182’s most iconic and enduring hits of the late ‘90s and early 2000s! Get yours at Chicago Music Exchange today!
View Details
Kyser | Quick-Change Instrument Capos
Known for being fast and easy to use (hence their name), Kyser Quick-Change capos let musicians transpose their instruments on the fly with just one hand. Then, when you're not using your capo, it’s just as quick and easy to remove it from the fretboard and park it on the headstock.
View Details
Introducing | Eastman D’Ambrosio Series
Chicago Music Exchange is proud to be one of the first dealers where you can find Eastman Guitar’s new U.S.A-made electric guitar line, handcrafted in California by master luthier Otto D’Ambrosio, himself! Preorder yours at Chicago Music Exchange today!
View Details