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
Mesa/Boogie | Mark IIC+ Amplifiers
A Legend Returns! Mesa/Boogie’s Mark IIC+ Amplifiers are back and better than ever. Whether you’re after the iconic Head or the portable 1x12 Combo, these amps deliver the vintage Boogie tone that shaped rock history. Shop now at Chicago Music Exchange and own a piece of guitar legend!
View DetailsIntroducing | Hiwatt & WEM Amplifiers
Unleash the sound of rock history with Hiwatt and WEM amplifiers at Chicago Music Exchange! From the bold clarity of Hiwatt, a cornerstone of classic British rock favored by legends like The Who and Pink Floyd, to the vintage warmth of WEM, which powered unforgettable performances of the '60s and '70s, these amps deliver iconic tones with unmatched quality. Shop Hiwatt and WEM amplifiers in-store, online, or on the CME App, and bring the golden age of rock to your sound!
View Details