Fender Telecaster Custom Keith Richards #01 of 20 (2000)

There is probably hardly a guitar in Rock history that is more legendary than Keith Richards' “Micawber”. In 2000 the Fender Custom Shop wanted to issue a small series of just 20 replicas of this iconic Telecaster with the label “Custom Keith Richards Tele” on the certificate. However, as the Custom Shop proceeded somewhat clumsily and copied the wear pattern of the guitar during repair work on the original “Micawber” without Keith's knowledge, they incurred the wrath of the Rolling Stones guitarist. As a result, production of the small series was stopped. To this day it is not known exactly how many specimens were ultimately produced and actually sold, but only the first three(!) guitars were labeled “Custom Richards Tele” on their COA. The Telecaster we are offering you today is number 1 of these three exclusive guitars. There is certainly no need to say more with regard to the very special rarity and collector's value of today's offer. But a look under the characteristic brass bridge can get the blood pumping even more as soon as you discover the stamped letters “JCQA”, which means nothing less than that this first piece of the strictly limited edition was made under the aegis of none other than masterbuilder icon John Cruz. Furthermore, you can read the handwritten note “Namm” in the pickup cavity and at the base of the neck, an indication that the Tele was exhibited at the American NAMM show in August 2002. It is said that the Custom Shop manager at the time, Mike Eldred, pulled out all the stops to avoid any photographs of “Micawber”, knowing full well that this would only lead to further quarrels with Keef. The “Butterscotch” color tone and the aging of the Blackguard are wonderfully captured here, extremely detailed and super authentic. Furthermore, you will be enchanted by the enormously attractive, famously grained “Birds Eye Maple” neck and the typical Stones sound. The pleasant medium neck profile of the original was adopted 1:1 and the purest “Rolling Stones” vibes flow towards you with every note. The custom singlecoil on the bridge delivers direct, punchy sounds with super attack, in the intermediate position you get the characteristic Keef sound and the super bluesy Seymour Duncan “59 Antiquity” on the neck sings that it is a real pleasure, superbly differentiated and bell-like. “Street Fighting Man”, “Honky Tonk Women” and “Brown Sugar”, ...Keith Richards at his very best! We are already delighted for the future owner of this gem, which we can offer you in top condition.

• Including original case, certificate, strap
• Weight: 3310 grams