Terry Kath stands as a monumental figure in guitar history, celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike for his groundbreaking talent. Jimi Hendrix himself lauded Kath as his favorite guitarist. Kath’s genius lay in his ability to blend intricate songwriting with soulful vocals, propelling Chicago Transit Authority to fame in 1967. Later known as Chicago, the band achieved global recognition and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. As a true innovator, Kath pioneered unprecedented guitar tones through his experimental approach to guitar and amplifier configurations. His instinctive mastery of his unique sound is evident in iconic tracks like “25 or 6 to 4,” “Free Form Guitar,” and “Introduction.”
Central to Kath’s distinctive sound and journey to stardom was his highly personalized 1966 Telecaster. This wasn’t just any Telecaster; it was a heavily customized instrument adorned with stickers, becoming as iconic as the musician himself. Kath’s attachment to this guitar was so profound that he would purchase an extra airplane seat for it, rather than risk entrusting it to baggage handlers or even his own road crew. This Telecaster was a testament to personal modification, featuring a sawed-off Tele bridge coupled with a synchronized Strat tremolo, a neck humbucker pickup, custom body routing, a reversed control plate, specialized tuning machines, and three “wing” string trees. Emblazoned with Pignose stickers and other unique embellishments, this guitar transcended mere instrument status, becoming a symbol of Terry Kath and his enduring musical legacy.
The Fender Custom Shop has paid a special tribute to this influential pioneer by meticulously recreating Kath’s extraordinary custom instrument. Master Builder Dennis Galuszka undertook the painstaking task of replicating every detail, from the placement of the Pignose stickers to the gaff-tape sealed rear body route. This Limited Edition Terry Kath Telecaster, produced in a run of only 50 pieces, is more than just a guitar; it’s a meticulously crafted homage to a true guitar legend, designed for players and collectors who appreciate the history and innovation embodied in Kath’s instrument.
The Terry Kath Telecaster: A Detailed Look at the Specs
To truly appreciate the Limited Edition Terry Kath Telecaster, examining its specifications reveals the dedication to replicating Kath’s original guitar.
Body: The foundation of this guitar is a classic Telecaster shape, constructed from 2-Piece Select Ash. The body is finished with a Lacquer in Aged Vintage White, providing the look and feel of a well-loved vintage instrument.
Neck: The neck is crafted from Flat Sawn Maple with a custom Terry Kath profile, ensuring a comfortable and familiar feel for players. It features a 25.5″ scale length, a vintage 7.25″ fingerboard radius, and 21 Vintage frets. The fingerboard is Round-Laminated Rift Sawn Maple, adorned with Black Dot position inlays, and topped with a bone nut with a 1.650″ width. The neck finish is Nitrocellulose Lacquer, contributing to the vintage vibe.
Electronics: Capturing Terry Kath’s unique tone is paramount. The bridge pickup is a Custom Shop Hand-Wound ’67 Single-Coil Tele, providing that classic Telecaster twang. In the neck position, a Curtis Novak Custom Terry Kath Humbucker delivers the warmer, thicker tones Kath was known for. The guitar features Master Volume and Master Tone controls, along with a 3-Position Blade switch for pickup selection (Bridge, Bridge and Neck, Neck).
Hardware: Mirroring Kath’s modifications, the bridge is a 6-Saddle Vintage-Style Synchronized Tremolo with Block Saddles and a Tele Bridge Plate. Tuning stability is ensured by Schaller M6 Chrome-Plated Die-Cast Mini Tuners. The hardware finish is Nickel/Chrome, and the control knobs are Knurled Chrome.
Miscellaneous: The guitar is strung with Nickel Plated Steel strings (.010-.046 Gauges) and comes with a Deluxe Hardshell Case, Strap, and Certificate of Authenticity.
Terry Kath’s Enduring Influence
The Limited Edition Terry Kath Telecaster is more than just a replica; it’s a tribute to the innovative spirit and lasting impact of Terry Kath. His unique approach to the guitar, blending Telecaster clarity with humbucker warmth and Strat tremolo expressiveness, created a sound that was entirely his own. This Fender Custom Shop instrument allows players to connect with that legacy, offering a chance to experience a piece of guitar history and the sound of a true visionary. For fans of Terry Kath, Chicago, or anyone who appreciates unique and historically significant guitars, this Limited Edition Telecaster is a remarkable instrument that embodies the soul of a guitar legend.
