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Fender Custom Shop Announces the Terry Kath Telecaster

Fender Custom Shop Announces the Terry Kath Telecaster

Master builder Dennis Galuszka recreates the legendary "Chicago" guitarist's legacy with a collectible, limited run guitar.


The Fender Custom Shop pays tribute to an acclaimed pioneer by recreating Kath’s custom Telecaster guitar—which was played throughout his live performances with Chicago and truly embodied the notion of ā€œcustomā€ long before the Fender Custom Shop was founded. Master Builder Dennis Galuszka has replicated the guitar in exacting, every scratch-for-scratch detail, from the Pignose stickers to the gaff-tape-sealed rear body route and every other custom element. With up to 50 units made worldwide, the Limited Edition Terry Kath Telecaster is a meticulously crafted homage to one of the true guitar greats of our time.

ā€œTerry Kath is one of the most incredible guitar players that ever lived,ā€ said Mike Lewis, Vice President Product Development at Fender Custom Shop. ā€œHis iconic playing style paved the way for many guitar players and has inspired other legends through the years. When his daughter, Michelle, told us they wanted to entrust the Fender Custom Shop to recreate Kath’s famed, fan favorite Telecaster guitar from Chicago, we were honored. Fan’s had been making their own versions of this guitar for years, but this time master builder Dennis Galuszka replicated every single detail - from the synchronized Strat guitar tremolo with sawed off Tele bridge plate to other custom elements of the body adorned with stickers and other personalized touches.ā€

ā€œThis moment has been a long time coming,ā€ said Michelle Kath Sinclair, Terry’s daughter. ā€œWhen we were making the documentary about my dad (Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience), we didn’t know where the guitar was, so the film almost became a hunt for this Telecaster guitar. We finally found it at my grandpa’s house; he labeled all of the guitar cases and this one said ā€œTerry’s Favorite.ā€ Finding this guitar meant everything to me, because it feels like I have a piece of him with me that’s so iconic.ā€

ā€œBringing the guitar to Fender for the first time was probably one of the most exciting days,ā€ she added. ā€œGoing 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.ā€

The Terry Kath Telecaster | Dream Factory | Fender

For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fendercustomshop.com.

Stevie Van Zandt with ā€œNumber One,ā€ the ’80s reissue Stratocaster—with custom paisley pickguard from luthier Dave Petillo—that he’s been playing for the last quarter century or so.

Photo by Pamela Springsteen

With the E Street Band, he’s served as musical consigliere to Bruce Springsteen for most of his musical life. And although he stands next to the Boss onstage, guitar in hand, he’s remained mostly quiet about his work as a player—until now.

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