FENDER® Honours Legacy of Music Icon With Limited Edition George Harrison Rosewood Telecaster®

Lighter-weight, chambered-bodied – a model inspired by George Harrison’s iconic career – joins the Fender Artist Signature Series

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (August 22, 2017) – Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today released the limited-edition George Harrison Rosewood Telecaster, inspired by the late musical legend. With only 1,000 units available worldwide, it is a masterpiece that will capture the imagination of musicians everywhere. In conjunction with the Harrison estate, Fender is commemorating his remarkable career with an instrument that embodies his elegantly restrained playing style and sound.

The George Harrison Rosewood Telecaster is inspired by the guitar that Fender built specifically for him in 1968. As the brainchild of Fender luthier Roger Rossmeisl and the finished product of Philip Kubicki, the instrument instantly gained significance as it was the first all-rosewood guitar ever to be produced by Fender and was unveiled in the hands of the world’s most recognized guitarist. Harrison used the rosewood Telecaster while recording some of the most recognizable music of the late 1960s and famously played it during the historic London “Rooftop Concert” in January of 1969. Hand-crafted using the most up-to-date luthier techniques, this new edition is more accessible than the Fender Custom Shop’s George Harrison Tribute Rosewood Telecaster® released in 2016, and provides more fans with the opportunity to celebrate the iconic star.

“The Rosewood Telecaster was exceptional due to its craftsmanship and venture into uncharted territory, serving as the prototype for future Fender electric guitars of its kind,” said Justin Norvell, SVP Fender Products. “George Harrison showcased the uniqueness of the guitar through his talent and passion for music by using it in some of the most influential concerts and albums in music history. With the help of the Harrison Estate, we hope to encourage the next generation of players to explore music and draw inspiration from Harrison’s performance style on a guitar that represents artistic creativity.”

A modern, more accessible and lightweight version of the original Rosewood Telecaster, the guitar remains true to its heritage with a classic look and unique tone only an all-rosewood guitar can produce. The body is chambered for reduced weight and increased resonance. Other features include a rosewood neck with a laminated 9.5” radius rosewood fingerboard and custom neck plate engraved with an Om symbol.

In true tradition, Fender’s Artist Signature Series models honour popular and iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists. Poised to inspire players for decades to come, the George Harrison Rosewood Telecaster acknowledges the lasting influence of George Harrison and continues his musical legacy for today’s players. For additional high-resolution product images, please click here.

For technical specs, additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender.

GEORGE HARRISON ROSEWOOD TELECASTER®: $2,499.99

To honour Harrison’s venerable career, Fender has created the George Harrison Rosewood Telecaster, a limited-edition commemoration that embodies Harrison’s elegantly restrained playing style and sound. Based on the original Telecaster created for Harrison by guitar designer Roger Rossmeisl and Fender craftsman Philip Kubicki, this model remains true to its heritage with a classic look and the unique tone only an all-rosewood guitar can produce. The body is chambered for reduced weight and increased resonance. Other features include a rosewood neck with a laminated 9.5″ radius rosewood fingerboard and a custom neck plate engraved with an Om symbol. A classic in every way, this refined instrument was born in the era that defined rock n’ roll. George Harrison’s legacy is one of innovation and creativity, and the rosewood Telecaster became one of his primary instruments during a pivotal moment in his career. Only 1,000 units will be available worldwide. You can find out more here.

ABOUT FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION:
Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC), whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH® and Charvel®, follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest quality instruments and musical solutions across genres. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of music through electric and acoustic guitars, amplifiers, pro audio, accessories and digital products that inspire and enable musical expression at every stage, from beginners to history-making legends.