In early 1965, Leo Fender sold his companies to the Columbia Broadcasting System. The CBS-era instruments are generally much less coveted or collectable than the "pre-CBS" models created by Leo Fender prior to selling his companies.
This Telecaster belonged to Elliott Randall. Elliott is famous for his 1963 Fender Stratocaster sound, which he played on the well-known guitar solo for Steely Dan's hit "Reelin' in the Years".
Elliott Randall describes this guitar: "This was a straight trade with a guitarist friend for various pieces of my electronics hardware. This instrument epitomises the mid-years (vintage) Tele. A lovely axe.”
Asked to tell the story behind the guitar, here is what Elliott had to say: "Stories? Well - I acquired this Tele when I first moved to London in '89. As I have kept two distinct residences and recording studios in both NYC (my original hometown) and London, it was imperative that I have duplicates of certain instruments to ease my fairly constant travel load.
This guitar has seen plenty of action; been at my side in many of the finest studios - I used it on some great recordings throughout the 90’s and this decade. I played it on Jimmy Nail's hit single "Ain't No Doubt", several cuts on Tasmin Archer's album "Sleeping Satellite", Kirsty MacColl's "Walking Down Madison", and many others (including a dance/almost rap CD by Rod Stewart - the name of which escapes me...)
Since moving out of NYC four years ago, and shipping over most of my guitars from there to London, I find myself with several duplicates; hence the idea to share some of these fine instruments with the world at large.”
