Ted Newman-Jones, Austin Special, 1989 - Lance Keltner

Tabs

Specifications
Builder: 
Ted Newman-Jones
Model: 
Austin Special
Year: 
1989
Color: 
Translucent Purple
Neck: 
Maple
Fretboard: 
Rosewood
Pickups: 
Chandler Lipsticks, single in the neck and dual in the bridge
The Story Behind

Luthier Ted Newman Jones was offering handcrafted custom instruments in his Austin workshop. He is probably most famous for being the guitar tech and building guitars for Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones.

According to Lance Keltner, guitar player, the story of the guitar is the following:

" Ted didn't actually build this guitar.

I tried to help him by getting him a manufacturing and distribution deal with Chandler Industries as Ted was drinking too much to build.
 
He cut out the body and then a fellow named Ross Jennings actually built and finished the guitar. It was a prototype that Chandler used for the Austin Special.
 
Ted didn't keep his part of the deal and neither did Chandler for that matter so that was short lived.
 
The photo of Keith Richard and I was taken at Big Mikes rehearsal in NYC. Ted was there and had arranged that meeting so that Keith could see the guitar.
 
So that guitar is kind of a Newman"

Lance used this guitar extensively during his live shows.

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