1976 Travis Bean TB1000 Natural Koa
1976 Travis Bean TB1000
Summary: Here we have a beautiful example of this iconic instrument. The Travis Beans famous aluminum neck paired on a koa body is one of the most unique combinations to be brought to the music world. This guitar is rare and absolutely the real deal. The serial number stamped into the headstock tells us this is number 421 of only 1422 TB 1000 Standards ever produced.
Body: Double-cutaway, two-piece center-seamed solid Koa wood body with original clear finish. Measures 14 ½” across widest span of lower bout, and 1 ¾” thick.
Neck: Single piece of T6061 aircraft aluminum runs from tuners to bridge. Dark rosewood fretboard with dot inlays. “T” shaped cutout in aluminum headstock. 25 ½” scale. 1 ½” nut width.
Pickups/Hardware: Two “Travis Bean” etched humbucking pick-ups and an adjustable Fender-style bridge mounted to aluminum neck-body billet. Schaller tuners. Chrome hardware. Chromed metal pickguard. Inset pickup selector. Two volume, two tone pots with black speed knobs. Chromed backplate. Brass nut.
Cosmetics: This guitar has no cracks breaks or structural issues. It has some scratches and dings on the body, most notably a somewhat large ding on the lower bout by the output jack. Other worth noting blemishes are a small round discoloration in the finish, a dent in the neck pickup and some scratches in the treble side cut-away. There is some slight clear discoloration in one of the knobs but is functioning as it should.(see pictures) The frets are in great shape and have tons on life left in them. This rare instrument is in overall great vintage condition.
Playability: The aluminum neck-body construction makes for a unique and satisfying playing experience. Fretting is smooth and fast and the guitars sustain is amazing. The pickups are strong and articulate. Due to the wood-aluminum build, the guitar is on the heavy side, but it’s still comfortable, and the sound it puts out is even heavier!
Mods/Repairs: N/A
Weight: 10lbs 15oz
Case: Original hard-shell case.
Empire Guitars RI
We ship to select international locations. International shipping can become quite expensive. We will not falsify value on customs forms EVER! Please don't ask.
3 days on used and vintage gear. 14 days on new items. Buyer pays shipping both ways. No returns on shipped amplifiers. New items returned with out all packing materials and included inserts will be charged a 15% restocking fee.