This is unique and very rare John English Masterbuilt solid Rosewood Telecaster built at the Fender Custom Shop in 2003. It was built as a special order for the legendary Norman’s Rare Guitars in Tarzana, California. The special order signification is engraved into the rear neck plate – see pic. There cannot be more than one or two more of these NR serial numbered Rosewood Teles in existence.

There have been some legendary Master Builders at Fender CS over the years including John Page, Alan Hamel, Michael Stevens, John Cruz, Yuriy Shishkov, Jason Smith and others. But it was John English who was probably the most revered of all the original Custom Shop Master Builders, and his pieces have continued to grow in value over time, especially since his death in 2007.

Even though this guitar was built 20 years ago, it is in brand new condition. It has been on private display with the also very special Rosewood Stratocaster also listed here at Premier Guitars. It has some very minor play marks on the scratchplate, but apart from that is in as new condition. Not a mark on any of the woodwork, no tarnishing of the metal, and no changed parts. And John English selected some quite exceptional slightly lighter coloured rosewood for this particular guitar. It is quite a different hue to most solid rosewood Teles – something else that sets it apart from the rest and makes it even more unique.

It is an identical remake of several instruments that Fender built in the late ’60s made completely of hand-selected rosewood. These were in production only very briefly and are now highly collectable on the vintage market. Jimi Hendrix reportedly had one of the first Rosewood Stratocaster guitars, and George Harrison of the Beatles used one of the original Rosewood Telecaster guitars on Let It Be and for the famous Apple Records rooftop concert in January 1969.

Now, you can get your hands on the best of the best thanks to Masterbuilder John English whose pieces have remained a testament to the finest possible craftsmanship in guitar making. John English’s own Custom Shop sticker is on the rear of the headstock, and the JE Certificate of Authenticity is in the case.

Includes lots of case candy - leather strap, cable, custom shop picks, and polishing cloth, all in the still sealed plastic bag.

Comes in original Fender black tolex case in as new condition.