THE BEATLES

1968 ROSEWOOD FENDER TELECASTER

Brian Epstein had promised Jennings, Vox’s parent company, “as long as I am their manager, the Beatles will use Vox amplifiers.” When Epstein died in August 1967, his gentleman’s agreement was nullified, opening the door for Fender sales chief Don Randall to interest the group in his company’s wares. “Paul was outgoing and enthusiastic, a great guy to talk to, very upbeat,” said Randall, who recalled speaking with McCartney about “pickups, styles and everything.“That meeting led to Fender supplying the Beatles with a lefty Jazz Bass, a VI six-string bass and various amps during the White Album sessions.

BRIAN EPSTEIN’S DEATH OPENED THE DOOR FOR FENDER TO APPROACH THE BEATLES

Undoubtedly, the most intriguing guitar to come from this association was the prototype Rosewood Telecaster custom-made for Harrison and delivered during the sessions. The guitar was created under master builder Roger Rossmeisl, who had previously worked for Rickenbacker, where he designed the 325 and 360/12 models played by Lennon and Harrison, respectively. The Rosewood Tele’s body had a thin piece, including the rooftop performance. Later in 1969, he gave the guitar to Delaney Bramlett, of Delaney & Bonnie, from whom he learned slide guitar technique. Bramlett sold the guitar in 2003, where it fetched $434,750 when it was purchased by an intermediary for Harrison’s widow, Olivia.