Fender has teamed up with Jimmy Page, one of rock’s most legendary guitar players, to recreate his famous 1959 Fender Telecaster for Led Zeppelin’s 50th anniversary.
One of the most iconic guitars in music, Page’s Telecaster is known for its two “mirror” and “dragon” designs. The guitar was used to record Led Zeppelin I as well as countless of the band’s hits.
To mark the anniversary, Fender will release four artist signature guitar models throughout 2019, giving fans and collectors the chance to own a piece of history. Two models will be made on Fender’s production lines, and two will be produced in the Fender Custom Shop – dubbed the “Limited Edition Jimmy Page Telecaster Set.”
“It’s an incredible honor that one of the most-respected rock legends has entrusted Fender to recreate one of his most-prized guitars,” said Mike Lewis, VP of Product Development at Fender Custom Shop. “Some of the most-esteemed artists in the world work with the Fender Custom Shop, because it is the pinnacle of craftsmanship for the Fender brand and the guitar-building community.”
“This unique Fender Telecaster has an amazing backstory and helped inspire some of the greatest rock music of all time, both in the later years of The Yardbirds and at the genesis of Led Zeppelin,” added Justin Norvell, EVP Fender Products. “Now we’re giving a new generation of players access to two great instruments in honor of Jimmy, his storied career and amazing musical body of work created and performed on this guitar.”
Page originally received his Telecaster from Jeff Beck in 1966. Over the years it has taken on several looks and personas as Page customised it both aesthetically and sonically.
“This guitar is so special and has so much history, so I approached Fender to see if they’d be interested in recreating it,” Page said. “They really got it 110 percent right, or 150 percent right. It’s so absolutely as it is, as it should be, and as it was.”
“Visiting the Fender Custom Shop to sign and paint the guitars with Paul Waller was a real thrill,” he added. “To see all those absolute gems on the wall, it’s a pretty amazing experience.”
Among the four artist signature models will be two highly collectible, limited edition Fender Custom Shop versions masterbuilt by Fender Custom Shop Master Builder Paul Waller – one with mirrors and the other with the painted dragon.
Over an 8-month period, Page has worked closely with Paul Waller, Master Builder at the Fender Custom Shop, to advise throughout the process, assuring every detail was accurately recreated. Only 50 unites of each model will be made available, featuring personal touches from Page himself.
All Jimmy Page models will be released throughout 2019 and available at local dealers and on www.Fender.com. Fender will reveal the complete model lineup in January 2019.
