From Guitar World · · 2m
The mystery of Gillie's 1956 Telecasters
Two identical custom walnut Fender guitars from 1956 reveal the story of a singing cowboy who ordered them from the factory.
In brief
Two identical custom walnut Fender guitars from 1956 reveal the story of a singing cowboy who ordered them from the factory. These rare matched 1956 Telecasters with custom walnut finish and thick V-neck profiles were specially ordered by someone named Gillie, likely a locally famous singing cowboy, but his full…
Quick answers
- Who was Gillie?
- The identity of Gillie remains unknown, but photographs that came with the guitars show he was a singing cowboy who performed in a band with other singing cowboys, likely from Southern California.
- What is the key takeaway from The mystery of Gillie's 1956 Telecasters?
- These rare matched 1956 Telecasters with custom walnut finish and thick V-neck profiles were specially ordered by someone named Gillie, likely a locally famous singing cowboy, but his full identity remains unknown.
Two identical guitars from 1956
A pair of Fender Telecasters purchased new in 1956 with a custom walnut brown finish. One was played extensively and has Gillie's name on the pickguard. The other remains in mint condition with original factory strings and tissue paper wrapping.
Who was Gillie?
The identity of Gillie remains unknown, but photographs that came with the guitars show he was a singing cowboy who performed in a band with other singing cowboys, likely from Southern California.
Custom order from Fender
Fender built these guitars as a matching pair with a unique finish and custom-feeling necks, suggesting Gillie had a connection to the factory or was locally famous enough to warrant special treatment.
Thick V-shaped necks
Both guitars feature identical thick V-profile necks with standard width but bulky feel, almost like Fender converted U-shaped nineteen fifty-two Telecaster necks into soft Vs. The necks feel comfortable and suggest Gillie had large hands.
Kitchen cabinet brown finish
The walnut brown finish is translucent enough to see wood grain and resembles nineteen fifties kitchen cabinets. It's a factory finish confirmed by the mint condition of the unplayed guitar, making it extremely rare among vintage Fenders.
“I have no idea why Gillie wanted his guitars to look like 1950s kitchen cabinets.”
Signs of a working musician
The played guitar shows checking, dings, and significant buckle rash from being played high up on the body. The wear patterns indicate Gillie had an active career with this guitar and used it extensively.
Original specifications intact
Both guitars date to September nineteen fifty-six with original smooth steel saddles, staggered slug bridge pickups, and unchanged wiring including the mud settings. The played guitar's pickups read seven point five k and six point six k.
Help identify Gillie
The guitars come with vintage photos showing Gillie's band with a Fender double-neck pedal steel. The owner at Well Strung Guitars in Farmingdale, New York is seeking information about Gillie or his descendants.
In short
These rare matched 1956 Telecasters with custom walnut finish and thick V-neck profiles were specially ordered by someone named Gillie, likely a locally famous singing cowboy, but his full identity remains unknown.
