Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $9,999

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Travis Bean TB1000A is a celebrated piece of music history, renowned for its unique aluminum neck that contributes to its distinctive sound and sustain. Crafted for the discerning musician, this solid body electric guitar is a testament to innovative design and quality craftsmanship. The TB1000A stands out not only for its sonic capabilities but also for its durable construction, making it a prized possession for collectors and performers alike.

With a solid body design, the TB1000A ensures rich tonal quality and exceptional resonance. Its remarkable sustain is a result of the combination of the aluminum neck and solid body, offering guitarists a versatile range that suits various music styles, from rock to jazz. The guitar's smooth playability is enhanced by its meticulously designed fingerboard, providing a comfortable experience for both rhythm and lead players.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Travis Bean TB1000A offers reliability and a unique sound profile that can elevate your musical expression. Its legacy is one of innovation, and it continues to inspire musicians around the world with its bold and distinctive characteristics.

Key Features:

  • Aluminum neck for increased sustain and unique tonal characteristics
  • Solid body construction for enhanced resonance and tonal richness
  • Versatile tonal range suitable for various music styles
  • Meticulously crafted fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Renowned for its distinctive sound and durability

Product specs

Brand Travis Bean
Model TB1000A Artist
Finish Natural
Year 1976
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type String-Through
Color Family Brown, Natural
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What makes the Travis Bean TB1000A unique compared to other electric guitars?

The Travis Bean TB1000A is renowned for its aluminum neck, which offers exceptional sustain and stability. Its double cutaway body and HH pickup configuration provide versatile tonal options, making it a standout choice for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the Travis Bean TB1000A suitable for heavy music genres?

Yes, the Travis Bean TB1000A's HH pickup configuration and solid body design deliver powerful, rich tones suitable for heavier music styles like rock and metal, while its aluminum neck enhances sustain and clarity.

How does the aluminum neck of the Travis Bean TB1000A affect its playability?

The aluminum neck of the TB1000A provides a smooth playing experience with increased sustain and stability, offering a unique feel compared to traditional wooden necks. This design also helps maintain consistent tuning and intonation.

What kind of tonal characteristics can I expect from the Travis Bean TB1000A?

The TB1000A offers a bright and articulate tone with excellent sustain, thanks to its aluminum neck and HH pickup configuration. It's versatile enough for various music styles, providing clear highs and punchy lows.

Is the Travis Bean TB1000A a good choice for collectors?

Yes, the Travis Bean TB1000A is a sought-after model due to its unique construction and historical significance. Its limited production run and distinctive features make it a valuable addition to any guitar collection.

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Travis Bean TB1000A

Video thumbnail for Travis Bean TB1000A by Bernunzio Uptown Music

Travis Bean TB1000A

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Bernunzio Uptown Music

Video thumbnail for Travis Bean Designs TB1000A Artist “Pan Back” Serial Number #1 Transparent Black | Review & Demo! by Guitar Chimp

Travis Bean Designs TB1000A Artist “Pan Back” Serial Number #1 Transparent Black | Review & Demo!

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Travis Bean TB1000A.

Build quality

  • The 1975 Travis Bean TB1000A weighs just under 11 pounds, indicating a substantial and solid build.

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  • The carved top confirms the TB1000A as an Artist model, with original pickups designed to bolt from the back.

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User experience

  • Owners describe the TB1000A as a "dream guitar," with its rarity and condition likened to "museum quality."

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  • Owners describe the TB1000A's sound as "chimey" with low action, enhancing playability and tonal quality.

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  • Owners note that the aluminum neck can become uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight, similar to a radiator, affecting playability during outdoor performances.

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  • The neck feels both different and familiar, noted for its straightness and contributing to ease of play.

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Features and functionality

  • The TB1000A has been modified with coil-tap switches and possibly a phase switch, although these are not original features.

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  • The neck pickup is described as dark yet articulate, providing a unique tonal characteristic that enhances the guitar's sound profile.

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Mods and upgrades

  • The bridge pickup is a Bill Lawrence L500, suggesting a non-original modification that could affect tone.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners encounter scratchy switches and pots due to lack of use; electronics spray cleaner can restore functionality.

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  • The guitar maintains exceptional tuning stability despite temperature variations, though the aluminum neck feels cold to the touch before playing.

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Other

  • The guitar is often compared to a "Holy Grail," highlighting its desirability and status among enthusiasts.

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Critic Reviews

Vintage Vault: 1977 Travis Bean TB1000A Artist - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Travis Bean TB1000A, with its innovative aluminum neck and striking koa top, delivers a unique sound that resonates well with heavy music aficionados. Its build quality and sustain are standout features, echoing the instrument's vintage prestige. However, the high price tag and somewhat niche appeal may deter casual players. While its distinct design and tonal versatility attract dedicated guitarists, the TB1000A’s unconventional setup might be challenging for those not versed in unique guitar maintenance. Overall, it’s a compelling choice for serious musicians seeking something truly different.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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ebebebeb

I love Travis Bean guitars

My main guitar , very evil and has a huge sustain due to the aluminum neck

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Iero uses Travis Bean TB1000A

Frank Iero

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Natural Year: 1976

"This is such a rad guitar, and such a great piece of musical history. The aluminum neck might be the best thing that ever happened to you." - Frank

See how Ty Segall uses Travis Bean TB1000A

Ty Segall

Singer, Guitarist

Fuzz

...
Verified via Photo

Seen live often but here on the cover of Deforming Lobes

See how Yannis Philippakis uses Travis Bean TB1000A

Yannis Philippakis

Singer, Guitarist

Foals

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Yannis use this guitar all the time. You can see that this TB1000A by square position markers

See how Brian Bell uses Travis Bean TB1000A

Brian Bell

Singer, Guitarist

Weezer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, we can see Brian Bell performing "Say It Ain't So" with Weezer at Lettermna with a Travis Bean TB1000A.

See how Stephen O'Malley uses Travis Bean TB1000A

Stephen O'Malley

Guitarist

Sunn O)))

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

In the guitar.com's interview with Stephen O'Malley, a list of O'Malley's guitar rig was published. One of the items included on the list was Travis Bean TB1000A.

See how Roger Fisher uses Travis Bean TB1000A

Roger Fisher

Guitarist

Heart

...
Verified via YouTube

Roger used a white TB1000A during a 1977 live performance of Crazy On You.

Album Usage

The Travis Bean TB1000A has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Travis Bean TB1000A, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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