Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $7,495

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Travis Bean TB1000S is an iconic solid-body electric guitar that has captured the hearts of musicians and collectors alike. Renowned for its aluminum neck, this guitar offers unparalleled sustain and a bright, articulate tone that sets it apart from traditional wooden neck guitars. The TB1000S features a sleek, minimalist design that appeals to those who appreciate both form and function, making it an excellent choice for studio sessions and live performances.

The guitar is equipped with two powerful humbucking pickups, which deliver a rich sound perfect for a wide range of musical styles from rock to blues. The mahogany body provides a warm resonance, complementing the clarity of the aluminum neck. This combination makes the TB1000S a versatile instrument that can adapt to various playing techniques and genres.

Another standout feature is its custom-designed bridge, which enhances intonation precision and tuning stability. The smooth, fast-playing fretboard is ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists who demand precision and comfort. The TB1000S’s craftsmanship reflects Travis Bean’s commitment to innovation and quality, making it a collectible piece for enthusiasts and a reliable workhorse for professionals.

Key Features:

  • Solid body electric guitar with a mahogany body
  • Aluminum neck for enhanced sustain and tonal clarity
  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Custom-designed bridge for improved intonation and tuning stability
  • Minimalist design with a focus on performance and aesthetics
  • Ideal for a variety of musical styles and playing techniques

Product specs

Brand Travis Bean
Model TB1000S
Finish Natural
Year 1976
Made In United States
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 kind of tone can I expect from the pickups on the Travis Bean TB1000S?

The Travis Bean TB1000S features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, delivering a rich, full-bodied tone suitable for rock, blues, and jazz. The pickups provide a balanced output with excellent clarity and sustain, making them versatile for various playing styles.

Is the Travis Bean TB1000S suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Travis Bean TB1000S is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction and unique tonal characteristics. Its aluminum neck and solid body design offer exceptional sustain and playability, appealing to experienced musicians seeking a distinctive sound.

How does the aluminum neck of the Travis Bean TB1000S affect playability?

The aluminum neck of the Travis Bean TB1000S provides increased sustain and stability compared to traditional wood necks. It offers a smooth playing experience and maintains consistent performance in various environmental conditions, making it a reliable choice for live performances and studio sessions.

What is the neck profile like on the Travis Bean TB1000S?

The Travis Bean TB1000S features a bolt-on neck with a comfortable profile that facilitates easy playing across all 22 frets. Its design supports fast fretwork and smooth transitions, ideal for players who enjoy technical and expressive playing styles.

Does the Travis Bean TB1000S have a string-through body design?

Yes, the Travis Bean TB1000S features a string-through body design, which enhances sustain and resonance by allowing the strings to vibrate more freely through the guitar's solid body. This design contributes to the instrument's overall rich tonal quality.

williesguitars

williesguitars

1977 Travis Bean TB1000S

Video thumbnail for 1977 Travis Bean TB1000S by williesguitars

1977 Travis Bean TB1000S

williesguitars

williesguitars

Video thumbnail for Travis Bean TB1000S Standard and Kramer DMZ 2000 aluminium neck guitars | Guitar.com by Guitar

Travis Bean TB1000S Standard and Kramer DMZ 2000 aluminium neck guitars | Guitar.com

Guitar

Guitar

Video thumbnail for Travis Bean TB1000S Guitar - Greg Lake's 1977 Works Tour guitar by Offbeat Instruments

Travis Bean TB1000S Guitar - Greg Lake's 1977 Works Tour guitar

Offbeat Instruments

Offbeat Instruments

Video thumbnail for Travis Bean TB-1000S Played By Wendy Eisenberg // SOUND CHECK by Retrofret Vintage Guitars

Travis Bean TB-1000S Played By Wendy Eisenberg // SOUND CHECK

Retrofret Vintage Guitars

Retrofret Vintage Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Travis Bean TB1000S.

User experience

  • Owners highlight the TB1000S's significant weight, likening it to vintage furniture, indicating it could affect comfort during extended play.

    Source
  • Despite its heaviness, the TB1000S is praised for its sustain, similar to other heavy models like the Peavey T-60, making it desirable for certain musical styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The TB1000S is compared to the Peavey T-60 for weight, with users noting both guitars are notably heavy, affecting playability.

    Source

Build quality

  • The TB1000S features a koa wood body, which is appreciated for its aesthetic but contributes to the guitar's substantial weight.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend cleaning scratchy switches and pots with electronics spray cleaner to restore functionality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar is noted for its "chimey" sound, with particularly low action that enhances playability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • It's advised to replace aftermarket pickups with original TB pickups and restore original knobs for authenticity.

    Source
  • The bridge pickup is identified as a Bill Lawrence L500, an aftermarket modification.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A TB1000A model with missing parts and aftermarket modifications can still be a good deal if purchased under $5k, considering its potential $8k value in original condition.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Travis Bean TB1000S Standard | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Travis Bean TB1000S Standard is a fascinating relic from the 70s, boasting an innovative aluminum neck that promises superior sustain and clarity. This unique design, while delivering on its promise of clean, balanced sound, also contributes to its heft, making it a heavy guitar to wield. Despite its weight, the TB1000S has a loyal following among musicians like Jerry Garcia and Keith Richards. However, its story is marred by internal disputes and a short-lived production run. A compelling piece for collectors and enthusiasts, but its practicality as a daily player might be questionable.

Historic hardware: 1978 Travis Bean TB1000S | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Travis Bean TB1000S is a rare gem from the '70s, known for its unique aluminium neck that offers a distinct, full-frequency sound praised by iconic musicians like Jerry Garcia and Slash. While its hefty build might not suit everyone, the TB1000S's robust tone and captivating presence make it a standout choice for discerning players. Its cult following among innovative guitarists underscores its lasting appeal. However, its niche appeal means it's not for everyone, but those who value its unique sound will find it irreplaceable.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Colin Newman uses Travis Bean TB1000S

Colin Newman

Singer, Guitarist

Wire

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout this live performance Colin can be seen playing a Black Travis Bean TB1000A.

See how Denny Laine uses Travis Bean TB1000S

Denny Laine

Singer, Guitarist

Wings

...
Verified via YouTube

Denny Laine is seen using a Travis Bean TB1000S in the Goodnight Tonight music video, as shown in the YouTube upload by Kitsu Beatles, Paul McCartney & Wings - Goodnight Tonight (Remastered Music Video).

See how Vincent Gallo uses Travis Bean TB1000S

Vincent Gallo

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In the Persol Spring/Summer 2017 campaign featured in The Fashionisto, Vincent Gallo is seen with what appears to be a Travis Bean TB1000S guitar in a white colorway.

See how Stanley Jordan uses Travis Bean TB1000S

Stanley Jordan

Guitarist, Music Producer

Artists United Against Apartheid

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Walnut

In the YouTube video titled "Stanley Jordan - Eleanor Rigby | Live at Newport Jazz Festival (1986)" by Jazz on MV, Stanley Jordan is seen playing a Travis Bean TB1000S.

See how Pete Greenway uses Travis Bean TB1000S

Pete Greenway

Guitarist

The Fall

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:41 of The Fall's Glastonbury 2015 performance, there is a clear shot of Greenway's Travis Bean Tb1000S.

See how Garry Shider uses Travis Bean TB1000S

Garry Shider

Singer, Guitarist

Funkadelic

...
Verified via YouTube

Used in this live 1976 show at Houston, TX.

See how Chris Rosenau uses Travis Bean TB1000S

Chris Rosenau

Guitarist

Volcano Choir

...
Verified via Photo

The guitar in the far left in this Instagram image is the Travis Bean TB1000S Electric Guitar.

See how Apostolis Anthimos uses Travis Bean TB1000S

Apostolis Anthimos

Guitarist

SBB

...
Verified via YouTube

In a 1979 live performance in Warsaw, Apostolis Anthimos was seen playing a Travis Bean TB1000S with SBB, as captured in the YouTube video by rockowy.

J

Jeff Schneider

Guitarist

Arab on Radar

...
Verified via Photo

Consistently used a Travis Bean guitar throughout his time with Arab on Radar.

See how Milić Vukašinović uses Travis Bean TB1000S

Milić Vukašinović

Drummer

Bijelo dugme

...
Verified via Photo

Milić Vukašinović is confirmed to have used a Travis Bean TB1000S guitar, as evidenced by the image provided.

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 TB1000S, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Travis Bean TB1000S, curated by the Equipboard community.

Epiphone Wilshire

$373.00 - $549.00

cheaper alternative

Now hear me out, if you're all for the aesthetic of the Travis Bean, i think throwing some chrome pickup covers on the new P-90 Wilshire's would be pretty sick, just my opinion though.

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