This 1974 Travis Bean TB-1000S Standard, built in the first Sun Valley, California workshops, is a mythical and rare piece that embodies the Travis Bean legend on its own. Rare because it’s black, rare because it’s such a killer guitar, and rare because only 1,442 models were ever produced, in different finishes — though most were natural, since the bodies were usually either Koa or Magnolia. Painted Travis Bean guitars were typically Magnolia from 1978 onwards, but back in 1974 it was mostly Koa.

TB-1000S, the “S” for Standard, is the classic of the brand: through-body aluminum neck, black-finished Koa body, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, engraved “Bean” humbuckers, and endless sustain. The perfect balance of bold design and massive tone. This serial #260 comes from the very first production run, with a body similar to the TB-1000A Artist model but without the carved top. Lighter Koa body, Schaller hardware.

Travis Beans made history: Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Bill Wyman, Jerry Garcia… they all played them. Today they’re still loved by fans of noise, doom and stoner for their sound — sharp and wild, and crushing when you crank it up.

This one is in great playing condition, with only the normal marks of age but no abuse. Frets are clean, no major grooves, just light typical playwear, the neck plays like a dream and the sound is huge, just like every “Beanie”, thanks to those powerful original pickups. There have been a few changes though: the saddles aren’t original, and the wiring has been altered with 4 replaced pots, one dated to the 32nd week of 1999.

And most importantly: at only 4.2 kg, this is one of the lightest Travis Beans we’ve ever had, and one of the very few currently for sale. With a non-original Gretsch hard case, this is still a highly desirable collector’s piece… but above all, a guitar made to be played — loud, very loud!!