This 1974 Travis Bean TB-1000S Standard, built in the early Sun Valley factories in California, is a mythical and rare piece that embodies the Travis Bean legend all by itself. It arrived here in the summer of 2025, was sold immediately, then came back after a trade—so we’re happy to present this beast once again. Rare because it’s black, rare because it’s a superb guitar, and rare because only 1,442 models were ever produced, in various finishes but mostly in natural, since the bodies were either Koa or Magnolia. Generally, painted Travis Bean guitars were made of Magnolia from 1978 onwards, but in 1974, you mostly see Koa.

TB1000S—S for Standard—is THE classic model of the brand: full aluminum neck-through construction, Koa body with black finish, rosewood fingerboard (Rio, no less), engraved “Bean” humbuckers, and insane sustain. The perfect balance between bold design and massive tone. This serial number #260 comes from the very first production run, with a body similar to the TB1000A Artist series but without the carved top, a KOA body that’s lighter, and Schaller hardware.

Travis Beans made their mark on the era: Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Bill Wyman, Jerry Garcia… all of them played one. Today, they’re still adored by fans of noise, doom, and stoner music, with that tone that is both precise and feral, exploding as soon as you crank the volume.

This one is in great playing condition, with a few normal signs of life for its age but no abuse, and knowing what this baby has gone through, it’s really cool that Diogo, the excellent guitarist of Rorcal, took such good care of it. The frets are still clean, with no significant wear or grooves, the neck plays like a dream, and the sound is massive—like all “Beanies”—thanks to the powerful original pickups. There have been a few changes, though: the saddles are not original, and the wiring has been modified, with four replaced pots, including one coded 9932 (32nd week of 1999).

And most importantly, at 4.2 kg, it’s one of the lightest we’ve ever had, and one of the lightest you’ll find for sale today. With a non-original Gretsch hardshell case, it remains a highly desirable collector’s piece… but above all, a guitar built to be played loud—very loud!! Oh, and go listen to Rorcal, you’ll see, it’s a blast !!