Own a Piece of Rock History: Mike BloomfieldS Legendary Fender Telecaster Hits the Market
Just days after the sale of Mike Bloomfield’s vividly decorated 1966 Fender Telecaster, another iconic instrument has surfaced for sale: the very Telecaster he wielded during Bob Dylan’s groundbreaking performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.
This particular electric guitar has undergone some controversial modifications,which may raise eyebrows among purists.
Currently listed on the Retro Fret website for a staggering $275,000, this guitar was present during a pivotal moment in rock history when Bob Dylan famously transitioned from acoustic to electric, forever altering the landscape of music.
As noted by the seller, “Dylan’s electrifying performance, with Bloomfield passionately playing alongside him on this Telecaster, marked a watershed moment in pop culture.”
In an October 2015 feature, Vintage Guitar Magazine referred to this guitar as “the instrument that transformed folk music,” but it’s legacy extends far beyond that iconic set.
The Guitar’s Origins and Legacy
The Telecaster’s neck is stamped from August 1963,while the body bears a hand-written date from October of the same year.Bloomfield regarded it as his first “serious” electric guitar, and he first recorded with it during a demo session in 1965 with renowned producer John Hammond Sr.
Shortly thereafter, Bloomfield joined forces with Dylan, using the guitar during the sessions for Highway 61 Revisited. This Telecaster can be heard on classics like Like A Rolling Stone and Tombstone Blues.
Additionally, Bloomfield favored this Telecaster while contributing to the self-titled debut album of The Paul Butterfield Band.
Modifications and Current Condition
According to reports, the guitar remained intact until late 1965 when Bloomfield traded it for a 1954 Gibson Les Paul. The new owner, John nuese, who played for Gram Parsons in his early days, made a crude cutaway to enhance playability.
Alongside this alteration, the entire electronic system was updated. The most recent owner, who acquired the Telecaster at a 2015 auction, replaced the pickups with hand-wound Seymour Duncan Custom Shop single-coils, mimicking the original 1963 style, and installed modern reproduction 250k pots and wiring to restore its authentic sound.
The original strap button remains on the tail end, although several old holes on the treble side indicate a history of repositioning. Despite its battle scars and modifications, Retro Fret assures potential buyers of its “remarkable playability.”
for more details, visit Retro Fret.
