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Friday, August 26, 2011

"Blondie" is being retired

“Blondie”1976 Fender (US-Made) Telecaster

Here for sale to a good home is my beloved 1976 Fender Tele, affectionately nicknamed ‘Blondie.’ I purchased this guitar in 1996 just after The Refreshments began a US tour in support of “Fizzy, Fuzzy, Big and Buzzy.” Throughout much of that tour and many afterwards, she was my “go-to” guitar. It’s a really heavy piece, (a little over 10 lbs.), but also extremely durable. Like all my guitars, I bought her because she has a sturdy frame and can handle my very physical playing style. She’s set up with 13-56 gauge strings (wound .26). I had the factory machine heads replaced with original “West” German Schallers and now she rarely needs tuning, even during the most kinetic of shows. I had the neck pickup changed, but can’t recall if it’s a DiMarzio or a Seymour D. It sounds clear as a bell, whatever it is. And I personally switched her pick-guard from white to a much-more stylish tortoise-shell. She’s definitely got her fair share of war-wounds, but they’re all well-earned and make her voice none the worse for wear. She’s still a great guitar, but I’ve had to rely on lighter guitars for our long shows and long tours.

This is the guitar I played in the “Banditos” video, filmed in 1995 at Papago Park in Phoenix (directed by David Dobkin of “Clay Pigeons” and “Wedding Crashers” fame. The sheriff in that video is played my dad, Doc Clyne, by the way!)

This is probably the guitar I’ve been seen playing (in video and/or on-stage) more than any other. It’s a little sad we part, but she’s not ready to be out to pasture just yet and I’m sure she’ll go to someone who will let her out of the stable a little more than I do.

I’m going to give her one more ride in Las Vegas this Labor day (9/3/11) when PH and I (two original Refreshments playing now in RCPM) and the band play “Fizzy Fuzzy Big and Buzzy” from start to finish as our opening set. We’ll go for one last gallop in my red Converse and bad Hawaiian shirt. Then I can let her loose.

Happy Trails!

Roger Clyne

7 comments:

  1. what's the price? Going to auction her off for charity?

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  2. How is this going to work? Do you have a set price? I am EXTREMELY interested as I have listened to that guitar matched with you since 99 when we first met and I have been actively searching for that make and model since as well. My poor band mates haven't heard so much about one guitar in years :) Anyways, keep me posted and also was wondering how one's band gets into January Jam? Thanks - Matt/The DeviL's Boots

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  3. Auction or sale? Very interested.

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  4. I would love the chance to bid on that blonde beauty! If it is an auction will it be on your site or ebay? By the way, I'm looking forward to seeing you in Falls Church, VA on the 25th!

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  5. wow! a little sad and a little sentimental but exciting all at the same time! hope the last ride was amazing!!

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  6. That was an awful lot of build up and then poof ... how ya gonna unload her?

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