By C.

Well, folks. Another stunning 70’s oddity has come into our possession. And I mean oddity with the utmost respect and admiration. I’m quite a fan of these. They’re not for the faint of heart, but if it piques your interest..feast your eyes on this 1976 Travis Bean TB1000S, isn’t it glorious?!

Do you have a vintage guitar you’d like to sell? Contact us here

Made right here in the San Fernando Valley, Travis Bean is one of the most iconic electric guitar makers of the 1970s, and their instruments have become rather sought-after by both collectors and musicians over the years. Designed by Travis Bean, an innovative luthier who sought to break away from traditional guitar construction methods, the TB1000S stands out primarily for its use of aluminum in the neck and its distinct tonal properties. This guitar has a unique design and a specific sound that distinguishes it from others of the era, making it an important part of guitar history.

Travis Bean, alongside his partners Gary Kramer (later of Kramer guitars) and Marc McElwee, founded the company Travis Bean Guitars in 1974. At that time, they sought to solve a common issue with traditional guitars: wood necks that could warp and break over time, affecting tuning stability and playability. Bean’s solution was radical for the time. He incorporated an aluminum neck, which provided unmatched durability and stability. Although aluminum is a heavier material, the design was revolutionary and paved the way for the several modern aluminum neck builders we have today. The TB1000S, also known as the “Standard” model, quickly became one of their flagship instruments. This one in particular is quite an exceptional example.

Being a 1976, this guitar features the earlier body design known to enthusiasts as a “short-horn”, which was changed only a year later in 1977. Bean’s approach to guitar-making also involved meticulous craftsmanship, and this one showcases that clearly. While the neck is crafted of T6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, the body is made from high-quality Koa tonewood, giving the guitar a perfect balance between sustain, resonance, and feel. The combination of these materials creates a unique tonal response that other guitars of the 1970’s simply can not replicate.

The most striking and innovative feature of the Travis Bean TB1000S is its aluminum neck of course, which runs through the body of the guitar. The aluminum neck not only adds to the sustain but also provides unparalleled strength when travelling or wielding the guitar on stage. Additionally, because the neck is directly connected to the bridge via the aluminum core, vibrations from the strings resonate differently than they do on wooden-neck guitars, creating a very clear and ringing tone, especially on clean settings.

While the neck is made from aluminum, the fingerboard is typically crafted from rosewood, which gives players a more traditional feel when fretting notes. Rosewood is known for its smooth playability and warm tonal characteristics, balancing out the brightness of the aluminum.

The guitar is also equipped with its original Travis Bean-designed humbucker pickups, which contribute to the instrument’s powerful sound. These pickups are voiced to take full advantage of the aluminum neck’s sustain and clarity. The result is a rich, full-bodied tone that works well in both clean and overdriven settings.

One of the more polarizing aspects of any Travis Bean is its weight. At around 9-10 pounds, it’s considerably heavier than many guitars (except maybe your uncle’s late 70’s LP Custom). This extra weight is primarily due to the aluminum neck but also contributes to the sustain and tone that the instrument is known for. Some players love the heft and associate it with the guitar’s sturdy build and tonal depth, while others find it too cumbersome for long performances.

Tonally, the Travis Bean TB1000S is revered for its incredible sustain and clarity as we mentioned earlier. The combination of the aluminum neck and wooden body results in a sound that is simultaneously bright and warm, with excellent note definition across the frequency spectrum. The aluminum neck also provides excellent harmonic overtones, making the guitar ideal for styles that require clarity, such as rock, jazz, and even experimental genres.

Did you know we also buy collections? If you need to sell multiple pieces at once quickly and easily, send us an email or give us a call for more info

In terms of playability, the neck profile is comfortable for most players, though the aluminum construction gives it a slightly different feel than a typical wooden neck. Some players find the aluminum cool to the touch, but it quickly warms up during play. The guitar’s action is low, which is partially attributed to Travis Bean’s almost completely flat fingerboard radius, making it easy to navigate fast runs or intricate chord shapes.

Although Travis Bean Guitars ceased operations in the late 1970s due to financial difficulties, their instruments left a lasting impact on the guitar world. Today, the TB1000S is a highly collectible guitar, with vintage models like this ’76 becoming more seldom seen and valuable. Artists like Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead and Keith Levene of Public Image Ltd. have famously used Travis Bean guitars, further cementing their place in music history.

The TB1000S, with its aluminum neck and distinct sound, paved the way for other experimental guitar designs. While many companies still use traditional wood necks, Travis Bean proved that unconventional materials could yield exceptional results in tone and performance. Although only a few thousand Travis Bean guitars were ever produced, their influence continues to be felt, especially among guitar enthusiasts and players looking for unique tonal characteristics and innovative designs.

This 1976 Bean is a testament to innovation in guitar design. With its distinctive aluminum neck and tonal properties, it stands out as a unique instrument with a cult following. Whether you’re a collector, musician, or simply a guitar enthusiast, the TB1000S represents a significant chapter in the evolution of electric guitar craftsmanship. Its combination of durability, sustain, and unique tonal characteristics ensures that it will remain a beloved piece of guitar history for years to come. So if you think this may be a candidate for your Travis Bean collection, or your first vintage aluminum neck guitar, give us a call or stop by! You’re in for a treat..

With 4 stores across Southern California, we’re always buying! Not sure what your instrument is worth? Bring it by the shop or schedule an appraisal online