November 19, 2025 New pic of the Terrycaster various iterations by Nick Charles with thx.
Nov. 17 2025
A further breakdown from J. Hinnershitz (with many thx) by album:
Chicago Transit Authority #1 — 1966 Gibson SG Standard —1968 Fender Sunburst Stratocaster (Free Form Guitar) —1966 Guild D40 Chicago #2 —1969 Gibson SG Custom —- 1968 Fender Sunburst Stratocaster —- 1968 Gretsch Country Gentleman ——————Chicago #3 —-1969 Gibson Les Paul Professional —-Gibson Firebird III —- 1966 Guild D40 —- 1963 Fender Tanglewood Strat – 1968 Gretsch Country Gentleman Chicago IV Live at Carnegie —- 1969 Gibson Les Paul Professional —1963 Fender Tanglewood Strat — 1968 Gretsch Country Gentleman
Chicago V —-1969 Gibson Les Paul Professional —-1968 Fender Cartoon Stratocaster —-1966 Guild D40 acoustic Chicago Live in Japan —-1969 Gibson Les Paul Professional —-1968 Fender Cartoon Stratocaster Chicago VI —-1966 Fender Pignose Telecaster —-1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr —-1973 Ovation 1111-4 Bandeer
Chicago VII —-1966 Fender Pignose Tetecaster —-1964 Fender Precision Bass —-1973 Ovation 1111-4 Bandeer
Chicago VIII —-1966 Fender Pignose Telecaster —-Ovation 1111-4 Bandeer —-(Chicago IX was a Greatest Hits album)
Chicago X —-1966 Fender Pignose Telecaster —-1963 Fender Precision Bass
Chicago XI —-1966 Fender Pignose Telecaster —-1972 Fender Black Stratocaster —-Martin D35 acoustic
November 15,2025
New list of Terrys guitars by J. Hinnershitz:
Here is my list of guitars and basses that Terry Kath used from 1962 – 1977 from my research over the many years – use as you wish – I am 75 years old now and need to share my knowledge and love of Terry in a pay it forward kind of way — 1962 Fender Jazzmaster — 1962 Kay Value Leader (model 1613) 3 p/u —1961 Gretsch Tennessean model 6120 —1964 Fender Jazz bass —1963 Teisco Kingston Orpheus bass —1966 Gibson SG Standard —1968 Gretsch Country Gentleman model 6122 —1968 Fender Sunburst Stratocaster —1970 Fender (lefty) Sunburst Stratocaster —1964 Gibson Firebird III —1966 Guild D40 acoustic —1969 Gibson SG Custom —1970 Gibson SG Special —1969 Gibson Les Paul Professional —1963 Fender Tanglewood (natural) Stratocaster —1969 Gibson Super 400 CES (natural) —1965 Gibson ES330 TDN —1968 Fender Cartoon Stratocaster (white) —1966 Fender (Pignose) Cream Telecaster SN 124733 —1967 Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass SN 000820 —1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr yellow (converted to slide) —1963 Fender Precision Bass (wht) owned by James William Guercio —1973 Alex Axe Custom Telecaster —1973 Ovation model 1613 stereo electric acoustic —1974 Martin D35 acoustic —1973 Ovation model 1111-4 bandeer acoustic electric —1958/59 Fender Lake Placid Blue Telecaster —1972 Fender (blk) Stratocaster —1934/36 National Duolian Resonator guitar —1930/33 National Style O Resonator guitar —1951 Fender No-caster Telecaster —1954 Fender Vintage Custom (SN 3) Stratocaster —- could be more – who knows – but this is what mt ongoing research has come up with —- carry on his dream for me.
Over the years of 1967 – 1977 — Terry utilized 5 primary guitars – from Feb 1967/ July 1969 his (1966) Gibson SG Standard — from Aug 1969/ May 1970 his (1969) Gibson SG Custom — June/ August 1970 – for only three months – the (1963) the Fender Tanglewood Natural Stratocaster – from Aug 1970/l Nov 1972 – the (1969) Gibson Les Paul Professional and from Nov 1972 to the beginning of Dec 1977 the infamous 1966 Fender Pignose Telecaster – However over the same 10 years he utilized over 27 guitars an basses as secondary or stage backups – I love to see the stage set ups thru the years just to see those standing axes.
In the studio his primary heavy axes were — for Chicago Transit Authority (1969) was the Gibson SG Standard — Chicago II (1969) was the Gibson Sg Custom — (1970 – 1972) which included albums III, IV (live at Carnegie Hall) V, the Live in Japan in 1972 he used the Gibson Les Paul Professional – and VI thru XI he used the Fender Pignose Telecaster —– plus about 9 or 10 secondary guitars and basses for design.
Oct.2, 2025
Chicago III – info on Terrys guitars used on C-III added to Terrys’ Gear page.
SEPT. 27, 2025
New article on Terry: https://www.msn.com/en-ca/entertainment/music/the-tragically-short-life-of-terry-kath/ss-AA1KJ3Rn?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=64a2063a01a74c97f11c5054b789b399&ei=39#image=51
SEPTEMBER 19, 2025
Terrys Rare Photos page new pics and info added.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2025
As many of you know, this website is part of two FB Groups called Searchin for TerryKath and Terry Kath Appreciation Society.
One of the issues with this website is the annual cost which although not a lot is less than 200$ per year, is still there.
We would like to generate something to cover the costs of running the website and in turn provide access for group members to contribute stories, photos, and news, about Terry.
So, if you are interested in supporting and contributing to our website, please contact us through the Messaging form on the Homepage of this site.
Thank you TerryFans everywhere!
AUGUST 1, 2025
Famous Tanglewood Setlist. Of interest, in 2025, of 28 songs, Terry played on 24. The exceptions being HHTB, HTSIS/GA, YTI and You’re love takes me higher.
April 3, 2025
January 24, 2025 A new tribute vid frim Nick Charles here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15i9Dgxhpx/
January 19, 2025 A new podcast from Michelle on Terry here soon: https://m.youtube.com/@TerryKathOfficial
NOVEMBER 1 2024 Check out Terrys Custom Cab Project, for a peek at the finished product.
Sept 27 2024 New youtube about Terry here: https://youtu.be/EoqZn0fnAC8?si=mtQGK9v56NM9QgzW
Sept 8, 2024 Custom Cab Project- New pics added!
Sept. 6, 2024 New Terry Kath custom cab project. Ck it out on Terry’s Birthday Guitar Build and Custom Cab Project page. Watch for bonus pic!
June 24, 2024. A new video that askes an interesting question https://youtu.be/yVFjGnLCo5E?si=y8AYi3PqXufisetW
MAY 13, 2024, What do you know about this pic?
February 2, 2024 New SFTK Flightcase pic added to Birthday guitar build page.
January 15, 2024 New: Interview with Robert Lamm from January ’78 mentions Terry and his woodshedding with a a Roland guitar synth.
December 15 2023 New youtube of Terry performing in Toronto in 1969! https://youtu.be/W5Ai3oe-tx0?si=wbcBRJs548tuaAV6
September 27 2023 Read Chris Pinnicks comments on Terrys playing on the Rare photos page!
July 2 2023 New pic added to Rare photos page.
June 25 2023 Great photo of Terrys’ Chicago VIII award added.
June10, 2023 Check out our all-new Reel(s) Terry Page, with a direct link to Instagram – a work in progress!
May 31, 2023 New Terry collage added to Terrys life in photos page.
April 19, 2023 Terrys’ Timeline updated to include info on Pignose Amps
April 17, 2023 Posted pic below;
April 2, 2023 Photo added of Michelle accepting Terrys’ Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award from 2020. Ck out Terrys’ life in photos and Timeline pages.
March 12, 2023 Unboxing a Terrycaster https://youtu.be/0GvYIbhbj7o
March 6, 2023 New content added to Terrys Gear page. Check it out!
January 31, 2023 Happy Heavenly Birthday Terry!
Janueat 23, 2023 Remembering Terry 45 years ago today.
January 21, 2023 New gear pics added to GearPage. Pignose Amp and go-to Wahwah effects pedal.
January 17, 2023 Terrys’ Birthday Contest. Click on the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/567937310024262/permalink/2434242690060372/?mibextid=Nif5oz
January 10, 2023 Chicago’ s 3 TV Specials, added to Terrys’ Timeline.
January 5 2023, Great article on the history of Chicago horn bands here: https://mikebaker45s.weebly.com/the-mob-story.html
December 17, 2022 Terrys’ guitar Flightcase for sale: Doesnt say https://m.facebook.com/groups/272444349887924/permalink/1532978217167858/?mibextid=Nif5oz
Nov. 3, 2022 New guitar timeline info link on Terrys’ Gear Page. Ynot ck it out!
Oct. 19, 2022 Terrys Gear page updated
Oct. 14, 2022 More Updates on the Terrys’ Techniques!
October 5, 2022 Terrys technique page updated with additional info on his Telecastet transition.
September 17 2022 New pics added to Introduction page. Please check it out
August 22, 2022 Check out new pic added on the Rare photos page!
August 10, 2022 AXS TV names Terry No. 1 guitar god of the ’70s
July 30, 2022 Please check out our new Rare Photos Page!
July 22, 2022 Check out this early concert performance. Terry smokin’ https://youtu.be/p9KLpA1N75Q
July 13, 2022 New Robert Lamm interview where he mentions the importance of Terry to the band: https://rockcellarmagazine.com/july-2022-issue/?utm_source=Rock+Cellar+Magazine+Subscribers&utm_campaign=ed6d7c5094-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2021_11_16_10_06_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_951cfef8de-ed6d7c5094-162475844&mc_cid=ed6d7c5094&mc_eid=2618d53c8e#main
July 11, 2022 Happy 4th Anniversary Searchin’ for Terry Kath SFTK!!
June 28 2022 New pic of one of Terrys’ custom guitars
June 13, 2022 Great concert recording with Terry out front in the mix here: https://youtu.be/UcP-2PGsjjw
May 25 New addition to Garden of Remembrance page. It’s called “Did you know?” Check it out!
May 23 – Chicago releases new song ‘If this is goodbye” Could it be?
May 11, 2022
After many questions and years, Terry iconic Telecaster serial number and year of manufacture revealed. See homepage for details!
March 1, 2022 Announcement: D.A. and I have been appointed as Co-Administrators for the FB Group Chicago THE BAND!!!. https://www.facebook.com/groups/247526925261649
January 23, 2022 Today we remember Terry who was taken from us too soon. This interview vid mentions Terry a couple of times: https://youtu.be/xBK6FTyVvTg
January 13, 2021 – Another interesting interview about Terry and the replica Telecaster series: https://youtu.be/JmA95ulKQ1Y
January 11, 2022 Fender releases a Terry Kath custom shop Telecaster limited run: http://www.fendercustomshop.com/guitars/telecaster/limited-edition-terry-kath-telecaster/
January 8 2022, A rare gem from Terry: https://youtu.be/JJFPYB5o8uk
December 1 2021. Keith Howland, Chicagos’ guitarist for some 37 years, announced today he is leaving the band. His replacement appears to be Tony Obrotha who has played with Peter Cetera of late.
September 18, 2021
New pic added to Terrys Flight Case page depicting Terry using the “tapping” guitar technique.
September 10, 2021
A new vid from RMO further speculating about Terry: https://youtu.be/9A_I7VBwddY
August 6, 2021 Nice article here: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=789295351665014&id=187565375171351
July 29, 2021 –
Dear FB group members, It has come to our attention that an administrator from another FB group is telling people to make a choice between Terry Kath FB groups meaning our group and our sister group Searchin for terry Kath based on the false pretense of a conflict of interest. The truth of the matter is the administrator in question, sexually harassed our Administrator via Messenger texts and is trying to save face. We have the entire conversation screenshot, as evidence of the harassment. As in most of these cases, the harasser is trying to make the victim out to be at fault. It is time to make a stand, in order to try, prevent, and end this online harassment, at least in this case. We trust you will make the right decision and make a difference here.
JULY 11, 2021 – 3RD Anniversary of SFTK!
July 5, 2021 Good article here: https://www.chicagonow.com/planet-michelle/2018/01/remembering-chicago-guitarist-terry-kath-40-years-gone-but-his-legend-remains/?fbclid=IwAR0nnOxeZNNNY7iOEKq4xyKMDVSJA59zZtXaJEfzbQQFSY8GruDUMotT8xo
June 18, 2021 You are cordially invited to our SFTK FB Group 3rd Anniversary on July 11. Contests, Prizes and Surprises!
May 30, 2021 Our website hits 10k views. Thanks for viewing.
May 29, 2021 Great Terry interview from 1970 https://youtu.be/PSUAhXwHrDE
May 22 2021 We have a new fb page for Terry Kath Era – Terry Kath Appreciation Society
May 12, 2021 We have a new email address: sftkandtke@gmail.com
MAY 4, 2021 Camping World Chicago virtual concert https://1drv.ms/w/s!AnE0BvsOO27NyWz-jHSZ5q5K-pmy Note: This was a FB live/Zoom/Playback show approx. 1 hour in length Update: this show has been taken down.
April 29, 2021 We are proud to announce our New Youtube Channel. You can see it here: Please Subscribe today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOYKR2U3ie1MEJfS1ni65vw/featured
April 24, 2021
A sad day for Fans of Leonid and Friends as their guitar vocalist Sergey Kashirin who demonstrates all the attributes of Terry, is moving on with his career. We will miss you.
April 19, 2021 Terry named No.1 Guitarist by AXS TV https://www.facebook.com/AXSTV/videos/448655926221649/
April 7, 2021 – New Dr. Chicago Review: 50th Anniversary Carnegie Hall Boxed Set
April 2021 – Check Terry out in here: https://www.loudersound.com/amp/news/the-100-most-influential-guitarists-ever-only-in-classic-rock-on-sale-now?fbclid=IwAR2AqapXtfcifbKkVvFAt5kZHskqOVURHvKNzX8BVKfgE_0RaOeXwsOyZ5k
March 29, 2021
In Terrys’ Words page updated to include reference to his tapes.
March 24, 2021
Great article on Terry here: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/terry-kath-5-guitar-solos/
March 14, 2021 New page added: Garden of Remembrance.
January 31, 2021 On what would’ve been Terrys’ 75th Birthday, Leonid and Friends released his signature masterpiece “Introduction” You can see it here: https://youtu.be/ZE9oQtSgIp4
January 25, 2021
We are pleased to have added another Facebook group to our family: https://www.facebook.com/groups/567937310024262/?ref=share
January 23, 2021
Hello everyone,
We want to inform our members there is a new page on our SFTK website. It is called Truths and Untruth in remembrance of Terry’s passing on this day in 1978.
January 20, 2021
Please note ourmain group is accepting new members. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/searchinforterrykathsftk/?ref=share
JANUARY 1, 2021
We are pleased to add a new page titled “Terry’s Travel Guitar hardcase” to start the New Year!
Dec. 29, 2020
https://images.app.goo.gl/mdoHz3nMWoRf3UwZ7
December 28, 2020
1970 Terry interview clip. Ck out In Terry’s words page
December 20, 2020
Dr. Chicago Review What would Terry think?
By now you’ve seen the endless barrage of new Chicago Zoom vidtunes, the “new” songs, The Christmas songs, The making of the Chicago Christmas Songs, and you ask yourselves what is going on?
This is marketing gone wild so to speak. In a year of the worldwide pandemic, social distancing, cancelled tours, Chicago strives to remail relevant for the almightly buck. Are they succeeding? The diehard fans seem happy but, isn’t it time to move on?
There are so many fine tribute bands out there, Chicago has but two original members left with a third cameo jumping in to smile from time to time.
What would Terry think? What do you think? Send you answer to the website email on the homepage!
OCTOBER 16, 2020
Chicago Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award Show link: https://1drv.ms/w/s!AhwG_sX2hmldh1zgvOu5RTnTSwmG
Sept. 22, 2020 – Two links to Terry Bio/Reviews!
Sept. 19, 2020 – New Dr. Chicago Review!
Sept. 6, 2020 – New youtube link to Introduction page
August 30, 2020
This is the last known pic of Terry with Chicago taken on January 15, 1978
August 24, 2020
We all have heard about Hank Steiger. He was Terry’s trusted friend and guitar tech. Today, marks the 15th anniversary since his death. Hank worked with Chicago as Terry’s guitar tech then continued on with Chicago working for them 35 years. Hank received the famous Cartoon Guitar from Terry which was passed down to his wife Kathy and stepson, Trevor.
Thanks to one of our members Rick Parfait, we were able to get these pics from Chicago XXX cd that was dedicated to Hank.
Searchin for Terry Kath SFTK 