Terrys' Birthday Guitar Build

  • “1973 Special”
Starting with a 2004 Squire Telecaster, I decided to upgrade it to a replica of Terry’s go to guitar. The ’62 Telecaster was modified by Terry to give it both a Tele (cutting) and Gibson (fat) sound. My guitar specialist friend Paul , did the work. Enjoy! Click on the pics>
The pics are as of January 31, 2020 Happy Birthday Terry!
  • Squire standard Telecaster in Creme with Maple fingerboard
  • Reverse the control plate
  • Make hole for alnicko humbucker
  • Drill holes and insert string butt grommets
  • Remove all the electronics and rout the pickup recesses
  • Cut bridge pickup plate into two pieces and drill holes for strings
  • Route the pickup recesses and install copper shielding

From Paul: “In the interest of paying homage to Terry Kath, I did a little above and beyond on this one. Here’s something that I almost never do … a sneak peak dress rehearsal. Are you ready?”

  • Rewire and reverse control plate
  • Hand cut bone nut installed

From Dan: Decided to keep the pickguard and not go for the Strat tremolo system. Also, keep it virgin with regards to the stickers, a la Terry 1973 (see Terry pic above)

Terry Tribute ’73 Special
  • Before and After

SFTK Webmaster Dan and his Terrycaster

Terrys’ Guitar Lounge pic, courtesy of Rick Parfait.

Again, from Pauls Guitar page: https://www.facebook.com/695377377238155/posts/2709271955848677/