Terry Kath Tribute Guitar
I have always admired the guitar playing of Terry Kath. He was the original guitarist of the famous rock group Chicago and a brilliant guitarist. I first saw Terry play in Toronto at Varsity Stadium in 1971. Seated on the grass in front of the stage showed us how focused a guitar player Terry was and the love he had for playing and an ability to let his great feeling and voice blend into the incredible playing as one force. Something not to be forgotten. Tickets were $5.00! Taking information from a 1970’s interview with Guitar Player I followed his stringing. As follows: Replaced the high E string with a Tenor A string, then putting the original High E in the B position, and the B in the G position, the G in the D position,the D in the A position and the A in the E position. The low E is not used. The Tenor A string with its heavier gage in the High E position still fits into the Revised mix of strings. The strings are kept in tune with Grover tuning Keys.
Check out a sample of his work: Terry Kath and Chicago "25 or 6 to 4" '70 Tanglewood.
The Body of The Guitar
The original body of the guitar was a low end Hyundai Stratocaster Knock Off. I filled in the third pick up slot and the back loading Vibrato opening. It became a two pick up outer body capable guitar body.
Terry Kath Tribute Guitar - Front.
Terry Kath Tribute Guitar - Back.
The Electronics
It is a two way guitar like the Telecaster Terry used. That is to say a bass and treble pick up. It was Smitty of MJS Pick Ups and Guitars who helped me complete this guitar. He made a powerful Bass pick Up and a special Treble pick up in the Charlie Christian style of pick up winding. They are both excellent and I highly recommend his pick ups and services.
The Finish
The guitar is supposed to replicate the Third Chicago Album with the ragged American Flag. The name Terry Kath is painted on the front of the guitar and on the back are the Liner notes from the Album The Innovative Guitar Of Terry Kath. These notes provide more information on the artist.
It’s a great guitar to play with low action, powerful pick ups and a good strong sound. It's very unique and visually impressive. I am very proud of it and it is complete as I visualized it.