Travis Bean Designs TB3000 Wedge Model Solid Body Electric Guitar, made by Electrical Guitar Company (2022), made in Irondale, AL, serial # 61, white lacquer finish, mahogany body, aluminum neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case.
About 16 years after the original company folded, Travis and Rita Bean planned to create authentic reissues of their instruments featuring a full aluminum pan-back machined from the same billet. Sadly, these plans never came to fruition before Travis passed away. Rita was more recently approached by Kevin Burkett of Florida's Electrical Guitar Company and they have succeeded in creating faithful reproductions of not only Bean's original models, but previously unrealized innovations and new models altogether. These "TB Design" instruments are built with techniques and specifications provided by original Bean designer Marc McElwee, when possible sourcing parts and components from the original company's stock and sources.
This Wedge is a slightly refreshed reimagining of the cult classic Travis Bean TB3000 Wedge featuring Bean's signature T6061-T6 aluminum through neck with an array of three mighty humbuckers. Originally, the broomstick-like guitar was intended to alleviate the common complaint of Travis Bean neck dive; the ergonomic qualities of the design are debatable, but it's un-debatably eye-catching to this day. Wisely if not mercifully, EGC constructed this Wedge with a thinner and more contoured mahogany body resulting in a markedly more comfortable guitar at least 3 pounds lighter than any original 70's Wedge we've handled.
The high-gain pickups are modeled after Bean's as well; original Travis Bean pickups are some of the loudest and (when used thoughtfully) most expressive humbuckers one can find. The three-pickup layout is a new feature, controlled by three volumes, a master tone and a toggle. The pickups are bolted into the extension of the aluminum neck providing the guitar with legendary sustain and all manner of crystalline harmonics, or harsh metallic clangs depending on your approach and intention. All hardware, knobs, and other appointments are in the same style as the original Beans as well.
The EGC company is a limited production operation with a strong cult following, and currently has a (perhaps notoriously) long wait-time even for production models. This unmodified and wonderfully clean TBD Wedge is a fabulous and unique example of their finest work.
Overall length is 44 1/2 in. (113 cm.), 12 7/8 in. (32.7 cm.) across at the widest point, and 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This Wedge is in squeaky clean shape, showing just a few scuffs and miniscule dings in the bright Ghost White lacquer and a faint, a ghostly scratch or two in the aluminum. The guitar was probably seldom left lying around outside its case when not in use. The pickups and electronics are completely unaltered, Electrical Guitar Company's reproduction of the classic Travis Bean humbucker with the engraved pickup covers and powerful output. The frets and all hardware are original with a set of Grover tuners firmly planted in the aluminum headstock. It plays and sounds fantastic; the three pickups are a revelation on this style of guitar! It comes in its original case, Fender branded (not an unusual sourcing from Electrical Guitar Company) with the markings of the Wilco Loft along the side which give some clue as to its provenance. Overall Excellent + Condition.
