Talking About the Custom Shop...

J.W. Black and John Page were instrumental in helping Fender give birth to the custom shop in the late 80's and throughout the 90's. At first it was the Japanese that wanted totally original recreations of the instruments of the 50's and early 60's... and proved to be their main clients initially. J.W. Black stayed with the custom shop until the late 90's, and then left in 2002, after spending a few years in quality control. What does he do with his time now? Amongst other things, he makes amazing guitars for 'Linhof' Guitars ('Built on Earth', as it says on the reverse of all his headstocks). Serial numbers are also stamped/ etched onto the bridges (just like early Broadcaster/ No-Caster/ Esquires). There are at last count less than 100 right now in the whole world, and they are already in the hands of players like Keith Richards (2 I believe), Joe Bonamassa, and Joe Walsh has #0001. I have owned 4. Be forwarned though, Mr Linhof builds for professional musicians, with the realistic attitude to match. He basically has Mr J. W. Black make tools for the professional. All of his guitars I have played so far had light ageing, smooth as silk actions, beautifully dressed frets, and great resonance (even not plugged in). Of all the Masterbuilders who left Fender to strike out on their own, this is the only man who's guitars I would mention at the moment. Mr Linhof has quite a background of his own too... including being a Rock 'n Roll Celebrity himself...