by dusty fretz » 13 Jun 2010, 09:47
Bob Rogers of The Ted Taylor Four had a sunburst Strat in 1958, although he didn't think much of it, instead preferring his Gibson L-5. Back then the import embargo was still very much in force of course, but brand new American instruments could be obtained with the help of staff on Transatlantic cruise ships such as the Queen Mary, who would buy what was required from New York music stores and bring it back into the UK. Apparently, a certain person, subsequently very prominent in the UK music industry, would tour the various London shops and sell them such 'unofficial imports' from the boot of his car, after the Customs & Excise people had carried out their routine inspections.
The late Malcolm Mitchell was another early Fender-equipped British guitarist, apparently acquiring a Telecaster in 1954!
Last edited by dusty fretz on 14 Jun 2010, 00:17, edited 1 time in total.