1968 Fender Elvis Presley's Rosewood Telecaster Prototype

1968 Fender Rosewood Telecaster that was built as a prototype guitar for Elvis Presley.6 were built, this is number 1, and the only one ever made without a skunk stripe on the back of the neck. As it turns out, this guitar was made for and sent to Elvis at the same time that George Harrison got his. This listing comes along with a letter from Fender's Nashville rep at the time, Eddie Miller, dated September 16, 1969 that verifies its provenance, and other great paperwork. The King himself used his one-of-six Rosewood Telecaster prototype intermittently over the months after he got it before ultimately deciding that it was too heavy for him. He sent it back to Eddie Miller, and the Rosewood Tele then made its way to Nashville producer Scotty Turner. Though the King was known more for having an acoustic guitar in front of his swinging hips when he performed live, he was not adverse to the electric. This is the first of six prototype Rosewood Telecasters that Fender built. Of the six built, one went to Steve Cropper, another was sent to George Harrison, who can be seen playing his on the Let It Be roof-top performance. Not only is it the first one ever made, it is the only one ever made without a skunk stripe on the back of the neck. This guitar, serial # 241177 was built for The King, Elvis Aaron Presley!
"Elvis used the guitar intermittently over a period of a few months, then sent it back to Fender."
Accompanied by a letter from Hal Blain, a letter from Harold Bradley (President of the Nashville Association of musicians) to Scotty Turner, and a letter from Eddie Miller (Fender's Nashville Artists' Rep). Elvis Presley 1968 is scratched into the underside of the pickguard.

Original and clean Fender Rosewood Telecaster. No neck or body date. There is a yellow "0" written on the neck. The pots and electronics are original and date to the 10th week of 1964. Minimal wear to the frets, primarily in the first position. Light surface rust of some screws and springs. 10.1lbs. Original logo'd hard case included, overall the guitar is in clean-excellent condition. Even without any connection to Elvis, it's the first Rosewood Telecaster ever made-and worth a fortune.
The guitar is ready to take the mantle as the crown jewel of a new buyer's collection. Restored vintage cars & motorcycles as possible trades.