Acclaimed guitarist Andy Timmons has always had an adventure-filled relationship with guitars.
He often reflects on a lengthy collection of instruments he’s accumulated since beginning with a 1976 Elektra Les Paul.
Yet, during his enthusiastic search for vintage gems, one particular guitar truly caught his eye—a 1965 Stratocaster that had sadly fallen into disrepair.
Discovering a Treasure
While browsing through eBay, Timmons came across this vintage Strat, which was in less-than-ideal condition.
The aging guitar bore the scars of neglect, featuring a less-than-attractive refinishing job, missing wood, and a troublesome neck.
Nevertheless, Timmons recognized the potential hidden within this battered beauty, especially since the original pickups had survived the years intact.
A Bold Reinvention
Determined to restore the Strat to its former glory, he enlisted the help of a talented luthier.
Together, they carefully dismantled the guitar in hopes of revealing its original burst finish, which had been obscured by successive layers of paint.
Unfortunately, years of neglect left the original look beyond repair, but Timmons saw this as a fortuitous chance for a fresh start rather than a disappointment.
His vision transformed into a bold new identity for the instrument.
He envisioned a striking finish akin to the iconic white Strat used by Jimi Hendrix or the one gracing the cover of Jeff Beck’s landmark album, “Wired. ” This creative reinvention became a game changer for Timmons.
The revitalized guitar not only turned heads with its stunning appearance but also produced a sound quality that he now ranks among the finest in his collection.
It quickly earned its place as an indispensable part of his musical arsenal, enriching various recordings and solidifying its status as a cherished working instrument.
Timmons couldn’t help but draw inspiration from Eric Johnson’s innovation with guitars, recognizing the power of combining aesthetics with exceptional sound.
To him, the art of crafting a unique instrument was not merely about visual appeal; it was a pathway to unlocking new creative possibilities in his music.
Each note he played on the revitalized guitar resonated with the spirit of legendary artists, propelling his own sound to new heights and opening doors to exciting collaborations.
Performing with Legends
Most recently, Timmons shared the stage at the esteemed Breezin’ with the Stars guitar camp alongside legendary figures like George Benson, Cory Wong, Al Di Meola, Tommy Emmanuel, and Lee Ritenour.
This event underlines his dedication to nurturing his craft and inspiring fellow musicians while embracing the beauty of transformation in both his instruments and his ongoing musical journey.