Fender has revealed progress on its recreated custom and production models of the classic Dragon Telecaster electric guitar that Jimmy Page used both with the Yardbirds and with Led Zepellin, including on his famous solo on "Stairway To Heaven." Originally a present from Jeff Beck, the original's history includes a mirror-encrusted version, also recreated, as well as the Telecaster's eventual destruction at the hands of an inconsiderate houseguest who repainted it and screwed up its sound. Commemorating 50 years since the January 1969 release of Led Zeppelin's first album, 50 Fender Custom Shop recreations of the Dragon Telecaster and the Mirrored Telecaster will be available in March 2019 with production models available later this spring.

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Fender guitar-maker Paul Waller worked closely with Page and the original instrument itself for the recreation. He visited Page in London to analyze the Telecaster's specifications followed by a reciprocal visit from Page to Fender. 

"All the employees lost their minds," Waller said, "to watch somebody like Jimmy Page be totally enthralled with the machinery and act like a kid and be taking pictures."

In addition to custom cases and straps, and signed certificates of authenticity, Page himself signed the mirrored model's headstock and contributed hands-on paint brushstrokes to all 50 of the dragon version's custom limited edition.

More information is available at Fender's website, including pricing. In an additional recreation, Page announced the release later this year of 50 faithful recreations of the Sundragon Amp he used with the Telecaster.

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