Here we have a very unique and USA-Made American Showster "The Biker TD" Electric Guitar.
This guitar has been a constant surprise for us. From the minute it walked into our doors, to the time we played it. Not only is it very eye-catching, it's also a real treat to play. Out of all the really amazing guitars we have in our shop, this one just feels the most fun to play to me. The action is really smooth, the full access to the higher frets is really clutch. I really appreciate the warmth of the Neck & Middle pickups, but there's also some great Fender-esque brights in the bridge position. The metal loaded design (see below) makes for a very light guitar that caters to comfortable playing while standing. Though many people will have their own interpretation of the unique body shape, it's actually meant to emulate the shape of the top of a motorcycle gas tank. If that's your thing, sick! If not, just live up the irony and don't tell anyone. We all like what we like. And Rick Excellente liked vintage American vehicles and electric guitars.
*Background*
Like most great things in the entertainment sphere, American Showster was born in New Jersey (You better Wiki your favorite musicians and actors before you start giggling, pal); Founded during 1984 in Maplewood, NJ by Jersey Shore native, Rick Excellente. Rick's groundbreaking idea of incorporating metal into the guitar body revolutionized the instrument's balance and resonance; solidifying American Showster's legacy as a trailblazer in guitar craftsmanship. This innovative approach leveraged metal inserts (Metal Loading) to reduce the body’s mass without compromising resonance, and increasing sustain. Their guitars featured alder bodies, maple necks, rosewood fingerboards, and custom components like AS-wound single coil pickups and Schaller hardware. The company moved to a factory in Palisades Park , NJ in the late 1980s, shortly after being acquired in 1986 by Bill Meeker and David Haines of Bayville, NJ. Between 1988 and 1990, American Showster collaborated with Kramer Guitars, producing a line that helped stabilize the company during a financial slump. Bill and David continued and expounded upon Rick's concept of incorporating American Road culture with American Rock music culture, by continuing legacy lines as well as releasing new concepts like this guitar; The Biker TD.
*Specs*
- Two-Tone Black on Birch White Finish
- Alder body
- Maple neck
- Rosewood fingerboard
- 25 1/2" scale
- 12" radius
- 22 Medium Jumbo Frets
- Schaller Tuning Gears
- Schaller stop bar tailpiece
- Schaller Tune-o-matic bridge
- 3 American Showster Custom Wound Pickups (Bridge, Middle, Neck positions)
- Master Tone & Volume Knobs
- Produced between '97-'04
- No external nor internal S.N. # that we could find
- Unfortunately, no case
- Weight: 6lbs 3oz
- Dimensions: 42.5"H x 10.75" W x 2" D
*Condition*
Guitar is in excellent cosmetic and playing condition. Fresh pro-setup by Dave Fecca Guitar Repair Shop, intonation set and all tuning mechanisms cleaned & lubed. No major scratches or dents. There is some very, very minor use related scratching on the side of the body. Light spotting around the top of the head stock.
We aim for 100% accuracy and transparency, and encourage you to consider our photos to be extensions of our very thorough descriptions.
**This guitar is being sold as/is & where/is. It is subject to prior sale, as this item is listed on multiple Internet sales platforms, as well as on display in our shop.**
Since this is a vintage musical instrument, our normal return policy does not apply to this item and it cannot be returned.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any additional questions!
*Shipping and International Info*
Shipping insurance & Signature Confirmation is included. Instrument will be professionally boxed snugly, safely and securely in a heavy guitar box and shipped via UPS or FedEX or USPS.
Local Purchaser's can also opt for Free Pickup at our bricks and mortar shop in Collingswood, NJ 08108.
Please inquire regarding international shipping rates prior to purchase or sending an offer!
7L
Small Gtr Box 46x19x7
14L
JP/ELG
Rev24.19.11
