The forgotten Fender Telecaster Custom 1960 from Antwerp

Recently, luthier Stijn Kenens from Antwerp received a remarkable message. While clearing out his parents' house, the neighbor had found a guitar, which the family thought was just “an old guitar.” Out of curiosity, they decided to show the instrument to Stijn, who immediately recognized that it was something special. It turned out to be a 1960 Fender Telecaster Custom, an instrument that is rarely found in such original condition these days.

Stijn had asked me if I could help him sell this special instrument. A few weeks later, I visited his studio to see the guitar with my own eyes. His neighbor, Walter, and his wife were also there. When the case was opened, there was a moment of silence. There it was: a beautiful, almost pristine Fender Telecaster Custom, which had been stored away for more than sixty years. Only the new frets revealed that it had recently been in expert hands.

De Fender Telecaster Custom 1960.

Walter talked about his father (born in Antwerp in 1932). In the 1950s and 1960s, he played in various bands such as De Regenboog, Accordeonclub Theo Francken, Fantasia, The Jacksons, The Moonglowers, and the Cordial Orkest. Old photos show him with guitars, double basses, mandolins, harmonicas, and banjos. The Fender was his last musical purchase, probably brought back from Germany after one of his motorcycle trips there. During one of those trips, he met an American soldier, who then imported the guitar for him to Belgium. Shortly after that, he stopped playing to focus on his family.

From the late 1960s onwards, the Fender remained neatly stored in its case until it resurfaced in April 2025 while clearing out the family home. A remnant of a musical life, it reconnected a son with his father's story.

An original photo of the Telecaster in action, unfortunately the photo is damaged.

The Jacksons

The Jacksons

The Guitar Company sold this special 1960 Fender Telecaster Custom within its own network. Once again, thank you to Walter for his trust, and to Stijn Kenens for the recommendation.