Pete Townshend’s Signature Series & Endorsements

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Guitars

• Pete Townshend Gibson Signature Les Paul Deluxe Cherry Sunburst (2005)
• Pete Townshend Gibson Signature Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (2005)
• Pete Townshend Gibson Signature Les Paul Deluxe (2005)
• Pete Townshend Gibson SJ-200 Limited (2004)
• Pete Townshend Gibson Signature SG (2000)
• Takamine FP360SC (1996)
• Pete Townshend Limited Edition Rickenbacker 1997PT (1987)
• Schecter PT/Saturn (1984)
• Gibson Guitars (1974)
• Ovation Guitars (1972)

Amplification

• Marshall (2005)
• Fender (2002–2003)
• Hiwatt Amplification – Signature Pete Townshend (2001)
• MESA/Boogie Amplifiers (1979–80)
• Sunn Amplification (1967–70s)
• Hiwatt Amplification (1969)
• Fane (1979)
• Marshall (1966)

Miscellaneous

• StroboStomp Pedal Tuner (2005)
• JBL (2002)
• Fishman trade ad (2007)
• Fishman Powerbridge (1999)
• Parsons/White String Bender (1992)
• Soundtracs (1984)
• ARP Synthesizers (1970s)
• EMS VCS3 Synthesizers (1971)

Guitars

Pete Townshend Signature Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Cherry Sunburst (2005)

In November 2005, Gibson released the third (in series of three) Signature Gibson Les Paul Deluxes, based on Pete’s #9 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, in Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish. All specs are otherwise identical to the Wine Red Pete Townshend Signature Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.

Gibson Custom’s description:

In the 1970s, Pete Townshend made the Les Paul Deluxe his weapon of choice for The Who’s live shows. The new Townshend Signature Deluxe recreates all the quirky aspects of Pete’s #9 Deluxe, including the pancake body, neck volute, and extra toggle switches to control the added middle pickup.

Limited Edition of 75

Specs

Body & Hardware

• Three-piece maple top
• Mahogany/poplar back
• Single-ply cream binding on top
• Bullion Gold finish
• Chrome hardware
• Nashville TOM bridge, stopbar tailpiece
• *Custom endpins, metal jackplate

Neck & Headstock:

• Three-piece maple neck with volute
• 22-fret rosewood fingerboard
• Pearloid trapezoid inlays
• Single-ply cream binding
• Pete Townshend neck profile
• 24¾… scale length, 1 11/16… nut width
• Kindey bean tuners

Electronics & Strings

• Mini-humbuckers (R, T) and DiMarzio Dual Sound (M)
• Controls: Three volume, one master tone, three-way selector switch, two mini-toggles (one taps DiMarzio, other puts it out of phase)
• Vintage Reissue .010 strings

Includes Custom Shop case w/silk-screened signature, Pete Townshend COA, custom care kit.

gibsoncustom.com/flash/products/signature/townshend9/PeteTownshend9.html

Pete Townshend Signature Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Goldtop (2005)

In late 2005, Gibson will ship the second (in series of three) Signature Gibson Les Paul Deluxes, based on Pete’s #3 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, in gold top finish. All specs are otherwise identical to the Wine Red Pete Townshend Signature Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.

Gibson Custom’s description:

In the 1970s, Pete Townshend made the Les Paul Deluxe his weapon of choice for The Who’s live shows. The new Townshend Signature Deluxe recreates all the quirky aspects of Pete’s #3 Deluxe, including the pancake body, neck volute, and extra toggle switches to control the added middle pickup.

Limited Edition of 75

Specs

Body & Hardware

• Three-piece maple top
• Mahogany/poplar back
• Single-ply cream binding on top
• Bullion Gold finish
• Chrome hardware
• Nashville TOM bridge, stopbar tailpiece
• *Custom endpins, metal jackplate

Neck & Headstock:

• Three-piece maple neck with volute
• 22-fret rosewood fingerboard
• Pearloid trapezoid inlays
• Single-ply cream binding
• Pete Townshend neck profile
• 24¾… scale length, 1 11/16… nut width
• Kindey bean tuners

Electronics & Strings

• Mini-humbuckers (R, T) and DiMarzio Dual Sound (M)
• Controls: Three volume, one master tone, three-way selector switch, two mini-toggles (one taps DiMarzio, other puts it out of phase)
• Vintage Reissue .010 strings

Includes Custom Shop case w/silk-screened signature, Pete Townshend COA, custom care kit.

gibsoncustom.com/flash/products/signature/townshendgold/PeteTownshendGoldtop.html

Pete Townshend Signature Gibson Les Paul Deluxe (2005)

In March 2005, Gibson has introduced the long-rumoured Signature Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, based on Pete’s #1 1976 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, as seen in The Kids Are Alright. Reportedly listed at U.S.$8,236.

Gibson Custom’s description:

In the 1970s, Pete Townshend made the Les Paul Deluxe his weapon of choice for The Who’s live shows. The new Townshend Signature Deluxe recreates all the quirky aspects of Pete’s #1 Deluxe, including the pancake body, neck volute, and extra toggle switches to control the added middle pickup.

Limited Edition of 75

Specs

Body & Hardware

• Three-piece maple top
• Mahogany/poplar back
• Single-ply cream binding on top
• Wine Red finish
• Chrome hardware
• Nashville TOM bridge, stopbar tailpiece
• *Custom endpins, metal jackplate

Neck & Headstock:

• Three-piece maple neck with volute
• 22-fret rosewood fingerboard
• Pearloid trapezoid inlays [Note: inlay on first fret is not based on PT’s original Les Paul Deluxe models.]
• Single-ply cream binding
• Pete Townshend neck profile
• 24¾… scale length, 1 11/16… nut width
• Kindey bean tuners

Electronics & Strings

• Mini-humbuckers (R, T) and DiMarzio Dual Sound (M)
• Controls: Three volume, one master tone, three-way selector switch, two mini-toggles (one taps DiMarzio, other puts it out of phase)
• Vintage Reissue .010 strings

Includes Custom Shop case w/silk-screened signature, Pete Townshend COA, custom care kit.

gibsoncustom.com/flash/products/signature/townshend/PeteTownshend.html

Pete Townshend Gibson SJ-200 Limited (2004)

In February 2004, Gibson introduced a Pete Townshend SJ-200 Limited acoustic guitar in commemoration of Pete’s 1968 Gibson J-200 used for writing and recording throughout his career beginning with Tommy, namely Pinball Wizard.

According to Gibson Montana, 150 Pete Townshend-personally signed (on the interior serial number label) guitars were produced, with remaining guitars not featuring Pete’s actual signature (just the mother-of-pearl fretboard inlay). (Thanks to Dave Kleinwaks.)

Gibson Montana and rock icon Pete Townshend have recreated the 1960s J-200 that he used to pen such classic hits as “Pinball Wizard” from The Who’s 1969 rock opera Tommy and “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”

The Townshend SJ-200 Limited has a spruce top with a flamed maple body, Madagascar rosewood fingerboard is augmented with a solid Moustache bridge for added volume and mother of pearl crown inlays and “P. Townshend” signature on the fingerboard.

Available in Antique Natural and Vintage Sunburst. Features: Sitka Spruce top, Flamed Maple back and sides; Flamed Maple slim profile (specially selected by Pete) 14/20 25½″ neck with Madagascar rosewood fingerboard and mother-of-pearl Crown inlays and a Pete Townshend signature; 1960s-style Madagascar rosewood 1960s-style moustache bridge with mother-of-pearl inlays (Note: No Tune-o-matic metal adjustable bridge, as the 1968 Gibson J-200 featured.); gold “Kidney Bean” Grover tuners; Fishman electronics.

Full details and specification are available at Gibson.com.

Additional photos: Harmony Central.

Pete Townshend Gibson Signature SG (2000)

Limited edition (250 units made):

Mahogany body, Satin Mahogany Red finish; Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboard, 22 frets/Dot inlay; Scale/Nut Width 24¾″ scale, /1 11/16″ width at nut; Cream binding on fingerboard; Compensated wrap-around bridge and tailpiece; Chrome hardware, Dual P-90 pickups; Two volume controls, two tone controls, three-way selector switch; strung with Gibson Brite Wires .009–.042. Signature and issue number decal on back of headstock; “tour worn” faded cherry finish. Comes with: customized Anvil Flight Case, protective cloth cover, signed certificate of authenticity, hardshell Custom Shop SG case.
£2,950, with portion of proceeds to benefit Double ‘O’ Charity

gibsoncustom.com/townshend/menu.html or gibsoncustom.com/townshend/guitar.html

Non-limited edition:

Mahogany body, Satin Mahogany Red finish; Mahogany neck, Rosewood fingerboard, 22 frets/Dot inlay; Scale/Nut Width 24¾″scale, /1 11/16″ width at nut; Cream binding on fingerboard; Compensated wrap-around bridge and tailpiece; Chrome hardware, Dual P-90 pickups; Two volume controls, two tone controls, three-way selector switch; strung with Gibson Brite Wires .009–.042

gibson.com/products/gibson/sg/townshendsg.html

Takamine FP360SC (1996)

Pete Townshend. One of the many important guitarists Who’s chosen Takamine for the best onstage acoustic/electric performance. The FP360SC is also available non-cutaway (FP360S). Try one at your Takamine dealer today.

takamine.com

Pete Townshend Limited Edition Rickenbacker 1997PT (1987)

In 1987, Rickenbacker released a limited edition Pete Townshend Rickenbacker, based on the the six-string Rose Morris Co. LTD Rickenbacker 1998 model Pete used extensively in 1965 and 1966. This reissue was limited to 250 guitars.

The handmade instrument features Rickenbacker’s hand-shaped slim “fast action” neck from the 1960s; violin sound hole; 21 frets; small headstock; three vintage pickups; Rosewood fingerboard; semi-hollow body and neck made from solid Maple; plus, Rickenbacker’s exclusive dual truss rod system. The necks are hand-shaped by the same craftsmen that built the originals in the ’60s.

The list price was $1,225 with a custom hardshell case at $129. 250 individually numbered guitars were manufactured.

rickenbacker.com/us/1997pt.htm

“I’m quite surprised now that Rickenbacker are happy to have me sponsor an instrument which is so tied up with an anarchic part of my career. It’s the only guitar I’ve ever sponsored … and I’ve done it partly out of guilt.”

Also see:

• Pete Townshend Limited Edition Rickenbacker Registry.
• rickbeat.com/modelslibrary/1998pt/1998pt.htm

In May 2000, Pete auctioned no. 1 of 250 of this guitar for £9,000 for charity.

Schecter PT/Saturn (1984)

Originally issued with no name, later named the “Saturn,” and subsequently renamed the “PT.” Later versions are of considerably different design than the original issue. Not endorsed by Pete.

• Cream-bound Alder body.
• 25½″ scale bolt-on rock maple neck with either maple or rosewood fingerboard, 22 extra-jumbo frets, 16″ radius and Schecter’s 6-in-line headstock.
• Two Schecter ‘SuperRock’ tapped humbuckers pickups with master volume and tone/tap controls.
• Sperzel locking tuners and choice of hardware color.
• Available in Gloss Black and Vintage Gold top.

schecterguitars.com

Gibson Guitars (ca. 1974)

Generic endorsement for Gibson guitars.

People who play Gibson

When you need to get there, you need something better. That’s why the best guitarists play Gibson. Every Gibson guitar is made from the best materials. Every Gibson guitar has more handwork and craftsmanship put into it. That’s why every Gibson guitar takes three months to make. And that’s why you play better when you play Gibson

See Gibson at your Gibson/Star dealer.

Distributed by Henri Selmer & Co. LTD. Braintree, Essex. A Norlin™ Company.

gibson.com

Ovation Guitars (1972)

Ovation ad, ca. 1972, which appeared in Rolling Stone magazine.

Who Plays Ovation. The Who. Pete Townshend. John Entwistle Play Ovation. “The Incredible Acoustic Electric Guitar”

ovationguitars.com

Amplifiers

Marshall 40th Anniversary JTM45/100 stack (2005/06)

Though not an endoresement or signature item per se, Marshall have released a commemoration of Pete and John’s original JTM45/100 amplifiers and (much like the original reason for doing away with the 8x12s) back-saving 4x12 cabinets (though intended to look like the 8x12s).

From Marshallamps.com:

Marshall 40th Anniversary JTM45/100

The JTM45/10 Limited Edition run of 250 is an all-valve, 100 Watt head and two 4x12 cabinet setup. It uses two 50 Watt output transformers in its power section, just like the original did in 1965. It was the very first appearance of what has now come to be known as the 100 Watt ‘stack’.

Our goal for this handwired re-issue is both obvious and simple — to make it as identical to the late 1965 originals as possible. To this end the circuit, cosmetics, construction, sound and all-important dynamic characteristics all have to be 100% correct — and they are. We went to incredible lengths to achieve maximum authenticity and are delighted to report that our suppliers were equally as exacting in their tasks.

The speaker cabinets for the Anniversary Stack, 812T40 and 812B40, have been designed to recreate the majestic look of the original 8x12s when stacked. We could, of course, have replicated the 8x12 but in consideration to your back (and your roadies!) we decided that dividing it into two 4x12s was much more sensible! Just like the original 8x12, both cabs are loaded with Celestion’s highly celebrated T652 Alnico Speakers. The angled top cabinet also features a semi-open back, just like the genuine 8x12 reference we took our dimensions from.

Whereever and whenever possible, we have gone back to the original manufacturers for all components to maintain the highest quality and to ensure maximum authenticity.

The specs:

• 2x50w output
• Two channels
• Pre-amp valves: 3xECC83
• Power amp: 4xKT66

U.S. MSRP: $9,000. For more information:

marshallamps.com/product.asp?productCode=JTM45-100

Fender (Vibro-King) (2002/2003)

2002 and 2003 Fender Frontline catalog.

2002: Pete Townshend blasts for miles and miles through his Vibro-King^® and extension cab.

2003: “They do exactly what I need … [like] the massive rigs of the ’60s I used to use. Remember that the first Marshall amps were very close emulations themselves of the Fender amps I first used — and which I asked Jim Marshall to make ‘ten times as loud!’. Today, this rig fills every hall I come across. If I play a stadium, I simply add another rig, but rarely need to turn it above ‘2’. I’ve never ever come close to using my basic setup over half volume. Forget ‘eleven’, these babes go up to fifty-seven. And they are Fender. The real thing. There are very few products Fender has made — even in bad times — which were ugly. This amplifier is so pretty I have one in my living room next to the expensive furniture. It reminds me why I wanted to play guitar in the first place. I thought I looked prettier with a guitar. I do. But with a Fender Strat and a Vibro-King I’m as cool, as irresistible as James Dean.”

— Pete Townshend, November 2002

fender.com

Hiwatt Amplification – Signature Pete Townshend (2001)

Hiwatt’s current owner in the UK have released a signature Pete Townshend CP103 amplifier, to make Pete’s classic Hiwatt amp available.

Hiwatt description:

CP103: This amp is designed to the same spec as the one extensively used by Pete Townshend of “The Who.” It is based on the ever popular Custom 100 head but with more gain and a more responsive treble and bass control network. This is in addition to four independent pre-amp channels, two Brilliant and two Normal inputs, four individual volume controls and a master volume. There are four x EL34s, four five x Ecc83s, Partridge high grade transformers, a switchable 4, 8 and 16 ohm output impedance and 100 watts output.

The same amplifier is available in the USA under the nameplate Reeves (after Dave Reeves).

• 4 linked inputs rated at normal sensitivity, Volumes 1, 2, 3, 4
• Bass, Treble, Master volume controls
• Four EL34s; Fourfive ECC83s; Partridge transformers
• Switchable 4, 8, 16 ohm impedance
• 100 watts output.

The list price was £999.

hiwatt.co.uk/signature/signaturehiwatts.htm and
reevesamps.com/amp_cp103.htm

Note: Hiwatt have recently issued a 50-watt version of the Signature amp, the CP-504, with two EL34 power valves, and four ECC83 preamp valves. See reeves.com; hiwatt.com or hiwatt.co.uk.

MESA/Boogie Amplifiers (ca. 1979/1980)

Pete endorsed MESA/Boogie amps in 1979, after using the MESA/Boogie Mark I combo amp beginning in 1976. He actually approached MESA to offer to do the photo shoot.

From April 1980 issue of Sound International article, courtesy Joe G’s site.

I endorse Boogie amps because they’re handmade and a lot of care goes into them and they’re good and the people who make them won’t compromise. At least they haven’t yet. They’re not entirely to my taste; they’re much more complicated than they look and they’re quite hard to get used to. I don’t get them for nothing. I wish I did. I have to put my name on them to get one at all.

• mesaboogie.com
• The Boogie Files

Sunn Amplification (1972)

During their 1967 and 1968 North American tours, Pete and John used Sunn gear (following a deal reached with Vox earlier in 1967). As a part of their use, they also provided endorsement for the Sunn gear. In the 1970s, John would return to Sunn gear, and from 1971 to 1972, the Who would use a Sunn PA.

• also see: thewho.org/posters/sunn.jpg, courtesy thewho.org
• also see: whocollection.com Sunn poster, courtesy Brad Rodgers

Hiwatt Amplification (1969)

Hiwatt Story (members.tripod.com/~dcsbulldog/) hiwattstory.com (offline).

Fane (1979)

A generic “Who” endorsement of Fane speakers, which were used in Hiwatt amplifiers by John and Pete.

Marshall (1966)

Generic Marshall amplification promotion, showing Pete and John’s Marshall JTM45 100 amps and 8x12 cabinet stacks as well as the group’s Marshall 1969 4x12 PA columns.

Who generates the power behind “My Generation”

marshallamps.com

Miscellaneous and accessories

Strobostomp pedal tuner (2005)

In an ad appearing in Guitar Player magazine, Pete is promoting the Peterson StroboStomp pedal tuner.

Don’t get fooled again. Hear the difference. With 1/10th cent accuracy, 100% true bypass switching, in a Rock n ’Roll-proof package, Who wouldn’t want one?

strobostomp.com
petersontuners.com
detempleguitars.com

JBL (2002)

Sponsor of the 2002 Who tour.

jbl.com/jbl-who/

Today I use JBL speakers everywhere in my life — at home and in the studio. I still have several sets of 4311s, and lots of smaller speakers that I like to use rather than those funny Yamaha things everyone loves. I use big modern JBLs for my cinema set up at home (I use the cinema rig as a test bed for my 5.1 mixes as well).

Fishman Acoustic Amplification (2007)

Pickups and preamps. Toneshaping. Acoustic Amplifiers.

True Life. True Live.

On stage or at home, Fishman acoustic amplification products deliver the quality, accuracy and beauty or your instrument’s natural sound.

Pete Townshend uses the Fishman Ellipse® pickup & preamp system.

Ellipse Matrix Blend. Ellipse VT. Ellipse Aura new for 2007.

fishman.com

Fishman Powerbridge (1999)

Pete Townshend and the power of Fishman … pure genius. Because when Pete walks on stage, the Fishman Powerbridge™ pickup is the only acoustic he trusts to deliver his music. Loud and clear. From subtle finger-picked passages to crushing windmill power chords. From the opening acoustic chords of Pinball Wizard to the high energy riffs of My Generation. And everything in-between. Give your guitar an infinite palette of sound. Follow Pete’s lead. Play Fishman. And you won’t get fooled again.

The Fishman family of Powerbridge™ Pickups for Strat-style, Tele-style and Tune-O-Matic bridges

fishman.com

Parsons/White String Bender (1992)

Pete appears in an ad with Albert Lee promoting the Parsons/White String Bender. This ad appeared in the September 1992 issue of Guitar Player magazine.

Because Albert Lee & Pete Townshend don’t have three hands … Parsons/White String Bender. Play what you’ve been hearing.

The String Bender (or “B-Bender” — as its known when used for the “B” string) is a modification to the guitar, where a mechanism is inserted into a routed cavity that connects the bridge to the upper strap button. Pushing down on the guitar body at the strap button activates the “bend,” giving a pedal-steel guitar-like effect to the B string.

Pete used the String Bender on the 1982 studio recordings of Eminence Front and One at a Time using his customised Roger Giffin-built Schecter Telecaster-style with B-Bender.

stringbender.com

Soundtracs (1984)

Who uses Soundtracs? Pete Townshend that’s who

— The only mixer in the 16-track market designed with the musician in mind — either you people at Soundtracs are musicians or you’ve talked to a lot of people. I’d recommend this mixer to anyone — and tell them that I paid full retail for the 16-8-16 I bought!

— Pete Townshend, November 7th, 1984

ARP Synthesizers (1970s)

Pete used ARP synthesizers beginning in 1971 with Lifehouse (which became Who’s Next).

ARP ad ca. 1975

Pete’s ARP Opera.

You know Pete Townshend. He and his ARP synthesizers produce some of the most incredibly creative music of our time. As a matter of fact, Pete used his ARP’s throughout the soundtrack of the new “Tommy” film.

His creations say plenty. About life. And about his choice of musical instruments. His ARP synthesizers help him express himself exactly the way he wants to. His ARP 2600, for instance, has a patch cord and slider system which makes it a natural for live performance or studio work. You’ll find one in just about every leading rock band in the country.

Who wrote the first ARP opera? None other than Pete Townshend. There are seven different ARP models to suit every musical need and budget, from $995 (suggested list). Now, isn’t it time you discovered all about ARP … the number one hitmaker.

ARP Instruments, Inc. 320 Needham Street, Newton, MA 02164.

EMS VCS3 Synthesizers (1971)

Pete used an EMS VCS3 (the “Putney”) synthesizer in 1970/71 for Lifehouse (which became Who’s Next), and is referenced in this ad from Rolling Stone in 1971.

think of a sound...
now make it...

The Putney is designed for the exacting standards of electronic music and is really easy to operate.

With absolutely foolproof cordless patching and easy portability, it accepts any guitar or microphone input, and connects directly into your sound system. It contains a full complement of electronic devices — occillators, reverberation, filters, ring modulators, noise generators, joystick control and many more to produce the whole spectrum of electronic effects. A revolutionary matching keyboard is also available for the Putney.

More VCS3’s have been sold than any other synthesizer in the world and are already used by Blood Sweat and Tears; Pink Floyd; King Crimson; Moody Blues; Peter Paul and Mary; Ringo Starr; Pete Townshend; Third Ear Band; Gentle Fire and the Crazy World of Arthur Brown.

Buy direct from the manufacturers at the incredibly low price of: $785. $285: keyboard.
Write or phone for details and free brochure to:

Electronic Music Studios (London) LTD.
49 Deodar Road
London S.W. 15 England

ems-synthi.demon.co.uk