Travis Bean Guitars
Travis Bean Guitars (TBG) started in 1974 and ceased production in 1979. The factory was located in Sun Valley, CA and employed approximately 20 employees throughout it's run. Travis Bean guitars was an innovative company creating high quality instru
Information
Founded:
Travis Bean, Marc McElwee and Gary Kramer

Travis Bean Guitars

 
Sebastien Roy

Sebastien Roy Hello, I use a Kramer 350G 1976. I never play on a travis bean. 6000$ vs. 500$, so.. which difference between? 2-3k for the travis bean name, this baby is very expensive!

Timothy Francis

Timothy Francis 467 is my baby

Timothy Francis
Timothy Francis
Thank you, best guitar ever!
November 9 at 7:24pm
Timothy Francis
Bill

Bill
Greetings all!
I remember with fond memories my one and only TB1000A, which I bought new back in 78. I sent it to Travis Bean to have him install coil tap switches - he kept it for 4 months - so that might make this Bean a little unique. You can see the switches in the pic next to the neck vol control.
I sold the guitar ...when times got tough in 1982 - a decision I regret to this day.
I can't remember the serial number, but I'm pretty sure it was 4 digits. You can't tell in the pic but it had a gorgeous flame koa body. I've been through the database but I haven't seen it yet. I'd love to find it again, even if just to know it's being cared for...
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T.J. Nardiello
T.J. Nardiello
Bill, u absolutely rock that fro! that is too cool. happy birthday! were u in the band Boston, back in the day?
November 12 at 7:21pm
Bill
Bill
"We were just another band out of Boston..."
don't I wish!
November 13 at 5:54am
Dave Long

Dave Long I have had my trav since 1980 TB1000S 625#...I love it....Can you even get bridge saddles for these anymore??..D

November 5 at 7:38am · Report
Travis Bean Guitars
November 5 at 12:49pm
Travis Bean Guitars
Travis Bean Guitars
The saddle/pole-pieces were machined at the shop, so they're custom TBG saddles. You might want to take some measurements and get modern/new ones cut to fit. Sometimes (very rare) you'll see a set on eBay though.
November 5 at 12:50pm
Jake Horner

Jake Horner Hiya All. I just received my first Bean today ! Woo Hoo TB1000A #851

November 4 at 6:54pm · Report
Travis Bean Guitars
November 5 at 12:48pm
Rolf Yngve Uggen

Rolf Yngve Uggen Hi. I'm the lucky owner of a black TB1000S. Cheers

October 24 at 2:24am · Report
Travis Bean Guitars
Travis Bean Guitars
Nice! Is it in the database? Love to see some pics.
October 29 at 12:43pm
William K. Jamieson

William K. Jamieson Here's one when it was new.

Chris Hall
Chris Hall
Nice Tapco t-shirt. Grateful Dead fan I take it?
October 31 at 11:43am
William K. Jamieson

William K. Jamieson I am original owner of TB Artist #1015. Nice to see you on Facebook

Marc O'Hara

Marc O'Hara Thank you Mr. Donovan for setting the record straight on my guitar blog. I have since updated the post regarding Travis Bean guitars. I can still recall the feel of that TB-1000S I played at Keller's Music in Cincinnati back in the late 1970's. It was set up perfectly and played beautifully. Beans were and are excellent musical instruments.

October 15 at 1:52am · Report
Travis Bean Guitars
Travis Bean Guitars
Hello Marc thanks for making the correction. Let me know if you have any questions!
October 16 at 1:05pm
Rory Elliott O'Connor
October 13 at 4:45am · Report
Patrik Steinhauser

Patrik Steinhauser fingers crossed guys....i might be the proud owner of a TB 2000 (lefty) bass next month. after almost 8 years of desperate searching....

October 11 at 2:16am · Report
Greg Brown

Greg Brown
Marc McElwee was my repair guy after he left T.B. and God I miss him. I heard he went to Lockheed or something like that. You could hand him a great guitar (in your mind) and he'd dress the frets, intonate etc.....It would come back and play like a million bucks. Next guitar on my collection list is a T.B. If anyone kn...ows where he is I have about 9 guitars that need his help. Thanks Mark for all you help back in the day. 1983?Read More

October 7 at 12:34pm · Report
Xose Lois García

Xose Lois García Hi everyone :)

October 6 at 10:50pm · Report
Andreja Marovic

Andreja Marovic A 5 string Keith Richards model have surfaced on eBay.One of only 6 made.
All original and mint condition.Have been in the collection of former employe since 1979.
Nice addition to any serious collection.

September 14 at 7:43am · Report
Travis Bean Guitars
Travis Bean Guitars
That is a beautiful guitar. Part of the Obe collection. Amazing.
September 14 at 10:55am
Andreja Marovic
Andreja Marovic
someone should add it to TB collection...that will be serious bucks for a TB beauty.Will try my luck tomorrow....
September 15 at 10:41am