This finish is extremely rare to come across. Especially ones that are made using correct paisley foil paper and the proper bursting process.
Please note... On a trial basis throughout 2023, We will offer Paisley with other body types. The look is still traditional Red Paisley and will be recreated to pictures of original finishes.This is only because of being asked repeatedly. If it is sought after we will continue to offer it.
*You can also choose either Black or Gold Paisley as well as the traditional Red Paisley.
This post CBS take over finish was a debuted in summer of 1968. It was an attempt to create bright colourful finishes that caught the eye of the generation. Like many of Fenders creations it was a total fail until later years.
Originally called "Red Paisley" due to its more Reddish Pink it was available for 279.50. They were only made for two years because of their lack of popularity and problems they had over the finishing process.
They used foil cling paper from the Borden Chemical Company, burst the edges with a Pinkish Red and cleared the entire guitar.
There were apparently around 200ish of these made between 68-69. This leaves finding them intact difficult.
Bill Crook would be considered a King of replicating Paisley Finishes to most and his work is excellent. The difference however is, Bill uses acrylic lacquer for his and we use traditional Nitrocellulose lacquer. This finish took a great deal of time to perfect and isn't to be taken lightly. With so little intact examples you really need to appreciate the originals.
As you can see from pictures the guitars all aged quite differently. How far down the rabbit hole do you want to go? Some often appeared gold and yellowish /brown. Or extreme yellowing has been a big factor. Years go into getting these finishes correct and understanding why they do what they do. As well as using the correct paper and not vinyl.
The modern urethane paisley guitars feature a vinyl self stick printed sheet that is caked in a poly finish. We have taken apart several of these (mostly Black Paisley) to uncover the new process and it is quite messy.
Ours are made with authentic Paisley Foil Paper. The edges are then finished in our Paisley finishing process, cleared and aged in the package of your choice. If you love the Original Paisley finishes you'll love these. Fender's finishes today although great are more of a pinkish/purple compared to the originals.
We can use pictures of vintage paisley finishes sent to us to replicate original guitars. If new toners or shaders must be made additional charges will apply.
Left handed available. Leave in notes at checkout or email us. No upcharge for lefties.
Each Body is 2 piece select Alder
Standard T-68 4 screw 2-3/16" neck pocket
Standard T-68 pickup routes
Standard T-68 control route
Standard 7/8" output jack drilled
Drilled for 4 screw ashtray bridge
Milled for standard surface mount ferrules
1/8" round over top and back
Timeline 20 + Weeks for custom Paisley Body.