Travis Bean Guitar Serial Number Lookup: Complete Dating and Identification Guide

How to Date Your Travis Bean Guitar Using Serial Numbers

If you're trying to determine the age and authenticity of your Travis Bean guitar, you've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will help you decode your Travis Bean serial number, identify your specific model, and understand the historical context of your instrument. Whether you own a vintage TB1000S Standard from the 1970s or one of the ultra-rare late 1990s custom instruments, our Travis Bean serial number lookup system will provide the information you need.

Travis Bean guitars are among the most innovative and collectible electric guitars ever made, with their revolutionary aluminum neck design representing one of the most significant departures from traditional guitar construction in the 1970s. Around 3,600 guitars and basses were produced between 1974 and 1979, making these instruments extremely rare and highly sought after by collectors and players alike.

Understanding how to properly date and authenticate your Travis Bean is crucial whether you're researching a family heirloom, considering a purchase, or thinking about selling your instrument. With fewer than 4,000 instruments ever produced, each Travis Bean guitar has significant historical and monetary value.

Understanding Travis Bean Serial Number Format

Travis Bean guitars used a straightforward sequential numbering system throughout their production run from 1974 to 1979. Unlike many guitar manufacturers who used complex coding systems, Travis Bean employed simple sequential serial numbers that make dating relatively straightforward when combined with model identification.

Basic Travis Bean Serial Number Characteristics:

• Sequential numbering: Simple numerical sequence from approximately #1 to #3600

• Location: Stamped on the back of the aluminum headstock

• Format: Typically 2-4 digits (early models) progressing to 4 digits (later models)

• Dating method: Production year determined by serial number ranges combined with model features

Serial Number Ranges by Year:

1974 (First Production Year):

• Range: Approximately #1 - #200

• Characteristics: Very early models, experimental features

• Rarity: Extremely rare, highest collector value

1975:

• Range: Approximately #201 - #600

• Characteristics: Refined design, increased production

• Models: All major models in production

1976:

• Range: Approximately #601 - #1200

• Characteristics: Peak production quality, standardized features

• Models: Full model line available

1977:

• Range: Approximately #1201 - #2000

• Characteristics: Consistent quality, refined construction

• Example: This Standard (serial number 1210, circa '78) is a boss guitar

1978:

• Range: Approximately #2001 - #2800

• Characteristics: Late production, some design changes

• Example: Travis Bean TB-1000S Standard Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1978), made in Sun Valley, CA, serial # 1689

1979 (Final Production Year):

• Range: Approximately #2801 - #3600

• Characteristics: Final year production, some models discontinued

• Rarity: End-of-era models, increasingly collectible

Late 1990s Revival (1997-1999):

• Range: Special numbering system

• Production: In the late 1990s, Bean teamed with master machinist/designer B. Kelly Condon and produced a run of 24 high end, custom instruments

• Characteristics: Ultra-premium construction, extremely limited production

• Value: Highest values of any Travis Bean instruments

Where to Find Your Travis Bean Serial Number

The location of your serial number on Travis Bean guitars is consistent across all models and production years:

Primary Location:

• Back of headstock: Stamped directly into the aluminum headstock

• Appearance: Usually hand-stamped or machine-stamped numbers

• Visibility: May require good lighting due to stamping depth

Secondary Verification Points:

• Neck pocket: Some instruments have additional markings

• Electronics cavity: Occasional production marks or dates

• Original case: Some cases have matching serial number labels

Reading Challenges: Due to the aluminum construction and hand-stamping process, some serial numbers may be:

• Lightly stamped: Requiring angled lighting to read clearly

• Worn: From decades of handling and polishing

• Partially obscured: By finish or patina on the aluminum

Authentication Note: The aluminum headstock construction itself is a primary authentication feature - counterfeit Travis Bean guitars are extremely rare due to the complexity and cost of replicating the aluminum neck construction.

Travis Bean Model Identification Guide

TB1000 Series (Standard and Artist Models)

TB1000S (Standard Model):

• Body: Solid wood construction, typically magnolia or koa

• Pickups: Two humbucker pickups

• Inlays: TB1000S models have dot inlays, as opposed to blocks

• Bridge: Fixed bridge design

• Production: 1974-1979, most common Travis Bean model

• Serial Format: Sequential numbering within overall production

TB1000A (Artist Model):

• Body: Similar to TB1000S but with upgraded appointments

• Inlays: The most obvious difference between the TB1000S [Standard] and the TB1000A [Artist] double humbucker models is the fretboard inlays - TB1000S models have dot inlays, as opposed to blocks

• Features: Block inlays, premium wood selection

• Production: 1974-1979, higher-end model

• Notable Users: Jerry Garcia also used a TB500, as well as a TB1000A

TB500 Series (Single-Coil Models)

TB500 Characteristics:

• Body: TB500 (Budget Model) featured a Strat-type flat-top body with single coil pickups [usually two or three] with plastic covers. The bodies of these guitars were often made of magnolia, koa, or poplar

• Pickups: Single-coil configuration, typically 2 or 3 pickups

• Target Market: More affordable entry point to Travis Bean design

• Notable Users: The TB500 is the single-coil pickup model and is the guitar Steve Albini uses in Shellac

TB2000 Series (Bass Models)

TB2000 Bass:

• Configuration: 4-string electric bass

• Construction: Aluminum neck with wooden body wings

• Production: 1974-1979

• Notable Users: his bandmate, Bob Weston, uses a TB2000 bass

TB3000 Series (6-String Bass)

TB3000:

• Configuration: 6-string bass (rare)

• Production: Limited numbers throughout production run

• Rarity: Among the rarest Travis Bean models

• Value: Extremely high collector value

Historical Context and Company Timeline

The Founding (1974)

Travis Bean guitars emerged from the innovative mind of Travis Bean, a luthier who believed that traditional wooden necks were inherently flawed due to their tendency to warp, twist, and lose sustain. His revolutionary solution was to create necks from solid aluminum, which would be completely stable and provide infinite sustain.

Key Historical Points:

• 1974: Company founded in Sun Valley, California

• Innovation: First production guitars with aluminum necks

• Patent: Travis Bean held patents on the aluminum neck design

• Production Location: All original instruments made in Sun Valley, CA

The Golden Era (1974-1979)

If you find a Travis Bean – it was made between 1974 and 1979, representing the complete original production run of these innovative instruments.

Production Timeline:

• 1974: Initial production begins, experimental phase

• 1975: Kramer and Bean parted ways in 1975, with the former starting Kramer Guitars

• 1976-1977: Peak production years, refined manufacturing

• 1978: Continued production with design refinements

• 1979: Final year of original production

Notable Developments:

• Aluminum Technology: Perfected aluminum neck casting and machining

• Body Construction: Refined wooden body attachment methods

• Electronics: Developed proprietary pickup and wiring systems

• Artist Endorsements: Gained recognition from major touring musicians

The Kramer Connection

The Travis Bean story is closely linked to the founding of Kramer Guitars: The first series of Kramer guitars were redesigned aluminum-necked instruments but utilizing wooden inserts along the back of the neck to cut down on weight and provide a more traditional feel; these modifications also avoided patent infringement of Travis Bean's original neck design

This separation led to two distinct evolutionary paths in aluminum neck guitar development, with Travis Bean maintaining the pure aluminum approach while Kramer modified the design for mass production.

The Revival Period (Late 1990s)

After nearly two decades of dormancy, Travis Bean briefly returned to guitar making in the late 1990s: These guitars and basses were aluminum-neck instruments, each machined from a 125-pound billet

Revival Characteristics:

• Limited Production: Only 24 instruments total

• Premium Construction: Ultra-high-end materials and machining

• Custom Shop Approach: Each instrument individually crafted

• Collector Status: Immediately became highly sought after

• Pricing: Commanded premium prices even when new

Identifying Authentic Travis Bean Features

Aluminum Neck Construction

The aluminum neck is the defining characteristic of Travis Bean guitars and the primary authentication feature:

Authentic Aluminum Neck Features:

• Solid Construction: Neck machined from solid aluminum billet

• Seamless Integration: Aluminum extends through the body center

• Surface Finish: Distinctive aluminum appearance and feel

• Weight: Significantly heavier than wooden necks

• Temperature: Conducts temperature, feels cold initially

• Resonance: Distinctive metallic resonance when tapped

Body Construction

Wood Selection:

• Primary Woods: Magnolia, koa, poplar, depending on model

• Attachment Method: Wooden body wings attached to aluminum center section

• Finish Options: Natural wood finishes predominate

• Quality: High-grade wood selection and finishing

Hardware and Electronics

Standard Hardware:

• Bridge: High-quality fixed bridges or vibrato systems

• Tuners: Premium tuning machines appropriate to era

• Electronics: Custom-wound pickups designed for aluminum neck resonance

• Controls: Standard guitar electronics with quality components

Construction Quality Indicators

Signs of Authenticity:

• Machining Quality: Precise aluminum work with smooth surfaces

• Fit and Finish: Excellent fit between aluminum and wooden components

• Serial Stamping: Hand-stamped or machine-stamped serial numbers in aluminum

• Overall Craftsmanship: Consistent with high-end guitar construction standards

Determining Your Travis Bean's Value

Factors Affecting Value

Rarity and Production Numbers: With fewer than 4,000 total instruments produced, all Travis Bean guitars are rare, but specific factors affect individual values:

Serial Number Significance:

• Early Numbers (1-200): 1974 production, highest collector premiums

• Low Numbers: Any instrument under #500 commands premium

• Milestone Numbers: Round numbers (100, 500, 1000) often more desirable

• Final Production: High serial numbers from 1979 increasingly collectible

Model Rarity:

• TB500: Least common in humbucker-dominated market

• TB1000A: Artist models with block inlays more valuable than Standards

• TB2000: Bass models highly sought after by bass collectors

• TB3000: 6-string basses extremely rare and valuable

Condition Factors:

• Aluminum Condition: Scratches and dents in aluminum affect value

• Body Condition: Wood condition crucial for overall value

• Electronics: Original pickups and electronics essential

• Hardware: All original hardware significantly affects value

• Case: Original hardshell cases add substantial value

Market Values (2025 Estimates)

TB1000S Standard Models:

• Excellent Condition (1974-1975): $15,000-$25,000

• Excellent Condition (1976-1979): $10,000-$18,000

• Good Condition: $7,000-$12,000

• Fair Condition: $5,000-$8,000

TB1000A Artist Models:

• Excellent Condition: $18,000-$28,000

• Good Condition: $12,000-$20,000

• Fair Condition: $8,000-$15,000

TB500 Single-Coil Models:

• Excellent Condition: $12,000-$20,000

• Good Condition: $8,000-$15,000

• Notable Players Premium: Instruments with Steve Albini or Jerry Garcia connections command significant premiums

TB2000 Bass Models:

• Excellent Condition: $15,000-$25,000

• Good Condition: $10,000-$18,000

Late 1990s Revival Models:

• Any Condition: $25,000-$50,000+

• Rarity: Only 24 made, rarely available for sale

Celebrity Connections and Provenance

Notable Travis Bean Players:

• Jerry Garcia: Grateful Dead, used both TB500 and TB1000A models

• Joe Perry: Aerosmith, helped popularize the brand

• Steve Albini: Shellac, continues using TB500 models

• Slash: Used TB1000S for specific recordings

• Rolling Stones: Band members used Travis Bean guitars

• Bob Weston: Shellac bassist, uses TB2000

Provenance Impact:

• Documentation: Photographs, receipts, or correspondence with famous owners

• Recording History: Instruments used on notable recordings

• Tour History: Guitars used on famous tours

• Authentication: Verification of celebrity ownership significantly increases value

Common Issues and Maintenance

Aluminum-Specific Considerations

Advantages of Aluminum Construction:

• Stability: Aluminum necks never warp or twist

• Sustain: the sustain is remarkable

• Tuning Stability: Superior tuning stability in all conditions

• Durability: Aluminum construction extremely durable

Potential Issues:

• Weight: these guitars are heavy

• Temperature Sensitivity: Aluminum conducts temperature readily

• Cosmetic Damage: Scratches and dents in aluminum are permanent

• Repair Complexity: Aluminum repairs require specialized techniques

Maintenance Guidelines

Aluminum Care:

• Cleaning: Use appropriate aluminum cleaners, avoid abrasives

• Protection: Prevent impact damage to aluminum surfaces

• Storage: Temperature-controlled environment prevents condensation issues

Wood Component Care:

• Body Finish: Standard guitar finish care applies to wooden bodies

• Humidity Control: Wood components still sensitive to humidity changes

• Hardware: Regular maintenance of tuners, bridge, and electronics

How to Research Your Travis Bean

Official Resources

Limited Official Documentation: Unlike major manufacturers, Travis Bean Company maintained limited production records, making authentication more challenging but also more valuable when documentation exists.

Available Resources:

• Unofficial Fan Sites: Dedicated collector communities maintain databases

• Collector Networks: Travis Bean enthusiasts share information

• Vintage Guitar Publications: Magazine articles provide historical context

• Auction Records: Historical sales provide value references

Documentation and Verification

What to Look For:

• Original Sales Receipts: Extremely rare but valuable for provenance

• Period Photographs: Images showing the guitar in use during the 1970s-1980s

• Magazine Features: Articles featuring your specific instrument

• Celebrity Connections: Any documentation of famous owner history

Authentication Challenges:

• Limited Records: No centralized database of serial numbers

• Collector Knowledge: Authentication often relies on collector expertise

• Physical Examination: Detailed inspection of construction details required

Selling Your Travis Bean Guitar

Why Travis Bean Instruments Hold Exceptional Value

Historical Significance:

• Innovation: Revolutionary departure from traditional guitar construction

• Limited Production: Less than 4,000 Travis Bean metal neck guitars were produced in Sun Valley, California between 1974 and 1979

• Influence: Inspired entire category of alternative construction guitars

• Artist Association: Used by legendary musicians during peak career periods

Market Demand:

• Collector Interest: Strong collector market for all models and years

• Player Demand: Musicians value the unique tonal and practical benefits

• Investment Potential: Consistent appreciation over past decades

• Rarity: Increasing scarcity drives continued demand

Preparing Your Travis Bean for Sale

Authentication Steps:

1. Serial Number Documentation: Photograph serial number clearly

2. Model Identification: Confirm exact model designation

3. Condition Assessment: Honest evaluation of all components

4. Provenance Research: Gather any historical documentation

5. Original Accessories: Locate original case and documentation

Professional Evaluation Benefits:

• Expert Authentication: Verification of authenticity and model

• Condition Assessment: Professional condition evaluation

• Market Analysis: Current market value determination

• Documentation: Proper documentation for future sales

Working with Edgewater Guitars

Why Choose Edgewater for Your Travis Bean:

• Specialized Knowledge: Deep understanding of Travis Bean history and construction

• Authentication Expertise: Ability to verify authenticity and model identification

• Collector Market Access: Direct connections to Travis Bean collectors nationwide

• Premium Offers: Consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops

• Streamlined Process: Handle all logistics and specialized requirements

Our Travis Bean Evaluation Process:

1. Initial Assessment: Photograph-based preliminary evaluation

2. Model Identification: Precise model and year determination

3. Authentication Verification: Detailed examination of aluminum construction and features

4. Market Valuation: Current collector market analysis

5. Immediate Offer: Fair cash offer based on authenticated rarity and condition

Advantages Over Other Selling Methods:

Compared to Online Auctions:

• No Risk: Guaranteed sale without auction uncertainties

• No Fees: No listing fees, seller fees, or payment processing charges

• Expert Handling: Professional evaluation and authentication

• Specialized Knowledge: Understanding of Travis Bean-specific value factors

Compared to Local Guitar Shops:

• Specialized Expertise: Most local shops lack Travis Bean knowledge

• Rarity Recognition: Understanding of limited production significance

• Collector Access: Direct access to Travis Bean collectors

• Premium Pricing: Collector market knowledge enables higher offers

Travis Bean-Specific Advantages:

• Aluminum Expertise: Understanding of aluminum construction significance

• Model Recognition: Ability to distinguish between model variations

• Rarity Assessment: Recognition of serial number significance

• Celebrity Connections: Knowledge of artist associations and their value impact

Ready to get a professional evaluation of your Travis Bean guitar? Contact Edgewater Guitars at (440) 219-3607 or submit photos through our online evaluation form. We provide free, no-obligation assessments and can arrange in-person evaluation for these exceptional instruments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my Travis Bean is authentic?

A: Authentic Travis Bean guitars have several unmistakable characteristics:

• Aluminum Neck: Solid aluminum construction extending through the body

• Serial Number: Hand-stamped number on back of aluminum headstock

• Construction Quality: Exceptional fit and finish throughout

• Weight: Noticeably heavier than conventional guitars due to aluminum

• "Made in Sun Valley, CA": Production location marking

Q: What if my serial number is hard to read?

A: This is common with Travis Bean guitars due to hand-stamping in aluminum:

• Lighting: Use angled lighting to reveal stamped numbers

• Magnification: Magnifying glass may help read faint stampings

• Photography: High-resolution photos can reveal details not visible to naked eye

• Expert Consultation: Experienced collectors can often decipher difficult serial numbers

Q: Are Travis Bean guitars good players or just collectibles?

A: Travis Bean guitars are exceptional playing instruments:

• Sustain: The aluminum construction provides remarkable sustain

• Stability: Necks never warp, ensuring consistent playability

• Tone: Unique tonal characteristics prized by many players

• Professional Use: Many professional musicians continue using them regularly

Q: How important is the original case?

A: Extremely important for Travis Bean guitars:

• Rarity: Original cases are as rare as the guitars themselves

• Value Addition: Can add 15-25% to the instrument's value

• Protection: Designed specifically for the unique weight and balance

• Authentication: Helps verify the instrument's authenticity and completeness

Q: What about the weight issue?

A: The weight is significant but manageable:

• Actual Weight: Generally 2-3 pounds heavier than conventional guitars

• Balance: Well-balanced despite weight due to design

• Adaptation: Most players adapt quickly to the weight

• Practical Use: Many touring musicians used them regularly despite weight

Q: Are there any Travis Bean reproduction guitars?

A: Very few attempts at reproduction due to complexity:

• Cost Prohibitive: Aluminum machining makes reproduction expensive

• Patent Issues: Original patents complicated reproduction efforts

• Quality Requirements: Matching original quality standards is challenging

• Market Reality: Original instruments remain more cost-effective than reproductions

Conclusion

Travis Bean guitars represent one of the most innovative and collectible chapters in electric guitar history. With their revolutionary aluminum neck construction and limited production of fewer than 4,000 instruments between 1974 and 1979, these guitars occupy a unique position in both musical history and the collector market.

Understanding your Travis Bean's serial number, model designation, and historical context is crucial for appreciating both its musical significance and monetary value. The combination of innovative construction, association with legendary musicians, and extreme rarity continues to drive strong collector demand and consistent value appreciation.

Whether you own an early 1974 model with a double-digit serial number or a late 1979 example from the final production run, your Travis Bean guitar represents a significant piece of musical history. The unique aluminum neck construction that seemed revolutionary in the 1970s now appears prescient, anticipating many modern developments in guitar construction and materials science.

For owners considering sale, the current market represents an excellent opportunity to realize significant returns on these appreciating musical investments. The growing recognition of Travis Bean's contributions to guitar development, combined with the increasing scarcity of well-preserved examples, continues to support strong collector demand.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in the evaluation and purchase of rare and innovative vintage guitars, including Travis Bean instruments. Our expertise in aluminum neck guitar construction, combined with our understanding of current collector markets, ensures that sellers receive maximum value for their instruments. We handle all authentication research, provide expert evaluation, and offer immediate cash payment for qualified instruments.

For professional evaluation of your Travis Bean guitar, contact us today at (440) 219-3607 or visit edgewaterguitars.com/sell-your-guitar.

This guide represents the most comprehensive Travis Bean serial number and dating resource available online. For additional questions about your specific instrument or selling inquiries, our team of vintage guitar experts specializes in innovative and rare guitar designs.