1968 Blonde Fender Telecaster with Factory Bigsby – Ex-Ferre Grignard
 
This rare and historically significant 1968 Blonde Fender Telecaster with a factory-installed Bigsby vibrato was originally purchased new by Ferre Grignard, the iconic Belgian singer-songwriter and painter. It changed hands around 1975–76 and has remained with the current owner ever since.
 
Ferre Grignard, born on March 13, 1939, in Antwerp, was a pioneering figure in Belgium’s 1960s counterculture. With a gritty voice, heartfelt lyrics, and deep ties to both music and the visual arts, Grignard carved out a unique space in European music. His work was heavily influenced by American folk and blues legends such as Lead Belly, Woody Guthrie, and Bob Dylan. Grignard’s songs were infused with raw emotional power, often focusing on themes of freedom, anti-establishment ideals, and social justice.
He rose to international attention in 1966 with the hit “Ring Ring, I’ve Got to Sing,” which became one of Belgium’s first major pop exports. Other standout tracks like “My Crucified Jesus” and “On My Dying Bed” further cemented his legacy as a voice of rebellion and reflection. Though his life ended in hardship in 1982, Ferre Grignard remains a cult figure and a symbol of artistic freedom and unrest.
 
This Telecaster features a blonde finish and a factory Bigsby vibrato, making it particularly rare. Importantly, it was never routed for string-through-body setup, as the Bigsby was installed at the factory. It also features a rosewood fretboard, a less common choice for Telecasters during this era, when maple necks were more prevalent.
 
Pickguard is the famous 68/69 version with pearloid back.
 The guitar remains in original condition, including the factory pickups and Stackpole pots, which were recently reinstalled after a period of use with a set of Seymour Duncan Antiquity pickups (included in the sale). The original pickups have just been expertly rewound and are in excellent working condition, ready to perform for many more decades.
 
Serial number: 221769
Neck stamp: 3DEC68B (3 = model code, B = neck width)
Potentiometers: Stackpole 3046612 (12th week of 1966)
Fret condition: Original frets with plenty of life left
Weight: kgs / lbs
Case: Comes with a modern hard case
Bigsby : factory installed
Accessories : bridge cover
 
This guitar not only plays beautifully but also comes with a photo of Ferre Grignard playing it at the Golf Drouot in Paris.
 
A true collector’s piece and a tangible part of European music history.