Travis Bean

Travis Bean used to make excellent guitars and basses, unfortunately he passed away on the 10th of July, 2011.

We have left this page here as a tribute and so you can discuss the excellent instruments Travis used to make.

178 thoughts on “Travis Bean”

  1. travis bean for sale
    herve

    i have a tb1000 guitar i guess !… serial # 1676, year 1976 or 1977 … i’d like to find out what model it is for shure ? if somebody have the information, i’ll be thankfull !! the guitar is in good shape just missing the original pickguard …make an offert if interested ! … best regards

  2. TB3000 Black Wedge Serial #15 for Sale
    Mark Langdon

    Original owner. With original Anvil case. Bought new. Perfect condition except finish issues. The case foam rotted and embedded itself into finish. A $500 refinish job would make it perfect. Anvil wants $130 to refoam and plush case. I would like to get a minimum of $10,000 for this guitar. It is an amazing instrument. It will cut a Paul and walk on a Strat. Clean, Loud, High Presence, Bold, Wide Tonal Range sound that sustains forever! (503) 895-2898

  3. exchange TB 1000 against TB 500
    sbd

    exchange splendid white TB 1000 (I have another one but i keep her) against TB 500… I’m in paris.

    picture on demand

    see ya,
    sbd

    1. Re: TB 2000 Available (Chicago Area)
      dan

      hey …can u send me a pic of that TB2000…THANKS BRO : I’m paring down my gear and am thinking of letting this one go. Anyone have any idea of what sort of price to expect?

    2. Re: TB 2000 Available (Chicago Area)
      Dave

      I’m in the market for a TB-2000, what do you want for it? Email me

      : I’m paring down my gear and am thinking of letting this one go. Anyone have any idea of what sort of price to expect?

    1. Re: tb500 wanted
      Mark Langdon

      I have a TB3000 black wedge for sale. Original owner. With original Anvil case. Bought new. Perfect condition except finish. Anvil case foam rotted which attached to finish. A $500 refinish job would make it perfect. Anvil wants $130 to refoam and plush case. What do you offer?

    1. Re: TB2000 WANTED
      Mark Langdon

      I have a TB3000 black wedge for sale. Original owner. With original Anvil case. Bought new. Perfect condition except finish. Anvil case foam rotted which attached to finish. A $500 refinish job would make it perfect. Anvil wants $130 to refoam and plush case. What do you offer?

    1. Re: travis bean tb 1000
      sean

      : I have a Travis Bean TB 1000 koa wood alum pick guard

      : good condition

      : what is it worth? any ideas?

      I need pics to identify it.

    2. Re: travis bean tb 1000
      shane

      : I have a Travis Bean TB 1000 koa wood alum pick guard

      : good condition

      : what is it worth? any ideas?

      Wanna sell it for 1300?
      shane

    1. Re: WANTED TB2000
      benjamin grimes

      : I’m looking to buy a TB2000… so anyone who’s prepared to part with one and ship to Australia let me know.
      : Chris.

      so im playing on a hunch here, but i was wondering if you’re the bass player for my disco. if so, i saw you in south minneapolis last month, and need to get some more of your stuff, the split seven inch just isn’t doin it for me anymore.
      -carter grimes

    2. Re: WANTED TB2000
      dan

      : I’m looking to buy a TB2000… so anyone who’s prepared to part with one and ship to Australia let me know.
      : Chris.

      I HAVE TB2000 BASE SERIAL#890 THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN 1977. IT IS IN THE ORIGINAL HARD CASE IN ALMOST NEW
      CONDITION.

      1. Re: WANTED TB2000
        james

        Hi Chris,
        I also have a T.B. #960 and is as original as they come with hard case. i bought it of the bass player in selabat rifles, i play the old travis in a band im in twice a week, although im not trying to sell it maybe we could talk of things to do with the a tb as i seem to need a little info on the neck.
        talk to you soon
        james t QLD Australia
        : : I’m looking to buy a TB2000… so anyone who’s prepared to part with one and ship to Australia let me know.
        : : Chris.

        : I HAVE TB2000 BASE SERIAL#890 THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN 1977. IT IS IN THE ORIGINAL HARD CASE IN ALMOST NEW
        : CONDITION.

    1. Re: TRAVIS BEAN 1000
      shane

      : I own a TB 1000 white with serial no 1170.I wanna sell it for pics,please email me.
      id love to see pics. Im looking hard for an affordable bean.
      shane

    1. Re: TB 500 WANTED!
      mm

      Hey, I am thinking of selling my TB500..
      if you’re still looking let me know and we can discuss. thanks.
      m

      : Hi –
      : Anyone have a 500 they are willing to sell. First preference is white but I will be happy to have any color!
      : Thanks
      : John

  4. Please sell me your TB!
    beanman

    Hi- Searching for 500’s, artists, or standards. Prefer painted but will consider natural finish as well. Please email me!

    1. Re: Please sell me your TB!
      Mark Langdon

      I have a TB3000 black wedge for sale. Original owner. With original Anvil case. Bought new. Perfect condition except finish. Anvil case foam rotted which attached to finish. A $500 refinish job would make it perfect. Anvil wants $130 to refoam and plush case. What do you offer?

    2. Re: Please sell me your TB!
      Erik Fernquest

      I have owned a Travis Bean since about 1981. It is in very good condition and am considering selling if the price was right. What are you looking to pay? If you want more info email me. Thanks, Erik

  5. Travis Bean Guitar Bodies for Sale !!!
    Luigi

    I currently have 2 TB500 bodies for sale that are super lightweight.
    Also have a TB1000 body for sale.
    E-mail me for more info !

    1. Re: TB3000 Wedge for sale
      Adam Scheflan

      hi,
      i’m very interested in buying, is it still for sale?
      send me information regarding: production year,neck length and all the tech. spec. you can think of.
      thanks
      Adam

  6. any Bean guitar or pickups/pickup info wanted
    bob

    subject says it all………all in the sound……major balls
    i had two matched sets (bass & guitar) in 1979… 1000’s blk and koa
    until some piece o crap swiped them from me in rochester ny
    would love to find them….just need to have one again so i can have closure..thanks,bob

    1. Re: any Bean guitar or pickups/pickup info wanted
      Mark Langdon

      I have a TB3000 black wedge for sale. Original owner. With original Anvil case. Bought new. Perfect condition except finish. Anvil case foam rotted which attached to finish. A $500 refinish job would make it perfect. Anvil wants $130 to refoam and plush case. What do you offer?

    1. Re: TB-2000 Koa serial #11, value.
      Rob Bain

      : Does anybody know the value of my Bass Travis-Bean TB-2000, Koa Serial #11.

      call me at 609 577 3337 thanks I want to buy it
      rob

    2. Re: TB-2000 Koa serial #11, value.
      Jack

      : Does anybody know the value of my Bass Travis-Bean TB-2000, Koa Serial #11.

      Depending on condition. TB basses are worth anywhere from $700.00 to $1500.00 I’d have interest because of low s/n. Email a pic if possible

      1. Re: TB-2000 Koa serial #11, value.
        rich

        considering that is the first production bass i would say it’s worth more than the rest of them. the first 10 of and model were prototypes and that makes your’s the first production bass.

    1. Re: Travis Bean 1000S #783 for sale
      Ryan widger

      How much are you selling it for?
      I collect beans and am interested.

      Ryan

      : I have a Travis bean 1000S #783 for sale. The body is in natural finish koa. The neck and the head is in polished aluminum. Every pieces of this guitar is from the original builder and they are in really good shape. Contact me at this email if you want more information and pictures. [email protected] Thanks

    2. Re: Travis Bean 1000S #783 for sale
      J. Benjamin

      Hello, I am a Travis Bean collecter, and I am looking for any Travis Bean. I have one, and I have fallen in love. I would love to buy another. Anyone who has one and is serious, please email
      [email protected]
      -God Bless!

    3. Re: Travis Bean 1000S #783 for sale
      Mike

      : I have a Travis bean 1000S #783 for sale. The body is in natural finish koa. The neck and the head is in polished aluminum. Every pieces of this guitar is from the original builder and they are in really good shape. Contact me at this email if you want more information and pictures. [email protected] Thanks

      >Could you please send me some pictures?

    4. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Xavier
      Xavier

      I have a Travis bean 1000S #783 for sale. The body is in natural finish koa. The neck and the head is in polished aluminum. Every pieces of this guitar is from the original builder and they are in really good shape. Contact me at this email if you want more information and pictures. [email protected] Thanks

  7. looking for a TB 500 neck
    ceylon mooney

    looking for a tb 500 neck or the specs for one. that would be just as good.

    for the record, i have an artist #283. awesome guitar. the tb 500 has a wider neck (wider across the fretboard) and i have big hands, so…

  8. current value of my TB. 2000
    bass worthy

    Any one know the current value of my Travis Bean Bass?
    It’s a TB 2000 serial# 493. It’s in good condition, all original.
    Thanks, bassworthy

  9. Anyone have a Standard for sale?
    Guitar of Foe

    I have £1000 ready to give you now. If you do have one, please email me with some pix or a description at…

    jason (at) foemusic (dot) (co) (dot) (uk)

    I’m in London, UK

    Thanks very much,

    Jason

  10. Travis Bean TB1000A #292 natural White Ash proto-type custom JERRY GARCIA ??
    Karl Schaefer

    i OWN THE ABOVE MENTIONED GUITAR. i AQUIORED IT OVER 20 YEARS AGO, FROM SOMEONE WHO HAD A "PROBLEM" WHICH NEEDED TO BE "FIXED". ………………… i WAS A DRUMMER AND OFTEN BOUGHT AND SOLD MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS TO MAKE EXTRA MONEY……… i WOULD USUALLY SELL EVERYTHING THAT WAS NOT OF A DRUMMING NATURE…….. THIS PERTICULAR GUITAR HOWEVER, BEING A DEAD HEAD OR MORE CORRECTLY A JERRY HEAD AS WELL AS A JAZZ HEAD, i KEPT. i HAVE A LETTER FROM TRAVIS BEAN AS TO ITS "CUSTOM PROTO-TYPE" STATUS BEING THAT THE BODY IS CONSTRUCTED OF NATURAL WHITE ASH. i HAVE ALSO HEARD TALK FROM OTHERS THAT THIS GUITAR WAS OWNED AND PLAYED BY JERRY GARCIA HIMSELF……….. IN FACT IN LATE AUGEST OF 1995 I WAS OFFERED $50,000.00 FOR THE GUITAR FROM A FRIEND OF A FRIEND (WHO I KNEW COULD HAVE AFFORDED IT)………. THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY AND I MUST SAY THAT I REGRET NOT SELLING AT THE TIME……… i MET JERRY ON MANY MANY OCCASSIONS, PARTIED AND CUT THE RUG……. AND JUST HUNG OUT……. I TOLD HIM ABOUT THE GUITAR BUT NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO SHOW IT TO HIM.
    i AM NOT INTERESTED IN SELLING THIS GUITAR AT THIS TIME.
    i MAY HOWEVER BE INTERESTED IN LISTING IT ON THE UNNOFICIAL TRAVIS BEAN WEB SIGHT.
    IS THERE A WAY ON THE SIGHT TO INCLUDE PICTURES?????
    ALSO: HOW CAN i DATE MY GUITAR BY THE SERIAL #
    i AM JUST TRYING TO LEARN A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT MY GUITAR !
    Karl Schaefer

  11. TB3000 Wedge prototype
    tim midgett

    Wedge guitar prototype for sale. Unusual body, in that the wood surrounds the aluminum neck, rather than being cut out in the back. Factory stock. Structurally sound with slight cracks on either side of neck pocket. Well played with somewhat worn cream finish, but good frets, nut, bridge, etc. A terrific guitar. Email if interested, for pix (remove "NOSPAM" from address). First come first served.

    1. TB3000 Wedge prototype now on eBay
      tim midgett

      Went ahead and put her on eBay. Item number 2578355784.

      : Wedge guitar prototype for sale. Unusual body, in that the wood surrounds the aluminum neck, rather than being cut out in the back. Factory stock. Structurally sound with slight cracks on either side of neck pocket. Well played with somewhat worn cream finish, but good frets, nut, bridge, etc. A terrific guitar. Email if interested, for pix (remove "NOSPAM" from address). First come first served.

    1. Artist #584 for sale
      Timothy C. Castine

      I placed this guitar up for sale in March of this year and found I couldn’t part with it then. Now, after it has sat virtually unplayed for several months I realize it is time for it to be in the hands of someone who can put it to good use. I have placed the Artist on Ebay, and it can be found here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2560936387

      Good luck with the bidding.

      Sincerely,
      Tim Castine

  12. Heh. . .my name's Travis Bean. . .
    Travis Bean

    Seriously, my name IS Travis Bean, heh, I live in Texas. . .I want to get a TB guitar, cos that would be really rad!

    1. Re: Heh. . .my name's Travis Bean. . .
      Mark Langdon

      I have a TB3000 black wedge for sale. Original owner. With original Anvil case. Bought new. Perfect condition except finish. Anvil case foam rotted which attached to finish. A $500 refinish job would make it perfect. Anvil wants $130 to refoam and plush case. What do you offer?

    2. Re: Heh. . .my name's Travis Bean. . .
      Mark Langdon

      I have a TB3000 black wedge for sale. Original owner. Bought new. Perfect condition except finish. Anvil case foam rotted which attached to finish. A $500 refinish job would make it perfect. What do you offer?

  13. Travis Bean Bass production fault?
    Wade Jardine

    I noticed an earlier post from Doug stating his Travis Bean Bass fingerboard had started to separte from the neck and he broke it while trying to remove it. Well a number of years ago I had the same problem and the only way to fix this problem properly is to take it to a reputable guitar maker/repairer, as you don’t want to mess about with such a historical and rare guitar, get an expert to do it. They have machines that will melt the glue under the fingerboard and it will then come off with total ease. I used this opportunity to put on a new fingerboard with a bit of contour as I don’t like flat fingerboards and as my TB was fretless it had a lot of wear. Now it is even better than the original fingerboard.
    One major production fault on Travis Bean Basses is that the body can very, very easily snap in half! I have heard this happening to a few TB Basses, one in mid gig! If you have ever taken one apart you will notice there is only about a 1” square piece of wood either side of the wood bass body where the neck slides in. Over the years the wood tends to dry out in this already unstable and fragile area. Even something like cleaning the guitar can break it very easily. This is not just my opinion I have had a guitar expert look at it and agree with me. He totally loved the bass but said that is a major production fault and this area should have been strengthened during production. If this happens it is no problem to glue the body together again but it’s not a great feeling having your priceless guitar snap in half.

    1. Re: Travis Bean Bass production fault?
      Enrique Castellanos

      : I noticed an earlier post from Doug stating his Travis Bean Bass fingerboard had started to separte from the neck and he broke it while trying to remove it. Well a number of years ago I had the same problem and the only way to fix this problem properly is to take it to a reputable guitar maker/repairer, as you don�t want to mess about with such a historical and rare guitar, get an expert to do it. They have machines that will melt the glue under the fingerboard and it will then come off with total ease. I used this opportunity to put on a new fingerboard with a bit of contour as I don�t like flat fingerboards and as my TB was fretless it had a lot of wear. Now it is even better than the original fingerboard.
      : One major production fault on Travis Bean Basses is that the body can very, very easily snap in half! I have heard this happening to a few TB Basses, one in mid gig! If you have ever taken one apart you will notice there is only about a 1� square piece of wood either side of the wood bass body where the neck slides in. Over the years the wood tends to dry out in this already unstable and fragile area. Even something like cleaning the guitar can break it very easily. This is not just my opinion I have had a guitar expert look at it and agree with me. He totally loved the bass but said that is a major production fault and this area should have been strengthened during production. If this happens it is no problem to glue the body together again but it�s not a great feeling having your priceless guitar snap in half.

      YES THEE OLD SPLITTING BASS!

      MINE SPLIT IN HALF WHILE MY 12 YEAR OLD SON WAS PLAYING IT ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO! YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN HIS EYES BUGOUT IN FEAR, HE THOUGHT THAT HE BROKE IT. I HAD BEEN WAITING FOR IT TO HAPPEN SINCE I HEARD THAT IT COULD HAPPEN. I BOUGHT MINE IN 1975 IT STILL SOUNDS AND PLAYS GREAT.

  14. Wanted: TB500
    SATO

    I’m looking for a TB500 in at least moderate condition. Can be a little beat-up but must play well, original parts, and the price trule reflect the product. I’d appreciate pics and little history about the particular guitar your selling. Thanks for your time, hope to hear from you soon.

  15. White TB1000S For Sale
    Dararasmi

    Hello All!

    I have a 100% original white TB1000S (#10XX) in EXCELLENT CONDITION I’m looking to sell. Anyone interested is more than free to contact me.

    Thank you!

        1. Re: selling #238
          mike grasby

          : : I have #238 now up for sale for picture e-me and I will send some

          do you still have the gtar for sale. can you send some pics. thanks

  16. Artist #584 for sale
    Timothy C. Castine

    I have had a TB1000 Artist for 25 years and am now willing to part with it. The Koa is highly figured, and the guitar is in beautiful overall condition.

    1. Re: Travis Bean # 15 White W/alum Neck throughout 2/pu
      phil hoyland

      : I have TB # 15 and am interested in best offer 2001 42nd ave sf ca 94116 -mail address David

      Please e-mail me and let me know if it is still available.

  17. Wanted Travis Bean 1000 Artist Koa
    Lynne

    I’d like to hear from anyone with a 1000 for sale, preferably the Artist Koa – I’ve been trying to find one to buy.

    1. Re: Wanted Travis Bean 1000 Artist Koa
      marc

      : I’d like to hear from anyone with a 1000 for sale, preferably the Artist Koa – I’ve been trying to find one to buy…….. find one yet?

    2. Re: Wanted Travis Bean 1000 Artist Koa
      Tim Castine

      Hi Lynne,

      Have you found an Artist yet? I do have one I was about to put on ebay. Let me know if you’re still looking.

      Tim

      1. Re: TB500 pickups
        MIchael Cole

        : : Looking for 2 origional TB-500 pickups. Can anyone help?

        :
        : so did you find any?
        : i’m looking also

        : I haven’t found anyuthing. I gguess their about as rare as rockin horse $@#&.

  18. For Sale: TB1000 Artist
    Jeff Gregor

    TB1000 Artist in very good +/excellent condition. All original, natural Koa finish, Serial #1202. Includes locking hardshell flight case. Serious inquiries only. Email me at [email protected] for further details, pictures, pricing, etc.

    1. Re: For Sale: TB1000 Artist
      niels scherer

      I´m very interested in this guitar. I hope, it´s still yours. Please send me pictures and the price. Sorry for my english, I´m german. Best wishes from berlin. Niels

  19. For sale: White TB1000 Artist
    Mathijs

    I have for sale my pearl white Travis Bean Artist with serial number 1296. The original pearl white colour has discoloured somewhat into a more beige-like white, but aside from that the guitar is in absolute mint condition. Bought new in 1978 by my father, I have played this guitar on and off for about 5 years, but for the last 10 years it has been standing on a stand in my living room. As I hardly play it anymore, I have decided to sell it. The Imron coating on the back of the neck is flawless except for a 1 by 2 mm. chip near the 14-th fret. The rosewood board and frets look just like new. The body has no major dents or scratches, and the same applies for all the hardware. Please email me at “[email protected]” for pictures and offers (I am willing to ship world-wide if the buyer pays for the shipping costs). Starting from November 13, I will have some pictures available on my web site: http://www.stonesinreview.tiscaliweb.nl.

    Best,
    Mathijs

    1. Re: For sale: White TB1000 Artist
      niels scherer

      I hope the guitar is still yours! I´m very interested in this guitar. Please answer me including Pics and price. Sorry for my bad english, I´m german and a lazy bone at school. Thanks for answering. Niels

  20. I have 5 of the Reissue Travis Bean Basses
    Pete

    Travis Bean Made 18 reissue Instruments.12 guitars and 6 Basses.I have 5 of the 6 Basses(Serial #’s 1-5) that I bought from Travis himsel.I will be selling some soon on Ebay.

    1. Re: I have 5 of the Reissue Travis Bean Basses
      nick

      : Travis Bean Made 18 reissue Instruments.12 guitars and 6 Basses.I have 5 of the 6 Basses(Serial #’s 1-5) that I bought from Travis himsel.I will be selling some soon on Ebay.

      and rip peopel off with an insanely high reserve? like that one brit that sells them for like 3000$ (the originals)

      1. Re: I have 5 of the Reissue Travis Bean Basses
        Brian

        : : Travis Bean Made 18 reissue Instruments.12 guitars and 6 Basses.I have 5 of the 6 Basses(Serial #’s 1-5) that I bought from Travis himsel.I will be selling some soon on Ebay.

        : and rip peopel off with an insanely high reserve? like that one brit that sells them for like 3000$ (the originals)

        how much will you sell them for, what do they look like, how do they sound, do you prefer the old over the new?

Leave a Reply