CLF-75 prototype guitar-1

Let’s rewind five years from 1980 to 1975. The 2548 Fender Avenue building is complete and R&D is continuing while the factory floor is being outfitted for production. What we have here, I believe, is the oldest complete CLF Research guitar prototype, finished in spring of 1975.

We’ll study the tech together later but just take a look first. To my eyes George’s styling was fresh, hip and fun for the time. There was a sense of roundness to nearly everything. Now, look at the G&L Skyhawk, like the new CLFR ones. Do you see similarities? I do. George used to revisit his styling elements just like Leo would with his technical elements.

Anyway, the CLF-75 prototype guitar has active electronics and I can’t remember the last time it worked, so I’ve just changed the battery and now we’ll see if it’s alive! Probably not, but...