Meanwhile, at Warmoth...A bronze-plated Strat replacement body for Jason Becker

[aarontunes]

So, a few months ago Jason Becker approached us about helping him create a replica of the guitar that inspired him to play when he was 9 years old. It was a Fender Stratocaster with a bronze-plated body. He already had a neck and all the hardware, but was running into a wall trying to locate a bronzed body. Of course we accepted the challenge! It was a fun and interesting project!

The pics below are of the body we supplied, and of the full replica after it was completed by Jason. Can any of you guitar dudes (or Hannah) identify who played this guitar originally?

 

[pabloman]

Robbie Robertson. In the Last Waltz I think..  :headbang1:

Awesome build guys!!!

 

[mayfly]

Holy cool!!

Yes it was Robbie Robertson.  I notice that you got the pickups in the right place!  :headbang:

 

[line6man]

Fantastic! I love that finish, and the pickup scheme is awesome.

 

[fdesalvo]

Cool story and guitar!

 

[Tonar8352]

What a cool project and a privilege to do that for Jason. His story is amazing and we can all learn from his mental fortitude to continue making music with such physical limitations. Peace to you Jason!

 

[Surf n Music n Ski n Bike]

What a cool project and a privilege to do that for Jason. His story is amazing and we can all learn from his mental fortitude to continue making music with such physical limitations. Peace to you Jason!

Well said Tonar. Ain't nobody got any reason to complain or give up. No matter what happens press on and magic can be created. One bad ass human being right there!

 

[aarontunes]

For those who may not know, Jason has lived with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) for about 25 years now. The typical lifespan of someone with ALS is two to five years. He was diagnosed when he was about 20 years old, just as he was finishing up recording an album with David Lee Roth. How he has lived and thrived with this disease, and how his family has rallied around him, supported him, and made it possible for him to communicate, is inspiring. His Wikipedia page has the full story, for those who wish to know more.

When I think of champions with ALS I think of Stephen Hawking and Jason Becker.

 

[TonyFlyingSquirrel]

I would also recommend the movie, http://www.jasonbeckermovie.com/ that chronicles his journey.
I have some friends that were interviewed for it as we were all part of that Bay Area scene back in the day.
Jason is a local Bay Area hero, and while I've never met him, his story is awe inspiring.