Fenton-Weill Dallas Tuxedo Electric Guitar

Made in England, c.1963–1965

An increasingly rare and highly collectible British electric guitar from the early 1960s, this Fenton-Weill Dallas Tuxedo represents an important chapter in UK guitar-making history. Built in London during a very short production run, these instruments were made in limited numbers and are now highly sought after by serious players and collectors.

This example has numerous marks, chips and dings from years of use but no visible breaks or repairs.

When Fenton-Weill was initally founded , operating as distributors and importers before moving into guitar production in the early 1960s. Their designs stood out for their originality and quality at a time when the British guitar industry was rapidly developing. In 1965, the company was acquired by Jim Burns, and many Fenton-Weill design ideas, construction methods, and hardware solutions fed directly into early Burns London guitars. As such, Fenton-Weill instruments are often regarded as the missing link between small-scale British makers and the more widely recognised Burns models that followed.

The Dallas Tuxedo is one of Fenton-Weill’s most distinctive designs, notable for its sharp, offset body shape and bold visual presence. It embodies the experimental, forward-thinking approach of early 1960s British guitar design, clearly aimed at the emerging beat and rock scenes. Production is believed to have been limited to just a few years, making surviving examples particularly uncommon.

Typical factory specifications include a solid body with German carve detailing, a set neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and Fenton-Weill single-coil pickups. The electronics and control layout are simple yet effective, reflecting the practical needs of working musicians while retaining a strong sense of individuality.

This guitar has been given a full professional setup and fret dress, and is sold with reasonable playability throughout the thin neck. A small number of minor parts have been changed, most notably some of the pickguard screws, and its tremolo arm is missing, but the instrument remains true to its period character.

Fenton Weill Dallas Tuxedo 1960's - Red