Recently I got a letter from Bill Wardwell who is a friend of Rich Fifield and he send along this information. Rich was the lead guitarist for the group “The Astronauts” back in the early 60s. In 1964 The Astronauts were playing around the University of Colorado and recording for RCA records. Guitar Player Magazine featured Rich’s playing on their “Legends of Guitar” CD series. The Astronauts reunited and played in 1988 and 89 in Boulder, Colorado. They last performed together in 1987.

Rich told Bill that while playing Jazzmasters, Jaguars, Mustangs and Stratocasters in concert, all of their recordings were done with Jazzmasters, Dual Showman Amps and Fender Reverb units. In fact Leo Fender personally loaned them the first Reverb unit (ever) which he was building for Dick Dale so they could use it on their first album for RCA. Rich used a 1961 Olympic White Jazzmaster which can be seen on album covers. Here are some of their albums to look for:

• Rockin’ with the Astronauts RCA #183
• Surfin’ with the Astronauts RCA # 2760
• Everything is A-OK RCA # 2782
• Competition Coupe RCA # 2858
• The Astronauts Orbit Campus RCA # 2903
• Go Go Go RCA # 3307
• Favorites for you RCA # 3359
• Down the line RCA # 3454
• Travelin’ Men RCA # 3733

The Jazzmaster pickups are wider and flatter compared to the Stratocaster pickups which have a brighter sound. The Jazzmaster has a warm full sound and tone and the two pickups are humbucking when both used together I like using Alnico 2 magnets and hand winding the coil for the authentic tone. My other favorite Jazzmaster sound are “Walk don’t run” recorded by the instrumental group “The Ventures” featuring Bob Bogle on lead guitar. Another great Jazzmaster player was Roy Lanham who played with Roy Roger and the Sons of the Pioneer. I’m sure Rich would love to hear from all you fans and players and you can write to him at: Rich Fifield c/o my address at the bottom.