Judah in perfect tune with legendary guitar

A PIECE of Cairns’ music history has been sold to a young TV musician who hopes to carry on the guitar’s legacy.

The Voice winner Judah Kelly said he knew the minute he laid eyes on the 1968 Fender Telecaster at shop Music City he’d found something special.

“I just knew while playing it that it had really been put through its paces and had been played heaps because of how nice it felt,” he said.

Little did he know the hands that played the guitar belonged to the likes of INXS, the Rolling Stones, and Tommy Emmanuel.

Music City owner Ric Montgomery said the guitar had been a staple instrument at legendary Cairns music venue Johno’s Blues Bar.

“It was used by lead guitarists in a whole heap of American bands,” he said.

“One of the ones I really remember is Mick Taylor from the Rolling Stones.”

He said many people had tried to buy the guitar over the years, but he knew Mr Kelly was the right person for it.

“When you play an old Fender you know there’s only one choice. I reckon he was the right person to get it, if it was anyone else I probably wouldn’t have sold,” Mr Montgomery said.

As for the future of the guitar, Mr Kelly said it was in good hands.

“I’m just excited to have a guitar that’s played in so well and I can’t wait to take it on the road with me,” he said.