Watkins Rapier from 1958 - the original model

guitarz.blogspot.com:

Compare this early 1958 Watkins Rapier to the later models and it should become apparent how revolutionary the Stratocaster design must have been at the time, for manufacturers such as Watkins to borrow from its curves in their later designs. This early slab-bodied model Rapier was only made from 1958-1959. Some later examples borrowed the Strat-style headstock shape before the redesign to make the whole guitar's outline more Stratty.

For more about Watkins and associated brands WEM and Wilson, I must direct you to the fantastic Watkins Guitar World website, essential reading for anyone interested in the history of British guitars.

G L Wilson

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