Jimmy Page’s 1959 Dragon Telecaster is a legendary guitar with a fascinating history. The guitar was originally owned by Jeff Beck, who used it as a backup instrument during his time with the Yardbirds. In 1966, Beck gifted the Telecaster to Page as a token of appreciation for helping him throughout his early career. When Page first received the guitar, it had a regular white finish. In 1967, he added eight circular mirrors to the body, inspired by Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd, who had a similar setup on his Fender Esquire. Later, Page decided to strip the finish completely and repaint the guitar himself. He created the iconic “Dragon” design, featuring a clear lacquer with a red and black dragon decal. He also added a custom-made clear plastic pickguard with reflective film underneath…..

In the heart of rock’s electric birth,
Lies a tale of creation, of passion and worth,
A Telecaster, humble, yet destined to soar,
Jimmy Page’s “Dragon,” a legend of lore.

Once cradled by Beck, the Yardbirds’ own flame,
A backup companion in the echoing game,
In ’66, with gratitude shining bright,
He gifted it forward, igniting the light.

Page received it, a canvas of white,
A simple instrument, dormant in plight,
Yet within its strings, a spirit alive,
Waiting for freedom, ready to thrive.

Inspired by Syd, with a stroke of bold fate,
Eight mirrors adorned, a shimmering slate,
Reflecting the stage, every glance a delight,
A glimmering presence in the magical night.

But the muse called to Page, an artist’s own need,
To strip down the surface, let creativity lead,
He took to the wood with a vision expansive,
Transforming the Telecaster, a journey, a dance.

With meticulous care, he unleashed his design,
A dragon entwined in black-laced red wine,
Each scale a whisper, each wing set to fly,
An embodiment of passion, a creature gone high.

Coating with lacquer, a gloss that would gleam,
A testament to artistry, a rock ’n’ roll dream,
The custom pickguard, a reflection below,
A symphony of light, where sound freely flows.

From the corners of history, this tale now unfolds,
In the echo of concerts and legends retold,
Page wielded his dragon like a magician’s own wand,
With riffs spilling magic, a silent response.

Through the haze of the decades, this guitar still sings,
Of the power it holds, of the joy that it brings,
A testament to friendship, to artistry’s call,
Jimmy Page’s Dragon—forever enthralled.

So here’s to the magic where music ignites,
To a Telecaster transformed into flights,
In the world of rock legends, it finds its own home,
A dragon that soars, forever to roam.