Versatile old warrior < Back Greco DB-600N Price £1,275 - SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Recommissioning old warriors gives us great satisfaction. This particular iteration of the 600 survived in the range from 1974 until 1978 after which the nut width increased by a few mm and the headstock shrank to the vintage style. This one personifies the 1970s - no nonsense, no need to hide the grain, 3 way switch and 4.17kg (9lbs 3oz) of heft. This is no boat anchor; just a little heavier than those before and after the 1970s. We have given this one a few extra things to warrant its place on the DreamBuild wall - firstly the frets. As with many hard-working Strats in the 70s, a fresh set of Gibson jumbo frets are set into a restored and unfinished neck. The lacquer on this one had perished to the point of getting painful, so we took it off completely. Now it really has a new guitar feel. The nut on these early 600s is just shy of a B spec, but nothing as narrow as a Jag. The nut is 40.2mm and the 12th fret is 49.7mm. It doesn't feel crowded, and nothing like the 'A' nut - the nearest equivalent we have had here would be a Custom Shop Bonnie Raitt. Sound-wise this has a few tricks up its sleeve too. The neck and middle pick-ups are original PU-100 Maxon single coils - very bright and plenty of guts in the output; and a 9.5k rewound bridge unit to provide a hotter tone than you'd expect from a 70s Strat. The 3 way switch remains, and careful fishing will get you the in-between sounds; there is the normal Master Volume, a Master Tone and now it gets interesting. We have re-purposed the lower tone control to add growl and punch from the bridge and neck pick-ups. There are no batteries in this guitar - no voltage addition, just changing the way the pick-ups behave. Rolling off the lower tone control alters the bridge pick-up tone from hot single coil to a calmer and less intense treble at the mid-point, then onto a growly P-90 type tone and then finishing with a big boost in the mids. This works on the neck pick-up in a similar fashion starting with the glassy airy blues tone through subtle jazz, then finishing at a Gibson-like howl - very reminiscent of the early Maxon humbuckers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wT-QDOgKD8U No batteries, no booster pcbs, just making the best use of the magnets and wire in those pick-ups. If you play through a variety of different amps, or have a complex signal path on the floor, this control will allow you to tailor the guitar output immediately. You may end up ditching some of those pedals. Obviously I am always going to melt over an older vintage guitar, and I continue to do so here with this 50 year old Greco. With no headstock tax, this is a vintage guitar that won't cause anxiety when it is unattended while you're at the bar, and won't mind a few additional knocks and scrapes. I recommission these oldies to be tools and pals, not assets to monitor the value of. As normal, old and new where it matters most. Details The Look 1970's Natural - plenty of signs of life and ready for more Headstock CBS big headstock with original MH-803 tuners in great condition Neck Refretted with Jumbo frets like so many were in the 70s. Lacquer-free now, and a lovely natural feel to the slim C 7.25 radius neck. The nut is just shy of 41mm - a real 60s feel. Pick-ups 2 vintage PU-100 at the neck and middle, and a 9.5k hotter P-100 at the bridge. Bridge Original Greco vintage tremolo Controls 3-way switch, Master Volume, Master Tone. The lower Tone control dials out some treble, then boosts the mids as you roll down to 0. No mud, just useful power. No batteries, just making the best use of the pick-ups Gallery ← Previous Next→

Eye catching upgraded 1973 Greco TE-350 < Back Matsumoku TE-350 Price £1,450 | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! This Tele is obviously a fine looking prospect with a modern reliable high specification, and being a 1973 model gets you one of the supreme 3 piece necks coupled with a medium weighted body. Evil Sheep premium leve pick-ups, ObsidianWire electronics and Gotoh hardware The odd shaped and sized Maxon pick-ups that came with this guitar are surprisingly good, but of a time where they don't always stand up to modern equivalents in a band or gig setting. This TE-350 is equipped with Evil Sheep 5225 pick-ups - 5.6k at the neck and 10.5k at the bridge. That clever mixing of magnets delivers a remarkably good and useful set of tones - each of the 3 positions are outstanding. These are bright sounding pick-ups in keeping with the original character of the Maxons, but without the microphonic issues, and with a bit more punch and power in the mids. The Gotoh bridge piece is a cut-down ashtray for increased comfort, and features titanium saddles instead of brass. The effect this has is difficult to describe, but you may find yourself enjoying the bridge pick-up even more as a result. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qj_sWoqW0vE This is another pretty Tele upgrade, a comfortable and most importantly, a great sounding guitar. All the original parts and components for this guitar are safely stored in our archive and would come with the guitar either stored with us, or with you. All are in working order and could be returned to the guitar at any point in the future. The bridge would require minor surgery, but nothing particularly difficult. Details The Look Aside from the scratchplate and the bridge unit, this guitar retains a lot of its original look. Shiney new chrome Gotoh hardware always looks good on these models. Cherished in its original form, a few of its battle scars have been patched - still plenty of patina though. Headstock The tuners are brand new SDS510 units - top of the Gotoh range. New string trees too. Neck An original Harayama 3-piece maple neck - ready to provide comfortable and free playing in every style. Pick-ups 2 x Evil Sheep 5225 (Tele set) with mixed magnets to enhance what should be enhanced. Neck is 5.6k and bridge is 10.5k Bridge Gotoh Ti-TC1S semi-cutaway ashtray, titanium saddles retain the Tele brightness, and replace the "clang" with enhanced definition. Controls Traditional 3 way selector for classic Tele sounds; standard volume and tone controls using the highest quality parts. ObsidianWire Vintage controls. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Greco TL-500N, Proper no-nonsense Tele - before the Fender accountants arrived... < Back Greco TL-500N D801328 Telecasters from Matsumoku and Fujigen from this era are always hidden gems. They were slightly in the shadow of the exciting new designs emanating from Hayashi and Toshio at this time - but there is always demand for a traditional Tele and so these models continued in production. It could be said that the less you write about a Tele, the better it is - these Fujigen built guitars from 80 and 81 are the last they built without the oversight of Fender management and bean-counters. The build quality of these TL guitars is as good as it got. They will oulast us all. The pick-ups in this are Maxon PU-T5 - the vintage output, and to our ears slightly sweeter than the high powered DiMarzios that were often fitted to these 1980 Teles. I have the original bridge plate here, but have decided to fit a new Gotoh semi-cutaway unit as they always improve the playability. The original plate will be included in the sale, but unless the next owner objects, the new Gotoh unit will stay on the guitar. The semi-cutaway design is so much kinder on the palm muting. I have also changed the knobs to Charles Guitar items which feel great and are a better pairing with the new bridge unit. The finish is still sound, but has had a bit of rough handling - we see evidence of a previous respray in the wrong type of black, but the right type for removing again. This is no mint factory fresh model - it has seen some life, but most importantly, plays perfectly, and is set to do so for another 45 years at least. We have other mintier Grecos here if that is important - this one just wants to be played. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHxXdLYuvzg Price Availability £995 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is; pick-up upgrade feasible, but not necessary Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1980 Pick-ups Maxon PU-T5 Selector 3-way Bridge New Gotoh In-tune Semi-cutaway Board Maple 3.60kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications Bridge plate, and knobs (Charles Vintage) Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

1978 Fujigen Greco SE-700 Early Sixties - Natural, What the 70's should have been < Back 1978 Fujigen Greco SE-700 Early Sixties - Natural L783219 This 1978 Greco SE-700 has a 2-piece body and retains its original PU-119 pick-ups (previously found on the most expensive models, and otherwise known as Excels). The rosewood neck is more similar to a veneer to a slab when comparing to Stratocasters from the early 1960's and there is a strong consensus here amongst the talented players and luthiers that this exhibits many of the features of a good late 70's Strat. This is another vintage Greco that blows the minds of Fender traditionalists. These PU119 pick-ups are held in high regard amongst the MIJ crowd - they respond well to subtle control changes on the guitar and the amplifier and exhibit a good clarity and slight nasal characteristic when driven. Everything on this guitar remains original - the bridge and tuners are all in great aged condition - most importantly perfectly functioning. The black scratchplate has had a mystery substance on it at some point and appears to be melting between the bridge and middle pick-ups. All part of the character, and unless this bothers you, we'll leave it be. At a fraction over 3.56kg (7lbs 14oz) this has "that perfect Strat" weight and feel to it - there are a few parking knocks and scars on the body that give it that authentic vintage touch too - we have attempted to catch them all in the photos. The frets demonstrate the chords this guitar has spent most of its working hours with, but not low, no choking or buzzing anywhere and my regular question to the guys that see to our fretwork here gets their eyes rolling. So, years of service available before any remedial work required. Early Sixties really ought to say "What the 70's should have been" but that wouldn't fit on the headstock. This will hold its own next to any 1970's Strat costing 3 times the price of this one, and has the spec that will appeal to fans of JV guitars. The serial Number on this one is L783219, a late December 1978 Fujigen build from the time they were really showing off to impress the boys from Corona. A Fender guitar from this CBS era is hit and miss - there were some real howlers, and even the good ones are likely to have been upgraded by now. During this era, Fujigen and their contemporaries were just the opposite - getting better and better. This guitar feels like one of their very best. This SE-700 will put guitars twice its price to shame. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhmDj7ac8xY Price Availability £1,195 Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Original PU119 x 3 Selector 5-way blade Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Rosewood 3.56kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

Greco SE-800J, Rewarding once mastered < Back Greco SE-800J C781817 This is the result of Jeff Beck's Japan tour of late 1978 - and this is by far the most faithful tribute to the guitar he was seen with. The 800 feels a lot more premium than the lower order models - the soft V neck with the 42mm nut, the hooligan spec DiMarzio FS-1 at the bridge and the heft of a late 70s CBS Strat. It isn't a boat anchor, but at nearly 4kg, it feels as solid as a rock. Of course it's complex - it is a Swiss Army Knife of functionality. You will agree to forego the soft gentle neck and middle in-between tone and receive a huge array of powerful tones in exchange. Rather than fill the page with a description of how the switches work, please battle through the demo video where I attempt to explain it all as simply as I can. The powerful mid-enhanced FS-1 pick-up really bites and makes most humbuckers sound dull in comparison. The accompanying Excel PU-119 pick-ups are as articulate and defined as we know to expect. Having the facility to combine the neck and middle into series, and then add some reverse phase Dimarzio to it will likely have you declaring "that's that sound!". The traditional Strat neck sound is easily found - the switching is a lot more intuitive that you may expect; and as with all complex wirings, once familiarized, they all make sense and can be found on the fly. This guitar demands you get to know it, and once you do you'll just need to rehearse the explanation as to how you are getting that sound. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyRcZJYZt4s I have the original saddles here and they will be included in the sale. The guitar comes with a slightly well used but functional period correct hard case Price Availability On Sale! Click Buy button to check latest price. 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Scratch that itch... Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups DiMarzio FS & 2 x PU-119 Selector 3 mini-switches Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Rosewood 3.95kg; 8lbs 11oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

Taking a single pick-up guitar to the extremes < Back Matsumoku Monaco L78 Price £1,999 GBP Add to Cart Chat with Us A thoroughly disassembled black 1978 Aria ST-400 appeared one day in the workshop - I'd agreed to buy it off a chap in Brighton. To my amazement, L780016 featured a parrotbeak headstock - just like the Thor Sound range. I threw it to the forums - it seems there were a few leaving Matsumoku attached to Strat clones in December 1978. Most were old photos of long-dead instruments, so I guess this is a bit of a rarity and therefore I decided it would live on in style. This Monaco is one of a pair - it accompanies the SuperMonaco, and both are so much fun, and so adorable that I intend to make more of these offering different options for sounds. This Monaco features a single Haeussel Tapped 1956 P-90, wound specifically for this build, and a dummy coil hidden beneath the plate to offer various hum cancelling options for studio work. It is a brave move, or a decision made by someone with the budget for many guitars, to opt for a single pick-up guitar - Esquires are very rare compared to Teles. This single pick-up no nonsense guitar has 5 tone options governed by that 5-way switch. They are: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3QS5VivmiU 1) tapped P-90 (6.5k) with 470k pot value - rude and aggressive sound. 2) tapped P-90 (6.5k) with 220k pot value - warm and pleasant sound 3) full winding P-90 (8.2k) in parallel with dummy coil with 470k pot value - unique and addictive sound 4) full winding P-90 (8.2k) with 470k pot value - the traditional Gibson sound 5) full winding P-90 (8.2k) in series with dummy coil with 550k pot value - another unique and useful sound There is a sound in there to suit most requirements of a player with a yellow guitar no-one else has ever seen before. The bridge is a black Gotoh GE101TS providing ample sustain and great stability. High quality Aria tuners are rebuilt and ready for many years of reliable service. Like most of our guitars, they are not supposed to look brand new - neither do we intend to add flaws, or relic anything. The finish on this guitar is supposed to reflect the life it has led, but add a radiance; some excitement and new character to enjoy. Details The Look A radical new look and expression. Everyone needs at least one yellow guitar in their lives Headstock Rebuilt Aria Pro II (by Gotoh) black tuners on a black refinished headstock, but refinished over the scars. Neck New Dunlop 6100 frets on adjusted and resettled neck geometry. Pick-ups 1 x Haeussel 1956 P-90 (tapped) custom wound for this guitar by one of the finest pick-up creators in the world. Thanks Harry. (There is one of his secret dummy coils in there too) Bridge Gotoh GE101T in Black Controls 5 way selector, master volume and tone Gallery ← Previous Next→

70s Maya 3252 Electric Bass, A truly retro-cool pair. < Back 70s Maya 3252 Electric Bass No Number Price Availability £325 Sold Recommendation Beginning or improving in a truly retro-cool way. Gig with the bass though. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1970 Pick-ups Nisshin Onpa Single coil Selector N/A Bridge Early Gotoh twin saddle Board Maple TBC Modifications New Output Jack Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

1974 Greco TE-350 (Upgraded), Sensibly upgraded war-horse < Back 1974 Greco TE-350 (Upgraded) Pre-serial number These Gneco Teles are getting very thin on the ground now - even more so in this condition. This one dates from early 1974, and has the famous laminate neck that if you've yet to discover, I highly recommend you have a go on one to find out what the fuss is all about. We alternate between keeping these totally original, or treating them to subtle but sensible upgrades to get the absolute best out of them. We always leave the neck pick-up wherever possible - these Maxons are divine. We have upgraded the bridge plate to a new Gotoh unit with the titanium barrels - the flat edges allows more comfortable playing, and the aperture allows a modern pick-up to be fitted. For this TE-350, a Monty's Guitars 50's Broadcaster unit was fitted, and it gives the old girl a proper set of lungs. This is a Matsumoku built Greco (Gneco) , these skipped across town to Fujigen 1 year later. Keeping it in this condition and with regular use and servicing, this TE-350 is unlikely to ever lose value. This one has had a recent re-fret so has many years ahead of it without that requirement. Fresh frets on these necks give them the feel of a much more expensive guitar. It has a few little scratches and dinks, but nothing unusual or out of place on a guitar that has seen this much life. We often get the question "how does it compare to a real one?", and for some folk, unless the Fender name is present, it just won't do. These old warriors beg to differ and in our experience, sit alongside "real ones" and are called for duty usually for their neck pick-up. A 50 year old Fender is likely to cost a small fortune and unlikely to be used for live work. None of this stress exists with these Grecos. They are still sensibly priced to be obtainable, and relish being put to work. OK, so this one was sold before it even hit the market, but I have more on the way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfj1Ex-OKmg Don't knock them until you try them! Price Availability £1,295 Sold Recommendation At least another 50 years in front of it. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1974 Pick-ups Maxon & Monty's Selector 3-way Bridge Gotoh Ti-TC Board Maple 3.88kg; 8lbs 9oz Modifications Bridge plate, pick-up and electronics Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

Echopark Arroyo, Your chance to be Dean Fertita (or Johnny Depp). < Back Echopark Arroyo Brooks Collection This is one of Gabriel Currie's Californian builds, and is the precise same spec as Dean Fertita's (QOTSA Reading 2014 video Burn the Witch). At a shade over 7lbs, the NOS mahogany results in a decent comfortable weight - the substantial C neck is very comfortable indeed - a solid handshake from this Arroyo. The choice of pick-ups on this build is sensational - the Arcane Echotron built to Currie's spec, and gives the lead tone a very special character clean and driven. The neck pick-up is a single coil goldfoil , another custom winding that manages to combine clarity and "lo-fi" perfectly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMVtgqga3Pw For the bridge pick-up, just listen to the Reading 2014 QOTSA Burn the Witch – that guitar is the exact same model and spec as this one. It is an Arcane Echotron which cuts and bites without overdoing it. The balance between the two is sublime. This is a guitar that lends its lo-fi character to every other tone you have in your head and delivers something more than you may have expected. It is old-stock Mahogany for body and neck , and a Macassar Ebony fretboard with medium Jescar frets. The bridge is a Tonepros wraparound, all other components are what you would expect (CTS, Gotoh, Switchcraft, PIO capacitor). There is a characteristic of all Echoparks that I have experienced – is it one of Mr. Curries idiosyncrasies? Maybe. The scratchplate doesn’t fit brilliantly – it curls a bit at the edges. It is a lot better than the aluminium affair that graced the Clarence that passed through here a while back. It’s character – proves it’s a real one! This is one of Gabe’s Californian builds – some say his best era. He’s not the easiest chap in the world to deal with, especially lately, but this guitar represents the finest qualities of his hands and mind. A solid handshake without being heavy, a neck like a telegraph pole without being unwieldy, and a green-burst finish that oozes quality and class. This is one of 2 Echoparks we have had here recently – both sublime. This one is still available here at the Hall – come and try it to see what the fuss is all about. Price Availability £6,895 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2016 Pick-ups Echopark Goldfoil and Echotron Selector 3 way Toggle Bridge Tonepros Wraparound Board Macassar Ebony 3.23kg; 7lbs 2oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Telecaster Thinline®NOS - Ron Thorn, < Back Fender Custom Shop Masterbuilt Telecaster Thinline®NOS - Ron Thorn RT0190 Produced by Ron Thorn, Principle Masterbuilder at Corona , this combines amazing looks with a compelling specification. Don't mistake this for a Parallel Universe Magico - they're great, but this is something a lot more special. Complete with CoA and SFT, and with the serial number RT0190, the translucent Daphne Blue Thinline has the following specification: A 2-piece ash body with AA Flame 9.5" radius maple neck , nitro lacquered with bone 1.625" nut, Dunlop 6105 frets and Oval C 60's style profile. 1st and 12th dimensions are 0.810" and 0.975". So far, a familiar set of numbers but now it starts to depart from tradition. The translucent Daphne Blue high gloss finish shows just enough of the grain and the edges are bound with White Pearl . The tuners are American Standard with White Pearl buttons. The bridge is a "chopped Tele bridge" with Ron Thorn's Brass knuckle saddle. A Master Volume and Tone control accompanies a 5-way selector switch. 3 Lollar Goldfoil soapbar pick-ups , each with a White Pearl surround, complete the specification. A few boutique and higher end pick-up winders are re-issuing a selection of Goldfoil units - Lollar have elected to remain faithful to the original mid-50's rubberized magnet construction and worked their magic on eliminating the microphonic characteristics and inherent low output nature of the originals. Lining up this Thinline together with traditional Teles and less traditional spec Teles, these Goldfoils lend a very distinct character to the traditional Strat configuration. Lo-fi and Hi-fi at the same time - not as piercing as Filtertrons, but a very enticing clarity. The middle on its own is a treat. Originally purchased by a prodigious collector, Tte guitar comes with a blue case and all of the candy. Despite the lack of miles on the clock, this guitar has taken a frustrating knock - undoubtedly an errant cable jack. Just into the ample lacquer, not in any way visible unless you know it’s there. But it is there. Obviously having absolutely no effect on the performance of the guitar, and the way it makes you feel when you play it, but it is the sole flaw with this beautiful guitar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAeenMex9UA Price Availability £6,499 Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 2019 Pick-ups Lollar Gold Foil Soapbar x 3 Selector 5-way selector switch, Master Volume and Tone Control Bridge "Chopped Tele bridge" with Ron Thorn's brass knuckle saddle Board Maple 2.8 kg; 6lbs 3 oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

Greco SE-500 Custom, The ultimate SE-500? < Back Greco SE-500 Custom K772621 Back in '77 you could stride into Tokyo Music Store, slap 3 months wages on the counter and fill in a form to specify exactly what you wanted. A few weeks later it would arrive in a nice case and would even be in a canvas sack inside that case. This is a Fujigen produced Greco, and it features PU-119 pick-ups (otherwise known as Excel) from the more expensive models in the range. The 500 was the only model available with the large headstock and maple neck which is why we believe this guitar was based upon a 500, but spec'ed as a 6/7/800 in terms of electrics. Just had to have that modern large headstock I guess. The hues of the stain finish are very reminiscent of the new Greco Original range that were launched in 1977, also the 'violin finish' seen on the megabucks EGF1350, 1500 and 1800s. It is obvious that this guitar has led a cherished life as it bears no obvious normal signs of being 45 years old. The pick-ups are typical late 70's Maxon - fairly high output and airy - perfect for the Hendrix repertoire but these Excels cover all bases very well. The Excels have the dynamics and mid range that the earlier versions lacked The bridge unit and tuners are all in great condition, there is lots of life left in the original frets. I get a few guitars over here that blow me away straight out of the box - this is one of them and I doubt I'll be able to let it go - certainly not without a fight. So I'm not even going to try and value this one - it is a special guitar, and suits a collector - it even has its certificate of authenticity. Currently the super-high end Greco Les Pauls are equalling their genuine American originals and I doubt the Strats will ever manage that, but it will take quite a sum to part me from this... Price Availability £1,295 Sold Recommendation Enjoy it as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups PU-119 Excels Selector 3-way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple 3.78kg; 8lbs 5oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:33 Play Video Play Video 06:07 Play Video Play Video 07:01 Play Video Play Video 02:33 Play Video Play Video 03:30 Play Video Play Video 07:44 Play Video Play Video 02:41 Play Video Play Video 03:08

The look AND the sounds < Back Matsumoku DB-DG Price £1,695 Add to Cart Chat with Us A lovely 1974 Greco SE-550 arrived at our studio from Japan earlier this year and like most of the guitars from this era, it felt perfect. The SE-550 was a short-lived model for the period where the 600 and 800 were being finalized. Like the other 550 models we have had, this had the full C neck - an engineered construction so assured to outlast us all. It is not a baseball bat by any means, but has the 1970s heft and shoulder. A set of Jescar 55090 was applied and now it is fast, slick, comfortable and supremely premium. The early iterations of PU-100 pick-up are sweet and soulful, but this guitar needs to keep up with modern traffic so Tony has wound another set of Gilmour spec single coils, and provided a tap on the bridge unit so the S-1 toggles between vintage tones and Comfortbly Numb output. The lower tone control governs the presence of the neck pick-up when the bridge unit is in the circuit, and the bridge pick-up when the neck unit is in the circuit. This enables a huge variety of in-between tones to ctaer for every occasion, and offers the neck and bridge tones to get through a Pink Floyd set. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN4dRWTYp_s As well as electrics upgrades, this guitar also features a brand new Gotoh NS510-TS tremolo at one end and SDS-510 tuners at the other. The stainless block gives this guitar a ringing sustain missing from any Fender equivalent. The guitar body has pletny of signs of life from its 52 years, but limited to scratches and little dings down to the timber on the lower edge - it all adds to the character of this guitar. This is the 1970s so it tips the scales at 4kg (8lbs 15oz) - not the heaviest Greco from 1974 by any means, but no featherweight. So, a versatile, powerful Gilmour tribute model at a fraction of the price of a Fender Custom Shop, and we would argue a much better spec. If performance matters more than the branding, this guitar is ideal and you haven't paid a load of money for someone to make a new guitar look old - this has done that all by itself. Details The Look Roadworn but scrubs up well - the top end hardware is all new and shiny. Old and new where it matters most. Headstock Big headstock style retaining its original Gneco decal perfectly presented with new Gotoh trees and SDS510 tuners. Neck Big C 5-piece maple neck and board with new 43mm nut - more Harayama magic. Deluxe Closet Classic grade with new Jescar 55090 frets for the 'new guitar feel' Pick-ups 3 x in-house A5 custom wound for us, and based on the Gilmour output, and a tapped bridge coil for 2 distinct tones Bridge Luxurious quality and totally appropriate for these guitars - the Gotoh NS510TS with a Stainless block. You'll enjoy playing this acoustically as much as plugged in. Controls CRL 5-way selector and 2 x CTS 250k pots plus S-1 Master Volume. Master Tone with neck/bridge blender on the lower tone knob. Sozo PIO capacitor for smooth taming. Gallery ← Previous Next→