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Shergold 124, Pretend you are Mike Rutherford < Back Shergold 124 12420 This extremely rare UK built double neck is in fine condition and stage ready for a Genesis (or Julian Cope at a stretch) tribute act. The serial number is 124 20, which we assume means the 20th guitar built in this particular 12 up top, 4 below configuration. We think it dates from 1978, and the hardware and electronics are totally original and in fine working order. The only items that have been replaced during the recent re-commissioning are the guitar strings, and the scratchplate and string guide screws. One "witch hat" knob on the neck selector has been replaced by a 1970's Fuji black tip - it fits well and doesn't look out of place. The pick-ups are the original Re'An units - Re'An is synonymous with Burns of London. Jack Golder is the 'Gold' in Shergold - he and Jim Burns more or less established Burns of London. The Burns tone was popular amongst the professionals and therefore it made sense to stick with Re'An for these subsequent ventures. They are indeed great pick-ups and up top you have the choice of a single coil, regular series humbucker, or the two coils of the humbucker out of phase. The neck and bridge units have their own 3 way sliders to select how you need each pick-up and a further 3 way selector gives you neck, both or bridge. Most great sounding 12 string electrics use single coils - here you get the choice, and an additional effect of combining the pick-ups with one out of phase which provides a very interesting and useful set of tones. The bridges retain their original saddles and also the black covers which often go missing on these. Under the control plate, the electronics are of great quality and function perfectly. It is beautifully put together - the design and workmanship continuing into the areas you are unlikely to ever see. The bass guitar features one 8 pole humbucker (6.725kΩ DCR), and both necks utilise a master volume and tone control. 124 20 features a stereo output facility - the upper output socket can feed 2 amps (or signal paths), one for the bass, the other for the 12 string. A standard mono cable in the lower output socket will deliver either bass only, guitar only or having both necks live at the same time, but they will be going through the same signal path / amp and the DCR is reduced as the bass pick-up and guitar pick-up(s) are in parallel - have a look at the DCR curves to check this effect. With a stereo cable in the stereo jack, the outputs of the bass and guitar pick-ups are not affected and both necks can be in play at full output power. If you are familiar with Rick-o-Sound, then this is similar - whereas Rickenbacker delivers separate outputs for each pick-up, this delivers separate outputs from each neck. There is a stereo cable included in the sale of this guitar so get a second amp ready, or get 2 tracks on the DAW and have loads of fun. There is a flight-case with this guitar and as you can imagine, it is extremely heavy - please factor this in when considering shipping this. Price £2,695 Availability Sold Recommendation Join a Genesis tribute band Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Re'An Selector 3 way selectors for neck selection, pick-up configuration and pick-up selection Bridge Original Shergold Board Maple Weight 6.0 kg; 13lbs 5 oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

That perfect combination of 1973 Harayama neck, and modern everything else < Back Matsumoku SE-500 Floral Price £1,600 GBP | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! I write about Harayama elsewhere on this site - his influence on MIJ output is rarely appreciated, but without him companies we know today such as ESP and Fender Japan wouldn't be what they are today; and Prince probably wouldn't have had his MadCat Tele. You can have a bit of Harayama magic with a lot of our DreamBuild guitars - this is one fine example. Based around a 1973 Matsumoku built Greco (the original Gneco decal stays) SE-500, this already fine guitar has traded most of its hardware and all of its electronics for a modern and vastly improved specification. The glorious neck remains with its original frets - all dressed and perfected to retain the vintage "run-in" feel. The body has its original White polyurethane finish - just one or two signs of a good life remain to indicate it has been around for nearly 50 years. This SE-500 is part of a trilogy of 1973 Matsumoku 'Gnecos" - a Strat, a Tele and an Esquire complete the set. As well as the general aesthetics, these guitars also share a common specification for hardware and electronics. This one has a set of Evil Sheep 'Sheep Experience' pick-ups - a clever blend of AlNiCo 2 and 5 across each one to deliver clarity from bass and treble ends. They are medium output - not too hot, but deliver a lot more punch than the original Maxons. We now have a 5 way control instead of the original 3 way, and standard volume and tone circuits. The amazing Matsumoku designed bridge (that featured on guitars for only a year) has been replaced by a Gotoh 510NST unit to retain the narrow string spacing but provide the most reliable and comfortable tremolo function. A beautifully printed scratchplate design really makes this guitar stand out. I frequently hear folk who sample this guitar say "it plays feels like I can't afford it", but compared with the majority of good 1973 Strats, it isn't as pricey as you may expect, and much higher value in terms of how you can use it. 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 Part of the floral trilogy, and the scratchplate design aside, this guitar retains a lot of its original look. Shiney new chrome Gotoh hardware always looks good on these models. Headstock The tuners are rebuilt originals - in perfect working order. New string trees improve stability Neck An original Harayama 3-piece maple neck with beautifully dressed frets - ready to provide comfortable and free playing in every circumstance. Pick-ups 3 x Evil Sheep 'Sheep Experience' with all AlNiCo5 for the neck pick-up (5.9k), a mixture of AlNiCo 2 and 5 on the middle and bridge (6.1k and 6.5k) and this results in warm and bluesy, or rock and roll when you need them. A fine balance. Mark takes care to use very specific wire for these - his efforts have paid off handsomely. Bridge Marvin warbles and Gilmour dives are easily taken care of with the Gotoh 510NST bridge unit - a very fine high end unit. Controls Traditional 5 way switching, volume and tone controls here - only the finest quality parts used. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Westone Concord II, Subtly upgraded 80's favourite < Back Westone Concord II 4011193 Reunited with its bass counterpart after nearly 40 years, this 6 string full scale Concord is a delight. 4011193 lost its Super I pick-ups many years ago, a previous owner installed some Fender Ceramic coils from a MIM standard, but to our ears they were too bright and peaky. A 1978 Stagecaster ST-600B had given up a set of SP-1B during an upgrade so where better to rehome them? They give a very sparkly yet full and rounded set of tones. They will drive an amp, but you need to want to - they stay clean when you want them to. It's not trying to be a Strat, you'll need one of those as well if that's the aim, but it's a fine instrument, very well made and characterful. Like many of the Rosewood necked Matsumoku guitars here, it has a comparatively soft feel. These were workhorse instruments - they wear their parking dents with pride, but if we still have this Concord later in the year, we'll treat it to a full refinish. Price £495 Availability 1 only at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Perfect quality starter guitar, or ideal donor for upgrading Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1984 Pick-ups SP-1B Selector 5-way Bridge Brass Sustainer Board Rosewood Weight 3.13kg; 6lbs 14oz Modifications 1978 SP-1B pick-ups replaced Super I ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

An easy introduction to vintage guitars < Back Matsumoku No.43 Price £695 | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! This is a very cost effective way into DreamBuild ownership - all guitars sold as DreamBuilds have to be very special and personal. As we rebuild and re-specify these special guitars, we are left with some very good original parts - some customers want to keep original components with their upgraded guitars, others are only interested in the finished product. The later group of folk have allowed us to produce this guitar. This is a guitar with a few tricks up its sleeve. Based around an early 1973 Fujigen built Ibanez 2375, this features the chunkier 5-piece neck unique to 1973. We named this after the handwritten production line data in the neck pocket and pick-up cavities. This body appears to be a from the prototype line which would also explain the clearcoat finish over a body that would under normal circumstances be painted. The pancake body construction makes itself obviously know, and the thin slab on top has charm even where the contour of the body explains why it didn't make it into production! Originally equipped with short fat Maxons, we have upgraded them to Excel PU-119 pick-ups from a 1977 SE-700 - the first Greco model to feature a 5 way selector therefore appropriate middle pick-up construction to work in parallel mode. 2 new CTS premium pots govern master volume and neck tone, and a push push knob controls the middle and bridge tone. A new CRL 5 way switch provide the normal Strat tones if the push push knob is down, but give it a tap when the neck pick-up is selected and it brings in the bridge coil in series for a big fat humbucker sound. In the neck and middle position, the middle coil joins in parallel to the series connected neck/bridge. This gives a thicker more powerful "in between" tone. These series tones could be heard on the American Deluxe. The addition of these tones to the pallette is in keeping with this vintage Strat style guitar - it is not attempting to be a humbucker guitar. The guitar retains its early Gotoh bridge - even though it looks rather agricultural, it does the job adequately, and the nice solid block gets a solid acoustic ring usually only experienced with very expensive guitars. Another clue that this guitar served as a prototype is the presence of the infamous "star tuners" - only fitted to the most expensive guitars at the time. They retain their quality solid feel, and enable very stable tuning. Whilst yellow pick-up covers and knobs won't be to everyone's taste, we think they make a nice change from established colour schemes - yellow always cheers us up. It is pure vintage MIJ in feel and balance, and at 3.88kg (8lbs 9oz) a little weightier than the more famous and later Fender JVs. A 9.5" radius and a 42.5mm nut make this very comfortable and a very low action can be achieved. Details The Look Shiny, Natural, aged nakedly hiding nothing, and shiny metal, and yellow. You won't lose it. Headstock Still featuring its customized rod cover - adopt the name Kenny Ollerenshaw as your stage persona? Ibanez wasn't always such a fashionable word to have on a Strat, a previous owner was tired of being unfashionable. We have removed the handwritten and incorrectly spelt wishful thinking and put on one of ours - after all, the wood was conditioned and supplied, and the neck constructed by Matsumoku. Neck Chunky C - none of the super skinny JV here - a decent handful. And a Harayama 5-piece. Pick-ups 3 x PU119 otherwise known as Excels. Very well regarded pick-ups, these originating from a 1977 SE-700 Bridge Gotoh original style - and it works well. Controls CRL 5-way switch, a CTS 250 master volume, a CTS 250 neck tone and an Alpha push-push middle and bridge tone control that activates the series mode pick-up configuration. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Greco SE-800N, Putting the real thing to shame < Back Greco SE-800N D781380 These higher-end premium Grecos are no longer a well-kept secret. The SE-800 was the top of the tree for Grecos in 1978 - the really well-heeled could open the Project Series catalogue and order the SE-1000 and SE-1200, but the SE-800 was the discerning choice. A real 50's style replica - very slim C neck, light as a feather, small headstock and bright airy tones from the 3-way, the beautifully engineered DM-30 switch allowing those in-between sounds to be found without the aid of a matchstick. Just a couple of parking knocks to give its age away, this has obviously been cherished. This is a super-light guitar - just 3.15kg (just under 7lbs); the lightest 800 we have ever had. So, it looks fabulous, it feels fabulous - all the parts and components are original. The pick-ups are good old PU-100 units, so bright and airy and very keen to clip that AC30 or equivalent. The grade of steel used for the bridge and more importantly the block, is higher than that seen on lower models - the ringing sustain from this guitar needs to be experienced to be believed. Whilst it is tempting to install the PU-119 higher output pick-ups, or something boutique, don't. The original PU-100s suit this guitar perfectly. Played side by side with a 1978 SE-500, we have to conclude that a higher grade bridge, the density of this higher grade ash makes a huge difference to these PU-100 units. This is a totally different class of guitar. It has balance, the handshake, the dynamics that even our resident US Professional and Vintage II Fenders can't match. Early 50's style neck, a 7.25" radius, Schaller tuners, 8 hole creamier than cream plate - this is one of the collection, or that special one you daren't take on the road. Or take it, that's what they were for after all. But finding a 1978 guitar in this condition that feels this delicious, for this kind of price is nothing short of miraculous. I bet a Fender will be a grand more than this one, and that will have a 3 bolt neck, and have a massive headstock. This is due in with us Mid-March - these SE-800 models are usually snapped up quickly, so get in touch quickly if you think this should be yours Price SOLD Availability Coming soon Recommendation Enjoy it as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Maxon PU-100 Selector 3 Way Bridge Original Vintage Tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.15kg; 6lbs 15oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

1977 Greco SE-500N, Good honest workhorse - timeless style and ready for work. < Back 1977 Greco SE-500N D773175 This guitar just shouts 1977 - as if it arrived on the back seat of a 4th generation Pontiac Grand Prix, a yellow Dolomite Sprint, or more appropriately I guess for a Greco, a Celica Hardtop Coupe. SE-500s from 1977 came with a variety of neck profiles - this one is particularly skinny - a slight V - almost 1956/7 Strat; and those familiar with early JV MIJ Fenders may find this very familiar. Those preferring a chunky handfull need not apply, and look at our Matsumoku produced models - always much chunkier. So, a 50s neck, 70s finish and headstock, and a 60's weight - I reckon this may make this someone's perfect guitar! Especially as this will be a fraction of the price of a 70s Fender. These 500 models did share the PU-100 - a splendid evolution of the original short fat Maxons from the early 70s. They retain the airy brightness of the early low output versions, but add a bit more wire to get to the high 7s DCR. They have a very old-school feel to them, but that's the idea for these - they were of their time and what a time it was! The bridge is original and a very faithful tribute to the originals from USA - even the saddle screws are in fine condition, but we can renew them if required. The tuners are the usual high quality MH-803 - they will outlast us all. We thoroughly clean and polish the majority of guitars we bring in, but this one excaped the polishing routine as the dullness actually adds to the appeal - a busy guitar is always a great looing one - people pay good money to get a guitar to look like this. There would be a shiney finish if you wanted, but I like to think that Rory Gallagher didn't bother with more than a wipedown and reasonably careful docking in the rack. That's all this has ever had. Price £795 Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy it, or let's upgrade it Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups Maxon PU-100 Selector 3-way Blade Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple Weight 3.45kg; 7lbs 10oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

1977 Aria Pro II ST-500, Proper old warrior ready for battle < Back 1977 Aria Pro II ST-500 H770992 A very rare spec - a natural ST-500 with a Rosewood neck needed a Custom Order form filling out at the Japanese music store - this could quite easily be mistaken for the ultra-rare ST-800 model, but the machine-head style and body construction place this as a guitar built on a 500 platform. This neck did find its way onto the 600B model a few years later. Arriving with us in what is technically known as "a right old state", we have given this old warrior a full refurbishment - keeping as much original as possible, as these ST-500 models were incredibly good; punching well above their weight even when new. The neck has been completely refinished, and now has a set of Jescar 45100 medium jumbo frets. Whilst feeling and playing like a brand new neck, it looks convincingly old and matches the rest of the aesthetic. It's set up like our mate Rob's '63 Strat that he stripped the Fiesta red off in the mid 70s, (and wished he hadn't). The small headstock makes him think its his, as most Strats in this colour scheme are firmly CBS. Most importantly, it plays beautifully. The pick-ups are original to the guitar and have that characteristic brightness and power of the SP-II units. The controls are original to the guitar, refurbished and fully functional. We have refurbished the bridge unit and given it a new tremolo arm and output jack on its original boat. There is a substantial shim in the pocket made of layers of 1977 Japanese newspaper (really!), and loads of room both sides in the rod if you want to set it up in a more modern fashion, but give this a go before you do The battered up body is limited to the finish - there are no big chunks of ash missing - it has just been biffed around all of its life, and doesn't seem to mind. Any cracks you see in the photographs are in the polyester finish. The 3.38kg (7lbs 7oz) feels light and balanced, the typical Matsumoku construction and the new frets make it "zing" and ring acoustically before you plug it in. The "old one you'll never sell" is for sale for someone to be able to say that again. Price SOLD Availability Sold Recommendation Enjoy it Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups SP-II Selector 3-way Bridge Original vintage tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.38 kg; 7lbs 7oz Modifications Refretted (Jescar 45100 Medium Jumbo), refinished neck ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Greco SE-500, Ready for another 47 years < Back Greco SE-500 F781864 Always a firm favourite here, a white Greco SE-500, this one with the added bonus of a Rosewood board so a proper 1960s look! The necks on the Fujigen guitars are a much slimmer C than the earlier Matsumoku models from across town. The pick-ups are original to the guitar and by mid 1977 had evolved to PU-100s, retaining the snappy and airy brightness of the older units, but delivering a slightly more defined and controlled set of tones. We are a little excited by the serial number under the scratchplate - it starts with a 1, which can mean the experimental line; and these pick-ups are wound a little hotter than most of the PU-100 we have seen here. What is important though, is that these sound amazing - take a listen to the demo. At 3.74kg, it is right in the middle of the range we see from Fujigen for these years - there were some absolute beasts as well as some featherweights. The handshake says there is plenty there, but won't give your shoulder a hard time. This is the type of guitar that will hook you in before you even plug it in - it has an acoustic ring we only experience with either expensively upgraded models, or very high end Fenders. This guitar has been well used, and on arrival we thought it best to replace the pots that had a reluctant scratch between 0 and 1. In their place are now 3 brand new CTS pots hooked together with proper wire, and good for decades to come. Maybe the slightly faded White finish gives away its age, but that would likely be a premium feature on a new guitar! This is a prime example of a mid range guitar competing admirably with premium models. If you are a serial guitar buyer, I expect this one will be a keeper. Price ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. Availability Sold Recommendation Learn some Jeff Beck Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Maxon PU-100 Selector 3 way Bridge Original Vintage Tremolo Board Rosewood Weight 3.74kg; 8lbs 4oz Modifications CTS premium pots ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Another perfect combination of 1973 Harayama neck, and modern everything else < Back Matsumoku TE-280 Price £1,450 GBP | SOLD Add to Cart Chat with Us Missed out on this model? Talk to us for a rebuild! I give the Harayama speech elsewhere on this site - it is worth a read - but this Tele gets you one of his supreme 3 piece necks coupled with a medium weighted body. Part of the trilogy, the upgrades follow the same basic concept - Evil Sheep 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 stand up to modern equivalents. This TE-280 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 - especially the bridge. Modernisation continues with a 4 way switch enabling a series connection of the pickups in the front position, then a standard Telecaster arrangement from there on. 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. This is a pretty guitar, a comfortable guitar 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 Part of the floral trilogy, and the scratchplate design aside, this guitar retains a lot of its original look. Shiney new chrome Gotoh hardware always looks good on these models. Headstock The tuners are rebuilt originals - in perfect working order. New string trees improve stability Neck An original Harayama 3-piece maple neck with beautifully dressed frets - ready to provide comfortable and free playing in every circumstance. 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, new control plate and vintage knobs Controls 4 way selector to include a series option; standard volume and tone controls using the highest quality parts. Gallery ← Previous Next→

Rickenbacker 4001 CS - Signed by Chris Squire, A Must-Have for a Yes Fan < Back Rickenbacker 4001 CS - Signed by Chris Squire 306/1000 Limited Edition This desirable and collectible bass is signed by the late great man himself and is photographed around his neck for provenance. This is #306 of the limited run of 1,000; only a tiny fraction of these were held and signed by Chris Squire in person. The Certificate of Authenticity accompanies the guitar. It is a large headstock version produced in December 1991. The bass is in fine condition, and has been put to use - it is no case queen; yet still in great condition. Under the red and cream is a maple body, maple neck and the normal Rickenbacker rosewood board. It is a fine tribute to Chris Squire's 1974 4001. Obviously this is a serious investment and we welcome any communications via the website to discuss and review the instrument and the provenance. Price £12,495 Availability 1 at Ketteringham Hall Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1991 Pick-ups Original Rickenbacker Selector 3-way Bridge Original Rickenbacker with operational mute Board Rosewood Weight 4.54 kg; 10lbs 0 oz Modifications None ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

Greco SE-500N (Excel Pick-ups), Best pal spec upgraded timeless classic < Back Greco SE-500N (Excel Pick-ups) G772357 For many, the SE-500 is the sweet-spot of the range - it may miss out on the little details that emulate the iconic Fenders from various eras, but it is essentially an evolution of the original 430 range which was what Matsumoku suggested a Stratocaster ought to be. By 1977, the range of Grecos was very well defined - Fujigen was producing a complete range of Strats to appeal all budgets and styles - the 500 was still the mainstream offer to folk who were not too focussed on era details, and just wanted a great quality comfortable guitar. These are ideal donors to create a really perfect spec - combining a lightweight body with some higher specification pick-ups and interesting wiring options. Some colour schemes just work without trying - a beaten up old black plate on natural body rarely fails to get the head nodding in approval. The original faded knobs and purposeful uncovered pick-ups make for an iconic stage guitar, or the one you hold for the album cover shot. The pick-ups in this guitar are a set of PU-119 Excels from a 1979 SE-600J and have that powerful definition they are so well known for. 5-way switches were about to become the default for Strats - getting the in-between sounds either involved fishing for the precise position with a 3-way and hoping it stayed there, or repurposing one of the tone controls to fade in the middle pick-up, sacrificing its presence in the sound palette for a tele-esque bridge and neck sound for the middle position. The lower tone control makes it very convenient to fade in the middle into each of the 3 positions and tailor the degree of blend. Rolling the control all the way on and off is the work of a split second so it can resemble a switch, but has the very useful function of finding the precise amount of middle inclusion you need. You may know this as the Hendrix, or the Wild Bill wiring (Bill Lawrence). It is a relatively straight forward modification and allows the majority of the guitars original wiring to be used and existing original components can remain with the guitar. What that ultimately means to the player is that the wonderful action of the original DM-30 switch remains - modern switches, even Fender branded CRL switches do not feel as precise. The degree and quality of engineering of these old Japanese components is sadly missing in today's market. If we can keep them, we do; and this one does. Beyond the timelessly appealing aesthetic of this guitar, the performance it offers is phenomenal. PU-119 tones, the Hendrix circuit, the perfect balanced lightweight comfort (3.43kg 7lbs 9oz), and the comfort of the early 70s style neck profile will not disappoint. The cheque will not bounce - it's all there. You may appreciate the soul of this guitar before plugging it in - the acoustic ring and snap means this is the guitar you pick up and play even when the amp can't be switched on. Vintage guitars of this era tend to be many thousands of pounds - not so this one. No headstock tax, just a phenomenally great guitar from an era and country that understood quality. Price £1,195 Availability Sold Recommendation a proper keeper Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1977 Pick-ups Maxon PU-119 Excel Selector 3-way Bridge Original Vintage Board Maple Weight 3.43kg (7lbs 9oz) Modifications Hendrix wiring, PU-119 pick-ups on black plate ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13

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. Don't knock them until you try them! Price £1,295 Availability 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 Weight 3.88kg; 8lbs 9oz Modifications Bridge plate, pick-up and electronics ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 04:37 Play Video Play Video 03:15 Play Video Play Video 05:58 Play Video Play Video 03:26 Play Video Play Video 02:27 Play Video Play Video 06:20 Play Video Play Video 02:28 Play Video Play Video 04:13