1977 Greco SE-500, A decent alternative to that 25 grand 63' Strat... < Back 1977 Greco SE-500 H771864 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 with 8.3k DCR instead of the 5.8 - 6.0 we see on the pre-PU100 evolution. A real outstanding feature of this guitar is the 3.53kg weight - compared to many of the guitars from this era, it is particularly light in weight which makes it a real pleasure to play. 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, but maintained very well - the only real giveaway of its age is the tarnished neck plate - maybe the slightly faded White finish, 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 - it has an amazing soul - I bet you're Hendrix in less than an hour on this one! Hendrix had one of these at the beginning - before the Fenders were affordable, he rocked a Goya Strat - this is the exact same guitar branded for the domestic Japanese market; Goya were Grecos for the USA. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NymOgb6dUU Whilst it is absolutely fine and good to go as it is, we would be happy to upgrade the electrics to our Alnico V late 60s spec as seen in lots of the Dreambuilds based around 77 and 78 SE-500s. It makes a great guitar perfect. Talk to us if that appeals. Price Availability £795 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 Rosewood 3.53kg; 7lbs 12oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

Greco SG300/360, Bargain vintage rocker ready for the stage < Back Greco SG300/360 No Number This guitar is feather-weight fun. Always difficult to date precisely, but no later than 1973, and this one has had a few upgrades to compensate it for a previous owner attempting to glue the neck - too many folk look down on the bolt-ons, and I guess he got pushed over the edge!! Anyway, it is unglued now and you are free to adjust the angle with shims if you fancy. Most surviving early G'n'ecos have had a busy and hard life - this one no exception, so the tuners are new Gotoh SD90, and the pick-ups are now early 80s MMK-45 units. These ones are 11k DCR and ceramic so modelled on Super Distortions. They suit this guitar very well. Adjusting the pole pieces carefully and getting the heights spot on, this will keep up with any modern traffic and has an incredible clean(ish) bridge tone - it nearly speaks to you! These are 2 conductor units and the body isn't deep enough for good quality push pulls, so 3 sounds only here but the tones are great in any mode. You have brand new CTS pots and Switchcraft switch and jack - ready for another 50 years of AC/DC, Zappa, or whatever you want it to do for you. There are knocks and bumps, chips and dents - it wears them well and won't mind if you add a few more. I have claimed this as 'Very Good' condition as I have rebuilt it with the new upgraded parts. It is ready for gigging straight away. As an alternative to a new Epiphone, this offers so much. The spec, obviously, but it has that vintage soul and spirit missing on new guitars since the accountants took over. This was built in an era when it was actually was all about the guitars, and has been fettled with the same attitude. If you don't mind a bolt-on; and that it was made in Japan, not China; and that is it 50 years old, not made 2 weeks ago and drop-shipped as the lacquer is still drying, I reckon you should give this a chance. Price Availability £525 Sold Recommendation Worry-free enjoyment Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1973 Pick-ups MMK-45 (11k DCR) Selector 3-way Toggle Bridge ToM Board Rosewood TBC Modifications New Tuners, pick-ups and controls Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

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 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

Fender Bonnie Raitt Signature 1996, < Back Fender Bonnie Raitt Signature 1996 N561996 Built in May 1996, this Bonnie Raitt signature edition Stratocaster is in 3-colour sunburst rather than the slightly more challenging blue. It has an alder body, maple narrow C profile neck and rosewood board, and the highly admired Texas Special single coils, which have an over-wound hi-presence character - great for those in-between sounds. The 4ply white Pearloid scratchplate completes the look. Like many of our finest playing instruments, this one has seen some life. There has been a minor repair to the body under the tremolo - it is completely invisible from the outside, and an unfathomable cause! Someone has been careless when removing the tremolo fixing screws perhaps. It's invisible, it doesn't affect the function in any way, but we must mention it. There are signs that the guitar has been used properly - the scratchplate screws had seen some heavy blues sweat. We have replaced them with new ones but the staining on the plate remains - signs of a good life. It is no case queen - it isn't a mint never been used collector's box ticked - this is a fine Strat that someone previously has enjoyed and used properly, (maybe not wiping it down enough but what are guitars actually for?). We have set it up on 10-46, and as a Strat that rings and rings; and an action height that can have a slide on it without fretting, but low enough to remain comfortable. The middle pick-up is set a little higher than the normal Stratocasters so those Bonnie Raitt covers will be accurate - neck and middle together is totally addictive. Price Availability £1,895 Sold Recommendation Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1996 Pick-ups Texas Special Selector 5 way Bridge Vintage tremolo Board Rosewood 3.64 kg; 8lbs 0 oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQo4mW82vVY Price Availability £795 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 3.45kg; 7lbs 10oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

Greco EG-600P, Ultimate value alternative < Back Greco EG-600P C786613 It isn't necessary to be devotees of Frehley or Frampton to enjoy a triple Les Paul. New affordable ones have very underwhelming pick-ups, proper ones are grotesquely expensive. There is a little known relatively affordable alternative option to have a proper vintage guitar, in the right spec, honest aging and patina because it has earned it for nearly 50 years, and sounding just like it should. Both Matsumoku and Fujigen began making triple pick-up model in 1977 - most Aria Pro II models had the 3V1T configuration and most Fujigen models had the all important 5 leaf selector switch and the traditional late 50s middle and bridge tone. This one is traditional and has just been recommissioned to replace the consumable components that had reached the end of their useful life. New pots and a new Gibson OEM switch now govern these Maxon U-1000 pick-ups - probably the most appropriate version the PAF copies for this guitar. It is creamy smooth and growly as need be; that middle position loses a lot of the muddiness of the twin pick-up version. More focus on the treble, but still warm and authentic. This one has been very busy - many of our finest vintage offerings have been busy and we think this is a great indicator of a great guitar. This is no exception - weathered, a chip or two, discoloured plastics, a bit of neck binding shrinkage - all adding to the aesthetic but not having any effect on the performance. It is always amusing to check the asking prices for original vintage Gibsons; slightly scary to see how much a new one will cost. Epiphone will offer much cheaper alternatives but by the time the necessary upgrades to get it sounding right are funded, this one will still be cheaper. With the recent passing of Ace Frehley, triples are likely to have a period of popularity and price hikes. No such cynical behaviour here - this one remains the ultimate value option. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2TfCald2Lk It comes with its original fitted case Price Availability £1,000 Sold Recommendation put it back to work Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups 3 x Maxon U-1000 Selector 3-way Bridge Original ToM Board Rosewood 4.0kg; 8lbs 15oz Modifications replaced pots and switch (5 leaf) Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

1975 Greco SE-500B, A beautiful late Matsumoku built Strat < Back 1975 Greco SE-500B Pre-serial Number This is very late Gneco, possibly one of the last before the spelling improved a few months later. The date on the scratchplate is January 1975, the pots are 500k so this is real crossover model. Most surviving SE-500s from this era are sunburst or natural, we occasionally find a white one, but finding a black one is much harder. This mid-range model of Greco was a popular work-horse instrument and many arrive here with an amazing road worn patina, but still perfectly functional. This SE-500 has led a very charmed life - only a few parking knocks to speak of - the plastics and neck condition indicate it was stored in its case between uses. This is the model that featured that very thoughtfully designed truss rod cover in the scratchplate - a thorough improvement over the previous open area that invited dust and grime into the pick-up cavities. The original Maxon pick-ups are in rude health - providing that slightly scooped yet biting tone - they sound amazing with a little crunch. These pick-ups have been thoroughly checked and their leads reflowed to the base plate to ensure their output for another 50 years. Plugging into a little practice amp is very rewarding - the more drive you give it the better! Through the bigger valve amps here just makes it better - bordering on addictive. They don't pretend to be high fidelity precision definition units - these are growly bright and fun; the tone controls will give you a warmer cleaner sound if you need. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U80p1_K-NY This guitar is approaching its 50th birthday and I see no reason why it won't go on for another 50. It comes in its original Greco case, has its original tremolo arm, and user guide (in Japanese). Price Availability £845 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1975 Pick-ups Maxon x3 Selector 3-Way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple 3.98kg; 8lbs 12oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

Fernandes STJ-80BT VH7, A left-field choice well worth trying < Back Fernandes STJ-80BT VH7 No Number Buck Tick was (and still is) a well-known post-punk rock band in Japan – both guitarists are very loyal to Fernandes and have had signature models since the beginning. This is one of Hisashi Imai’s models – they became increasingly wild as the years progressed. We have had a few of these STJs in the last year - always popular due to the power to weight ratio. A double octave super slim and slick neck, fixed bridge and simple set-up – basically a Telecaster on steroids , then a dose of something illegal. These are pro-level instruments – obvious as soon as you pick it up. As we never tire of mentioning, we sourced, made and experimented with guitars for the late Keith Levene and this particular STJ was singled out by him for us to experiment with. We replaced the FGI-T pick-ups with a pair of VH-7 hot-rails style pick-ups, added a series option for them and now this guitar punches and shouts, yet with a quick roll back of the tone, becomes creamy and smooth. This now suits virtually any style of music you need it to deliver, but relishes the high gain - even metal - settings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfLQJ9imhUQ Price Availability £££ Sold Recommendation A left-field choice, but well worth a try. These pick-ups really make a difference. Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year Mid-1990s Pick-ups Fernandes VH-7 bridge and neck Selector 3 way Bridge Gotoh GTC102 Board Rosewood 3.21kg, 7lbs 1oz Modifications VH-7 pick-up upgrade; series/parallel via tone pot Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

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! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkSM89RxSIE 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 Availability ON SALE! Click Buy button to reveal latest price. 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 3.74kg; 8lbs 4oz Modifications CTS premium pots Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

1978 Greco SE-500PR, A very rare version of the SE-500 < Back 1978 Greco SE-500PR J783017 The 1979 Specials Catalogues from Kanda Shokai had some real anomalies to catch out the experts 40 years later. The SE-450 with a 3 way switch (450 and 700 models were both modern 5 way switches to keep up with Fender's introduction of this in 1977) is next to a bright red SE-500 with a tortoiseshell plate on the page, called the SE-500PR. This was the first time a red Greco Strat could be ordered. If you ook up a YouTube video of Peter Frampton playing Show me the Way on the Midnight Special in late 1975, you can see him playing a red Strat with a tortoiseshell plate. This 500PR is a total copy of that guitar. Should it have been a 500PF? Typo in the catalogues? A popular opinion is that he was playing a Fiesta Red 62, a more contentious opinion is that it is a Fernandes model - forget that, there were none of these MIJ Strats in hallowed hands until a lot later in that decade. The PU-100 pick-ups are the evolution of the infamous Maxons from the early 70s - still slightly fatter dimensions to the Fender pick-ups. The 100 units had a little more power than the earlier versions, and the airy brightness does remind us of the Texas Specials - after all both of them are modelled on early 1960s tones with a bit more oomph. A little winding down of the tone pots will calm the brightness without losing the volume. The neck is a very familiar C profile - not the super skinny JV style that most associate with Fujigen produced Fenders. This feels a lot more like the early Squiers from Japan - the ones that are always 'keepers'. At 3.67kg, it is a comfortable weight. The condition of this guitar is amazing - we have changed the pots to premium Alphas to avoid having to drill the plate to accommodate them. A Sozo capacitor gets that warmth from the tone roll-off without the dullness. Everything else on this SE-500PR is original and it will add a rarity to a collection, or just serve as a really good everyday guitar - perfect to gig with. Even better if you are a Frampton tribute act and have a TalkBox. If you have a triple humbucker Les Paul because of Frampton, you ought to have this too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACXVEyFRN0g Price Availability £845 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1978 Pick-ups Maxon PU-100 Selector 3-way Blade Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Maple 3.67kg; 8lbs 1 oz Modifications New potentiometers Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38

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→

1979 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties Black on Black, Black on Black with Rosewood - perfection... < Back 1979 Greco SE-700 Early Sixties Black on Black I790431 This 1979 Greco SE-700 has a 2-piece body and retains its original PU-119 pick-ups with unusual but original black covers. This is another vintage Greco that blows the minds of Fender traditionalists - the neck will feel very familiar to a sixties Oval C, the weight and balance will give the impression of a very expensive original. The colour scheme is reminiscent of the Fender Black-outs and large headstock Highway One editions - it does look sensational. 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 was an option at the time, and gives this guitar a really purposeful look. At a fraction over 3.59kg (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. None of them down to the wood. The frets have lots of life left in them, this is fast slick and comfortable like all SE-700s - arguably the sweet-spot of the range. The serial Number on this one is I790431, an early November 1979 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, even three times its price to shame. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHG_mLr4_K8 Despite being in fantastic condition, we can talk about upgrade ideas, we can recommend Tall Narrow frets on these lovely necks; we can give it a Gotoh 510T tremolo; we could convert the electrics to Sao Paulo spec (rail humbuckers), but these are all fun indulgent options - this guitar is genuinely good to go as it is. Price Availability £1,195 Sold Recommendation Enjoy as it is Buy as Is Buy to Upgrade Specifications Year 1979 Pick-ups PU-119 x 3 Selector 5-Way Bridge Vintage Tremolo Board Rosewood 3.60kg; 7lbs 14oz Modifications None Weight ← Previous Next→ Latest Videos Play Video Play Video 03:39 Play Video Play Video 02:20 Play Video Play Video 04:44 Play Video Play Video 05:31 Play Video Play Video 02:04 Play Video Play Video 03:57 Play Video Play Video 02:11 Play Video Play Video 03:38