1975 Greco SE-500W

This is very late Gneco - the clarity of the spelling increased in 1975. Most 1975 SE-500 guitars have Super Sounds logos, so this is a real cross-over model. This lovely example arrived with the Greco TE-350, and in similarly excellent condition - both being purchased at the same time by the previous (and original) owner. It seemed essential to keep them together, and we hope to offer them as a pair to their next owner. 

This mid-range model of Greco was a popular work-horse instrument and may arrive here with an amazing road worn patina, but still perfectly functional. This SE-500 has led a fairly charmed life - these are the original frets and we would give them the same treatment as the TE-350 before it left us. There is a little more meat on them than the Tele, and it has that great run-in feel.

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. As with all vintage guitars in original states, the potting may have deteriorated. We know that repotting these pick-ups will bring back some warmth - that is an option for the next owner; but until that decision is made, they stay as they are.

This is a pancake construction as normal for this era of Matsumoku production - the white paint has faded to cream (matching the TE-350) but retains a lustre usually missing from guitars of this age. It has been cherished. By this time, Matsumoku was fitting a more accurate version of the vintage style tremolo, and producing them at 25.5" scale unlike many of the earlier versions which are slightly shorter in scale and have the earlier bridge design. 

Whilst this guitar is in fantastic original condition, we feel this guitar could be an ideal donor for a DreamBuild upgrade project - the pick-up cavities can accommodate modern pick-up footprints and a modern Gotoh 101 or 510 will fit without significant surgery. Upgrade philosophy here includes the retention of all the original electronics on the original plate, and we fabricate an identical one with a slot big enough for a 5-way selector. Nothing we would do to this one is not reversible should they ever be worth silly money.

We value this guitar (and it will be stage-ready luthier prepared) at £785. A deal can be done if it can stay together with the TE-350 either in their original condition, or as DreamBuilds.