1977 Greco SE-500N

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.