Greco TE-280

Another great old Tele from that golden era. This one arrived covered in green sparkly stickers and missing its bridge completely. Presumably once very busy, but retired less than gracefully, there is no 1970s MIJ guitar that can't be rescued and made to live on indefinitely.

Now wearing new frets, sporting a new Wilkinson Bridge and a Maxon bridge pick-up to match the creamy perfection of the classic Tele-neck Maxon, this Tele is ready to serve and try to puts its sticker bombing and parts-raiding behind it. The Wilky bridge came with a brass plate for the pick-up base, and this is now adapted for the Maxon pick-up. Is there a difference? The sound gives up less easily - there is a sense of strength to the tone, but doesn't fundamentally affect the signature howly snarly tone.

It used to be white, its now yellow - a lot of the MIJ white guitars are now yellow; but not true yellow, just has "become yellow". The new frets give it the new guitar feel, but you're never in doubt this is an oldie, and the Gibson scale will remind you this is a MIJ oldie. The truss rod cover clearly harks back to the late 60s and early 70s models from Fujigen and Matsumoku. They are usually missing so it is great to have it still in place. Spelling errors too - all lovely early 1970s MIJ.

Being the lowly TE-280, there is a sense of purpose rather than a celebration of Leo Fender. Fans of neck pick-ups don't usually default to the Tele, but that all changes when there is a Maxon involved. It needs a new category - it is warm, creamy and smooth, yet still bites and has an airiness. The bridge will provide everything from Country to Punk - especially Punk. It can sound very angry indeed.

Its the Tele you can take to the pub - no need to panic about it. It is ready to earn a living.