Greco JB420 Sunburst 1973
Greco JB420, sunburst, made in Japan circa 1973. What a beefcake this is! Greco kicked off in the late 60s, and by the mid 70s it was really starting to come together in terms of build quality and sound. This one is early enough to be quirky: the 'Gneco' logo, slightly wonky belly and elbow carves and the skinny neck plate are all deviations that became more accurate to the USA originals in subsequent years. It feels good to play: the neck is a slightly chunky shape that borders on P-bass territory, but it's straight and comfy with good frets and it has that nice played-in feel in the finish. The neck pickup is extra juicy: thick and round and very full, with heaps of punch and warmth. The bridge pickup is a little more angular, especially being so close to the bridge, but it adds a nice little grindy snap when you add some into the mix. The well worn burst finish, vintage tort guard, rounded block inlays and smoky chrome make for a great look; it has plenty of swagger. Grec-yeah
Model: Greco JB420
Made: Japan, 1973 approx (no serial, dated by logo and catalog)
Finish: sunburst, gloss urethane
Body: sen ash
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 12" radius, 34" scale, moderate D shape
Weight: 4.370kg
Mods: re-wired, tone cap replaced, ashtray covers removed and missing, knobs replaced, new nut installed
Pickup: Greco JB-style single coil x2
Case: basic non-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end, back and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and rub wear on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs around the whole body, minor chips on the bottom horn, back edge and elbow area and some surface scratches near the neck plate. The sides have dimples on both horns and a decent patch of chips and dents in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has holes around the bridge and on the guard from since removed covers, scuffs along the back edge, elbow area and near the knobs and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 45/105 Moonshiners strings.