Duesenberg Gran Royale, gloss black, made in Germany 2017. Duesenberg build extremely classy guitars, no doubt about it. The most famous is their iconic Starplayer TV, but surely their big hollow bodies are equally worthy of praise and admiration. This is superb in the hands: the neck is moderately slim and super comfy, the body rings enthusiastically with the slightest touch. The finish and fretwork are bang-on; it's exceptionally well put together. Tone-wise, this absolutely delivers. Underneath the classy 'Phonico' covers lie the classic Dues combo of a Domino P90 in the neck and a GrandVintage humbucker in the bridge. That combo means you can cover a lot of ground: everything from Gretsch-esque snap and sizzle to ES-125 warmth and fullness, Casino-ish rock growl and more, all with that certain hi-fi Duesenberg edge to it. Apparently there's only two or three of these in Australia; they're certainly not something you see pop up everyday and it commanded a fortune sold new. Not many guitars can match this for class and style, it's basically James Bond in guitar form.

Model: Duesenberg Gran Royale
Made: Germany, 2017 (serial 172559)
Finish: high gloss black, rosewood cap headstock
Body: laminate spruce top, laminate maple back and sides, fully hollow, full 6cm depth, 51.5cm across top
Neck: USA rock maple, Indian rosewood board, 12" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.690kg
Mods: re-wired according to factory diagram, tone pot replaced, Duesenberg Radiator tremolo attached (original trap tailpiece included)
Pickups: Duesenberg Phonico GrandVintage humbucker and Domino P90
Case: original hard case; excellent quality and condition, minor scuffs only

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock and neck are pretty clean, no major marks. The back has a few very light scuffs around the body, a dimple near the rear strap pin and a minor surface scratch near the bottom horn cavity cover; no major marks. The sides are nice and clean, just some minor scuffs near the jack. The front is also very clean, a couple of minor dimples in the elbow area and very light play marks on the guard and top horn only. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minimal wear, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s and playing silky smooth.