Greco SA-550, walnut stain, made in Japan 1977. These vintage ES-style Grecos are starting to get really hard to find; they're experiencing increasing demand as word spreads about just how great they are. First: oh heavens, what a looker. The walnut finish from this era is easily the sauciest and most sought after factory option; it's got a lovely depth and variation to and really shows off the grain of the wood. The block inlays, trap tailpiece, dark rosewood board and pearl headstock decals really round out the style perfectly: all class. The neck is a moderate round profile, easy to enjoy and move around on without being too slim or fat; it feels great and balances against the light and lively body nicely. There's a sweet breathiness and snap to the tone plugged in; every little nuance of your playing comes through clearly and there's a big, wide warm bed of rich harmonics for all your notes to rest on. It's been ages since we scored one of these, so if you're in love and miss out, it might be a while til the next one arrives. Forget vanilla: Walnut is the finest of the flavours.

Model: Greco SA-550
Made: 1977, Japan, Fujigen factory (serial L775237)
Finish: walnut stain, gloss poly
Body: laminate birch, no centre block, 415mm width, 42mm depth
Neck: 3-piece maple set neck, 43mm at nut, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 2.970kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Maxon U-1000 humbucker x2
Case: vintage hard case, good quality and condition

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some rash and chips around the end and edges, nothing too nasty. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just some minor dimples on the back. The back has widespread dimples and light scuffs, no major marks. The sides have extensive discolouration and cracking in the binding, but it's all firmly attached and not 'rotting' at this stage. There's also a few dimples near the jack and in the elbow area. The front is nice and tidy, just a few dimples around the outside edge and in the elbow area and some scuffs on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, intonation is good, action is low, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have some normal wear, no major buzz issues and plenty of height left but there is some minor pitting, 6/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.