Greco TC500, black, made in 1974 approx, with some mods. The Tele Custom is an original Fender design, launching in 1972. Across the pacific in Japan, it didn't take Greco too long to join the party; this example dates to somewhere in the 1974-5 bracket. As with basically all Grecos from this era, the quality of workmanship is exceptional; it feels very complete and reassuring in the hands. This one has been customised: a previous owner cut a hole and added a third pickup and some electronics to go with. The middle pickup is switchable via toggle; the three way on the top horn acts as normal and the smaller toggle amongst the knobs switches between the neck and middle pickup. You could wire it up differently if you wanted more options, but it's a nice simple and effective setup as-is. The neck is super sturdy and comfortably slim, and the lightweight ash body rings very truly. If you're after a slightly quirky Tele or a killer platform for all your modding dreams, here's a delicious vintage piece with a whole lot of Johnny Cash 'I only wear black' attitude.

Model: Greco TC500
Made: Japan, 1974 (no serial, dated by catalog/logos/hardware)
Finish: black gloss, 3-ply black guard
Body: sen ash
Neck: 1-piece maple w/ skunk stripe, 12" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.445kg approx
Mods: third pickup added, body routed and guard cut to accommodate, switching added, jack replaced, re-wired
Controls: standard Tele Custom style, but with a toggle switch to alternate between neck and middle pickups, bridge pickup surround removed
Pickups: Maxon PU-103 'Wide Range' style humbucker and PU-102 T-stlye single coil, middle pickup unknown
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end. The neck is smooth and clean, minor dimples only. The back has a few scuffs and surface scratches but no major marks. The sides have a few marks: scuffs on the top horn, scuffs and minor chips on the shoulder, some minor chips between the rear strap pin and jack, three noteworthy chips/wounds on the lower horn. Under the guard is a bit messy, the hole for the middle pickup hasn't been routed very cleanly. The front is pretty clean, just some widespread light scuffing and scratching from play. Overall: good condition (6.5/10).

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but are fairly even with no major buzz issues; 5/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.