Greco SE500, sunburst, made in Japan 1977. This is a hell of a guitar! Greco kicked off in the early 60s, and by the mid 70s, they were making exceptionally good guitars. This was made at the same Fujigen Gakki plant that went on to make the legendary JV serial Fender guitars in 1982... so, they were doing it right. This is styled on the 70s era Strats, so it's got the big headstock, an ash/maple wood combo and a slim neck. The neck tapers from a very slight V shape to a more rounded C up the neck, which sounds unusual but feels very natural in the hands. It's a superb piece of maple and has aged very gracefully indeed. Burst finishes like this with a solid yellow centre are known as a 'clownburst'; this has a slightly seasick olive yellow centre, which has a certain gaudy seventies appeal to it. The tone on deck is lush: heaps of sparkle and shimmer on the top end, with a rich and eloquent midrange and an understated but plump bass. It's got a certain purity of tone you don't always get on a lesser Strat, it's very satisfying. For around 1/5th the price of a 77 Fender, you get a sublime, handmade Strat with personality and swagger to burn. 

Model: Greco SE500
Made: Japan, 1977 (serial H771905)
Finish: sunburst, gloss poly
Body: sen ash
Weight: 3.395kg
Neck: maple with maple cap board, 10" radius, 25.5" scale, very soft V profile
Mods: cavity cover removed
Pickups: Maxon PU100 single coil x3, note the switch is a three way
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock and neck have no major marks. The back has minor scuffs on the top horn, bottom and back edges, no major marks. The sides have a few dimples in the elbow area, near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has a few minor dimples on the back edge and elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and top horn. Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have some minor wear only, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.