Gretsch BST-1000, made in USA 1979. This is a quirky little piece of Gretsch history. The BST series was nicknamed 'The Beast'; they were made from 1979-1981 as a brief foray into simpler, shred-friendly solid body models. This has 24 frets, a thin, flat neck with jumbo frets and a great little bolt-on neck with superb access to upper frets. The solid mahogany body is lightweight and looks a little like a Maton Mastersound, but with slightly more pronounced curves. It's a very playable guitar; it's surprisingly intuitive and conducive to playing big, fast lead parts. The moderate-output humbuckers dole out a crunchy, spicy tone with a great snappy attack and a heap of natural bass; this is an excellent rock-machine. This is about as un-Gretsch as a Gretsch gets, but it somehow still makes sense as a standalone model. If you're a beauty, perhaps this is your 'beast'?

Model: Gretsch BST-1000 'Beast' Model 8211
Made: USA, 1979 (serial 7-9021)
Finish: mahogany finish
Body: solid mahogany
Neck: laminated maple, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 24 frets
Mods: none
Pickups: original Gretsch covered humbuckers
Case: original Gretsch hardcase and 'OK card', fair condition

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. There's some shallow scratches on the end of the headstock and around the front of the body, most notably near the input jack. The sides have some minor scuffs, most notably near the rear strap pin. The back has a lot of very light 'buckle rash' scratches; they're quite widespread but pretty inconsequential. Overall: good condition (7/10)

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have very minor wear only, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 11/49s and ready to roll.