(SOLD) VG KTR-ES CST Olive Green 2017
VG KTR-ES, olive green, made in Japan 2017. VG is the 'other half' of the Crews Maniac Sound brand, covering acoustic guitars as well as semi-acoustic models like this absolute stunner. They're built in very limited runs by the famed Terada factory, the home of Gretsch's high end models for the last couple of decades, as well as some iconic Epiphones back in the day. This is based on the Gibson ES-355, so it borrows the body dimensions and some aesthetic touches like the bound board and block inlays from that model. The neck is made from South American mahogany, which has been air-dried for a minimum of thirty years, paired with a luxurious high-grade ebony board. It's slim in profile and wears a super-thin nitro finish, so it feels absolutely superb. The body is a centre block of 3-ply spruce and maple with 5-ply hard rock maple top, back and sides. It's loud and lively unplugged, so it's pretty satisfying to sit around on the couch with. Plugged in, the magic really starts to happen. The KTR Original pickups are superb, they're a very accurate PAF style humbucker. There's a mile-wide, superbly articulate midrange that lets every note tell a story, paired with a gooey warm low end and a snappy, assertive treble. There's an amazing amount of breath and nuance to the tone... this guitar isn't cheap but will outclass some far pricier competitors. The thin nitro olive green finish is gorgeous too, there's a certain nonchalant charm about it that lets the classic curves do the talking. The Bigsby feels great to use and adds a little bit of extra space to the tone too. This is a truly exceptional guitar and deserves a really good home, so please give it a lot of love for me?
Model: VG KTR-ES CST
Made: 2017, Japan, Terada factory (serial 17041132)
Finish: olive green, gloss nitro
Body: semi-hollow, 5-ply maple top/back/sides, 3-ply spruce/maple centre block, 44m depth, 410mm across
Neck: South American Mahogany (30 years air drying), ebony board, 24.75" scale, 15.75" radius, slim 60s shape, 44mm nut
Weight: 3.625kg
Mods: new bone nut installed
Pickups: KTR Original PAF-style humbucker x2
Case: Crossfire branded near-new wood hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. Headstock has some light scuffs on all sides but no major marks. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only including one small patch where the wood is visible behind the 12th fret. The back has widespread very light scuffs, no major marks though. The sides have a few minor dimples near the knobs and some light scuffs in the elbow area and on the top horn. The front has some minor rub wear near the knobs and in the elbow area as well as some scuffs from play on the guard and horns, no major marks. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets have been freshyl dressed and polished, minor wear only, 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.