VG KTR-ES STD, pelham blue, made in Japan 2020. 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 limited runs by the iconic Terada factory, the folks behind Gretsch's high end Pro Series models for the last couple of decades, as well as some iconic Orville and  Epiphone guitars back in the day. The KTR-ES model is based on the famed Gibson ES-335, but with a few unique touches. First up, they use a 3-ply spruce/maple/spruce combo for the centre block, which adds some low end focus to the tone. The tonewoods on board are very carefully selected: African mahogany and Indian rosewood for the neck, 5-ply North American rock maple for the body... proper stuff. The pelham blue finish is a proper show-stopper: there's a gorgeous depth and detail to the fine sparkle, and the 5-ply binding and tort guard really round out the look perfectly. The neck profile on these is meticulously carved by hand, working with the grain to create the most stable and intuitive shape possible, and it really does have a certain magical feel about it. The pickups on deck are specially designed for the series, and they're all class: airy, clear and complex with an amazing balance of delicate musicality and assured gooey fatness. The neck pickup is glassy and bell-like while the bridge pickup is creamy and full with great note separation. This is a hidden gem seldom seen outside Japan, so do yourself a favour... VG= veritably gorgeous.

Model: VG KTR-ES STD
Made: 2020, Japan, Terada factory (serial 20101711)
Finish: pelham blue, gloss nitro tocoat
Body: semi-hollow, 5-ply maple top/back/sides, 3-ply spruce/maple centre block, 44m depth, 410mm across
Neck: South African mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 15.75" radius, slim 60s shape, 44mm nut
Weight: 3.495kg
Mods: none
Pickups: KTR Original PAF-style humbucker x2
Case: basic non-original padded gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock and neck have no major marks. The back has a couple of tiny dimples around the neck joint area, no major marks. The sides have a couple of tiny dimples in the elbow area. The front has no major marks, just some light scuffs from play on the guard and horns. Overall: excellent condition (9.5/10). 

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have minimal wear 9/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.