Greco EG500C Violin Burst 1981
Greco EG500C, violin burst, made in Japan 1981. What a stunning item. Greco were making outstanding Gibson-style models out of the Fujigen Gakki factory by the mid 70s, so by 1981, the operation was very dialed indeed. It's reasonably common to score Custom style models from this era wearing black or even cherry sunburst, but this dark and moody violin burst finish is a lot harder to find. Holy heck it looks good though. The rich red-brown fade, paired with the yellowed binding and inlays and the muted gold hardware, this looks like a million bucks. Maxon made a specifically voiced pickup for this model, so it's got an extra dark, smooth voice. The natural sustain on offer is amazing, so you can pull disgusting doom dirge tones from the neck pickup with a generous dose of gain, or superb crunchy rock rhythm goodness on the bridge pickup. It's got such a wailing, even voice that it's very fun for shred antics like sweep picking and pinch harmonics. This is a very enjoyable guitar, it's a perfect slice of 80s MIJ grandeur.
Model: Greco EG500C
Made: Japan, 1981, Fujigen Gakki factory
Serial: L816471
Finish: violin burst, gloss poly
Body: mahogany, maple carved top, unchambered
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, slim C shape
Weight: 5.040kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Maxon UD humbucker x2
Accessories: basic gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples and a couple of minor chips on the end, dimples on both edges and some light scuffs on the back and front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, rub wear and some dimples on the back only. The back has surface scratches and dents on the elbow area and back edge, dimples around the cavity cover and bottom horn and some light scuffs on the top horn and middle of the body. The sides have a chip and some dimples on the top horn, a bunch of dents and scuffs in elbow area, chips near the rear strap pin, dents near the jack and some light scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has a chip on the top edge in the elbow area, dimples along the back edge and knobs, scuffs around the tailpiece and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 6/10, normal wear in minor pitting, playing smoothly with no major buzz issues