(SOLD) Crews Maniac Sound KTR LS-01 Cherry Sunburst 2011
Crews Maniac Sound KTR LS-01, made in Japan 2011, cherry sunburst. We love these Crews LPs here at Topshelf, they're astonishingly good guitars. The 'Key To The Rock' series, KTR for short, was a collaboration between the Crews brand and major Japan music retailers Musicland Key. They were all made at the exceptional Terada factory that produces all the high end Gretsch guitars today and Orville in the 80s and 90s, among others. First up, the quality of timber used is top notch. The body shows the parallel ribbons and tight detail of premium Africa mahogany, book-matched and joined in the dead centre, and capped with an attractive piece of solid plain rock maple. The neck is also African mahogany, capped with a gorgeous dark streaky piece of Indian rosewood. The thin gloss nitro finish lets the details of the grain speak through the subtle burst, it's gorgeous. The neck is a '58 style chunky profile, so there's plenty to wrap your hand around. The neck shape lends itself to a more considered playing style and more careful note selection, which combined with the lively resonance of the body and neck makes for a playing experience that has your ears and hands paying full attention and enjoying every moment. Basically all LP style guitars have a decent bottom end and plenty of growl, but a good ones has a certain airiness through the midrange and a sparkling clarity on top, and this delivers that in spades. The neck pickup is bell-like in clarity and rounded in voice, perfect with some gain for legato leads or into a clean amp for juicy, rich chords. The bridge pickup is creamy and complex, with a midrange that's bursting with harmonic complexity and dynamic responsiveness; every little detail of your playing comes out in glorious richness. This will scare guitars at thrice the price for both tone and feel, so claim it for your very own and enjoy the ride!
Model: Crews Maniac Sound KTR LS-01
Made: Japan, Terada plant, 2011 (serial 11021)
Finish: cherry sunburst top, red stain back/sides, gloss nitro
Neck: 1-piece African mahogany, Indian rosewood board, 58 style chunky profile, 43mm unbleached non-fat-removed bone nut
Body: 2-piece African mahogany, 2-piece solid plain rock maple cap, minor weight relief
Weight: 3.980kg
Mods: pickups replaced and then originals reinstalled, guard removed and missing
Pickups: KTR Original PAF-style humbucker x2
Case: basic non-original hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a minor mark on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, just a few minor dimples on the back only. The back has minor dimples in the elbow area, back edge and near the bottom corner, no major marks. The sides have a few scuffs and dimples near the jack and in the elbow area, no major marks. The front has a few dimples behind the bridge and in the elbow area, some dimples non the edge near the knobs and some standard play wear on the horns. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).
Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear, 8/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.