(SOLD) VG KTR-ES STD Ice Tea Burst 2016
VG KTR-ES STD, iced tea burst, made in Japan 2016. 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 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 rock maple for the body... all on show under the gorgeous iced tea burst thin nitro finish. There's some tasty visual touches too: tort guard, pearl block inlays, cream and black 5-ply binding, amber switch tip, gum tuners... small things, but it all adds up and to a very classy aesthetic. Plugged in, it only gets better. The neck pickup is fat and full with a chiming, bell-like clarity through the top end. With a bit of gain and the tone rolled back a little, the signing natural sustain makes for gorgeous legato lead tones. The bridge pickup is bright, warm and full with a midrange that perfectly balanced punch, cream and airiness. It's vocal and rich under a light touch or amazingly full and wide when you hit a big chord nice and hard. The neck has been hand-carved to a moderately slim, tasty round shape that never makes you work too hard; the whole thing just feels effortless and alive in the hands. VG=very good.
Model: VG KTR-ES STD
Made: 2016, Japan, Terada factory (serial 16010906)
Finish: iced tea burst, gloss nitro
Body: semi-hollow, 5-ply maple top/back/sides, 3-ply spruce/maple centre block, 44m depth, 410mm across
Neck: African Mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 15.75" radius, slim 60s shape, 44mm nut
Weight: 3.380kg
Mods: none
Pickups: KTR Original PAF-style humbucker x2
Case: basic non-original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs around the whole body, no major marks though. The sides have minor dimples around the whole body but no major marks. The front has a few little dimples near the knobs and in the elbow area, scuffs behind the bridge and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (8710).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but are pretty even with no major buzz issues and are freshly polished, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.