Bill Lawrence BTII-M, natural gloss, made in Japan around 1988. Bill Lawrence isn't the biggest name in guitars, but the man himself has a pretty impressive resumé. He made his name in the 50s and 60s as an accomplished jazz guitarist in Germany. After moving to the USA, he ran Dan Armstrong's famous NYC custom shop for a while. He mentored Larry Dimarzio, designed pickups and electronics for Gibson's famous L6-S model and then later Fender's Roscoe Beck model, as well as designing some of the first noiseless single coil pickups in the mid 1970s. The BL branded guitars were a short lived experiment in the late 80s, combining excellent woodwork from the same factory that made the HS Anderson guitars made famous by Prince with Bill's excellent pickups and electronics. This one is a pretty classic Tele style, executed with care and class. The body is made from two-piece centre joined ash, and it's showing off some really gorgeous tight grain lines... the longer you look the more pretty little details you notice. The neck is a slim, soft V shape and feels great in the hands. The 'Black Label' single coils are great too. This delivers a heap of percussive low end and shimmering top end, it's offers a plonky, clear and slightly scooped take on the Tele twang. Now that headstock: I can't decide if it looks more like a sickle, a parrot or Maui's fish hook... help?

Model: Bill Lawrence BTII-M Trigger-II
Made: Japan, 1988 approx (serial B08480)
Finish: natural, gloss poly, 1-ply black guard
Body: sen ash
Weight: 3.805kg
Neck: maple with maple board, 25.5" scale, 7.25" radius, soft-V profile
Mods: none
Pickups: Bill Lawrence Black Label TT2 single coil x2
Case: basic non original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples pn the end and bottom edge. 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 but no major marks. The sides have a couple of minor dents and dimples on the edge in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has some dimples behind the bridge, in the elbow area and around the controls as well as some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10)

Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have some normal wear but are pretty even with no major buzz issues, 7/10 for fret life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.