Edwards E-SA-125 semi-hollow, made in Japan 2006, vintage sunburst. Edwards is the vintage style division of ESP, so they're made in Japan to an exceptional standard and largely sold to the domestic Japan market. This charmer is a take on the classic Gibson ES-335, so it's got a centre block semi hollow construction. It's awesome in the hands: loud unplugged, warm and resonant with a sweet chunky '59 style neck. The fret and finish work are bang-on, it feels very reassuring to play and was clearly made with the kind of attention to detail USA builders seldom deliver. Into a dirty amp, this kicks things into stadium rock territory with gleeful abandon: huge chords with juicy bass and heaps of complexity and warmth through the midrange and plenty of snap on the top end. It cleans up beautifully too, the Seymour Duncan pickups really deliver a sweet and musical balance. I'm an advocate for sunburst finishes on big body ES style guitars, and this is a particularly nice one: tasty tight maple grain with classy subtle fade from yellow to choc brown, all topped in semi-gloss nitro. This punches well beyond the dollars required, but it's not just good for the dime: it's plain and simple fantastic.

Model: Edwards E-SA-125
Made: Japan, 2006 (serial ED0614423)
Finish: vintage sunburst, semi-gloss nitro topcoat
Body: laminate maple, semi-hollow centre block, thinline 45mm depth, full 397mm width
Neck: one piece mahogany, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, 43mm nut, moderate '59 style profile
Weight: 3.775kg
Mods: tuners replaced
Pickup: Seymour Duncan SG-11 Custom Custom (bridge), SH-2N Jazz (neck)
Case: non original padded gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: mild finish wear. Headstock has some minor marks on the end and a dimple on the front near the low E tuner post. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, no major marks. The back has a couple of light scuffs near the neck join, no major marks. The sides have some light scuffs on the top horn, elbow area and near the jack. The front is nice and clean, just some dimples in the elbow area and play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: excellent condition (9/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, intonation is good, action is low, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Frets look almost new, 9/10 for fret life left. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.