(SOLD) Greco RG-85 Red Sunburst 1989
Greco RG-85, red sunburst finish, made in Japan 1989. Here's an unusual one! Rickenbacker managed much more watertight intellectual property rights on their designs than Fender or Gibson, so there's far less copies of their creations around from the 70s and 80s than other USA brands. The ones you do see tend to be takes on the 4001 bass or the 325 short scale, made famous by various Beatles, but this 3-series style creature: well, isn't it just a glorious thing? Some of Greco's most sought after models come from the late 80s, and with this in your hands, it's easy to understand why: the build and finish quality is outstanding. The details are all bang-on: two-ply wood and white binding on the neck, gloss finished fretboard, cool G tailpiece, perfect glow style finish... heck, they really nailed it. The neck has that D-style shape too, it's fat without being huge and feels very convincing. The tone is great too: jangly chime, but with plenty of detail and width in the midrange and a pleasing fatness on the low end. Into a lightly driven amp, it's just perfect for big rhythm stuff... so fun. This is the first example of these we've ever had, so if you miss this one, it might be a while before you see another. Extremely awesome.
Model: Greco 'Collection Series' RG-85
Made: Japan, 1989, Fujigen Gakki plant
Serial: C8951183
Finish: red sunburst, gloss poly
Body: maple, semi-hollow, thinline depth
Neck: maple 3-piece, rosewood fretboard with gloss finish, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, R-style D shape
Weight: 3.295kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Greco RG-8 toaster style single coil x2
Accessories: Greco gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some minor dimples on the end and some scuffs on the bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear only. The back has minor dimples near the neck join, elbow area and back edge and some scuffs on the bottom horn and bottom corner. The sides have minor dimples on the top horn and elbow area and light scuffs near the jack and on the bottom horn. The front has dimples around the tailpiece, bottom horn and elbow area, as well as some 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, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only