Greco TC500, black, 1978. The Tele Custom is a classic 70s design, but not all the examples rolling out of the CBS era Fender operation were well made instruments. Over the other side of the Pacific at the same time, the quality of guitars rolling off the Greco line was outstanding. This dates to the middle of Greco's golden era of 1975-85 and as such, it has all the mojo you could ask for. The neck feels great, the body is loud and perfectly comfortable, it's stable and precisely made... delightful. The neck pickup is warm and full with a heap of natural bass. The bridge pickup is sharp and biting with all the 'twang' you could want. There's a magic tonal spot with both pickups on and the bridge tone knob rolled to about 80%; that really hits it right, although it's one of a stack of tasty tones on offer. The black-on-black look is perpetually classy, especially paired with the maple board. This one is simple and effective and is ready for a few decades of good times yet.

Model: Greco TC500
Made: Japan, 1978 (serial E782197)
Finish: black gloss, 3-ply black guard
Body: sen ash
Neck: 1-piece maple w/ skunk stripe, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale
Weight: 3.6kg approx
Mods: tone knobs replaced
Pickups: Maxon PU-103 'Wide Range' style humbucker and PU-102 T-stlye single coil
Case: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a couple of marks on the end and bottom edge. The neck is pretty clean, just some very minor dimples on the top edge near the first fret and in the middle behind the thirteenth fret; it's very smooth in the hands. The back has a couple of little dents below the string ferrules and some widespread but very light scratching. The sides have a a few minor marks: there's some scuffs etc extending from the bottom horn around to the rear strap pin, as well as a black out chip on the top horn and some scuffs in the shoulder area. The front is pretty clean, just a couple of dimples near the knobs and around the back edge as well as some play wear on the guard and top horn. 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. The frets have as bit of normal wear but are fairly even with no major buzz issues; 7/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s.