Greco TE500, natural finish, made in Japan around 1977. These seventies Greco Thinline Tele style models are such lovely guitars, it's always great to have them in the store when we get a chance. This one is missing a serial number as the neck plate has been replaced, but this model was made from 1976-1980 or so. It looks great: the aged pearl guard and smoky chrome parts make the beautiful defined grain of the sen ash body really pop. The back is especially pretty, the patterns on show are sublime. The neck is a comfy rounded C shape, which sits nicely in the hands, and has weathered the decades in style. The lightweight body rings loudly acoustically, hinting at the delights on show when you plug it in. Into a clean amp, this sings with a gorgeous clarity and warmth. There's a convincing thick low end that adds weight to chords and a glowing, articulate midrange lending nuance and complexity to lead lines; it has a really disarming charm about the tone. These seldom hang around long and have already gone up significantly in value in the last few years, so make this yours while they're still a great example of affordable vintage gems.

Model: Greco TE500
Made: Japan, 1977 approx (serial missing)
Finish: natural, gloss poly, white pearl guard
Body: sen ash, chambered
Neck: 1-piece maple w/ skunk stripe, 7.25" radius, 25.5" scale, vintage C shape
Weight: 3.420kg
Mods: neck plate replaced
Pickups: Greco PU-103 'Wide Range' style humbucker x2
Case: basic non-original gig bag

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some scuffs on the end, bottom edge and top edge near the 6th string tuner. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some dents on the bottom horn, dimples on the top horn, near the neck plate and around the ferrules and some light marks in the elbow area and on the back edge. The sides have dimples around the whole body, no major marks but heaps of minor ones. The front has some dimples behind the bridge, in the elbow area and on the top top edge, as well as some standard play scuffs on the guard and horns. Overall: good condition (7/10).

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 don't need immediate attention; 6/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.