Teisco K-56 Sharkfin Silver 1999
Teisco K-56 Sharkfin, made in Japan in 1999 in silver. How cool! The K series launched originally in 1966 and was pretty 'out there' in it's day; the beveled sides, super pointy horns and striped aluminium guard were certainly a departure from tradition and still manage to surprise and confuse all these years later. These late 90s reissue models are beautifully made and feature some modern 'conveniences' like a slimmer 3-piece maple neck and a set of Firebird-style mini-humbuckers. It adds up beautifully in the hands; it's very sturdy and reassuring and holds tune nicely. The pickups are awesome, there's a heap of bite and grit on offer balanced by a certain openness and sweetness, offering a big and thick but still jangly tone. This is perfectly quirky and borderline practical, I reckon it's heaps of fun.
Model: Teisco K-56 Sharkfin
Made: Japan; 1999
Serial: F9912117
Finish: silver, gloss poly
Body: basswood (unverified)
Neck: 3-piece maple, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale
Weight:
Mods: none
Pickups: TH-50 Firebird style mini humbucker x3
Accessories: none
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear only. The back has scuffs on the top horn and belly carve, dimples in the elbow area and back edge and some surface scratches in the middle of the body. The sides have dimples on the horns and near the jack and a chip on the back edge near the rear strap pin. The front has dimples near the knobs and in the elbow area, a chip on the back edge near the jack and 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 11/49 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only