This SE-500 is part of a trilogy of 1973 Matsumoku 'Gnecos" - a Strat, a Tele and an Esquire complete the set. As well as the general aesthetics, these guitars also share a common specification for hardware and electronics. This one has a set of Evil Sheep 'Sheep Experience' pick-ups - a clever blend of AlNiCo 2 and 5 across each one to deliver clarity from bass and treble ends. They are medium output - not too hot, but deliver a lot more punch than the original Maxons. We now have a 5 way control instead of the original 3 way, and standard volume and tone circuits. The amazing Matsumoku designed bridge (that featured on guitars for only a year) has been replaced by a Gotoh 510NST unit to retain the narrow string spacing but provide the most reliable and comfortable tremolo function. A beautifully printed scratchplate design really makes this guitar stand out. I frequently hear folk who sample this guitar say "it plays feels like I can't afford it", but compared with the majority of good 1973 Strats, it isn't as pricey as you may expect, and much higher value in terms of how you can use it. All the original parts and components for this guitar are safely stored in our archive and would come with the guitar either stored with us, or with you. All are in working order and could be returned to the guitar at any point in the future. The bridge would require minor surgery, but nothing particularly difficult.