This is another fine example of a pre-serial number Matsumoku Stratocaster destined for the home market in Greco guise.
The neck profile is a substantial C, unlike the later and better-known JVs, the scale is as you would expect unlike some very early Strat clones. The pick-ups are pure Maxon – bright and airy and the previous owner has converted the selector switch to a 5 way unit so accessing the velvety in-between settings is now no longer a function of luck and making everyine wait 3 bars while you find them.
The guitar has had a recent refret, and a very nice job too. New frets on a Harayama 5-piece neck is usually DreamBuild territory,and makes an already fabulous feeling guitar into a perfect one.
The bridge pick-up is now controlled by the lower tone control, the upper tone control now taking care of the neck and middle units. Maxons were always a bright sounding pick-up, and the ability to tame that bridge tone is very useful.
Check out the beautiful fretboard - this kind of quality is usually reserved for Masterbuilt guitars! The 500 was the premium model back in 1973; the 550 and 600s were still a year away so the 500s from 73 really had the pick of the timbers.
1973 Greco SE-500
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