The 480 was the top of the range for the bolt-ons, and has superior hardware to the lower order 360s and 420s. The tuners are the well regarded and reliable "star-tuners" - these have an action and feel missing from all but the most expensive tuners today. The body is a chambered sycamore pancake construction, the weight is a very comfortable 3.76kg (8lbs 4oz); and the acoustic resonance is very pleasing even before you plug it in. The maple neck is capped with an ebony fretboard - the scale is faithful and the neck has a substantial 50s-style C-shaped profile carve, measuring .890” deep at the 1st fret and .975” at the 12th. It has the feel of a far more prestigious brand.
 
The Maxon pick-ups are never a disappointment, and have a soul, a warmth and can be as smooth or growly as you wish with the controls. This is the type of guitar you can lose hours and hours with, and it defies its price tag, and hopes you'll give it a chance despite the presence of a neck plate.
 
The previous owner has opted to change the pick-guard and the pick-up surrounds for pleasing cream ones, but the original black items are present and correct, and can be re-fitted if the next owner chooses.
 
This one has had a very cherished life, and comes with its original sale certificate, strap and also a period correct fitted hard case.