1974 GRECO TE-350
Pre-serial number model
 
These Gneco Teles are getting very thin on the ground now - even more so in this condition. I constantly search for these guitars to stock as donors for DreamBuilds, but this particular example is in such great condition that it will remain original and a perfect example of the breed. Completely original, and having suffered only a tiny amount of parking damage in its 48 years, the Maxons retain their classic sounds. The bridge pickup does look a little weedy and slim compared to the classic Fender type, but it has a soul of its own - also a lot more power than you'd think. 
 
The characteristic that makes these old Grecos shine is the neck. This is a very late 3 (actually it is 5 if you study the headstock) piece neck - the construction changed to a single piece a very short time after this particular guitar appeared in the shop. The body is a pancake construction - the tell tale line bisecting the sides of the guitar is just visible.
 
The simplicity of this guitar is refreshing - the top loading bridge is a little agricultural, but all the better for it. We have replaced a few of these original bridges with modern Gotoh units which add some comfort and refinement, but it's good to have an example of how they were.
 
We would let this 1974 TE-350 go to a loving home - keeping it in this condition and with regular use and servicing, it is unlikely to ever lose value. The frets are quite low, but have that glorious run-in feel - the main thing is the neck (as they all are on these) is perfectly straight, and the frets are level. The guitar has had a luthier set-up - Joe always delivers that final 5% that makes a good guitar feel even better.
 
We value this stage-ready guitar at £725, and know you could have a couple of new Squiers for the same outlay; but these old proper MIJ vintage guitars are built to different standards - I would say that this is half the price of a new MIJ JV Tele with which it shares significantly more DNA.