This 1978 Greco SE-700 has a 2-piece body and retains its original PU-119 pick-ups (previously found on the most expensive models, and otherwise known as Excels). The rosewood neck is more similar to a veneer to a slab when comparing to Stratocasters from the early 1960's and there is a strong consensus here amongst the talented players and luthiers that this exhibits many of the features of a good late 70's Strat. This is another vintage Greco that blows the minds of Fender traditionalists.
 
These PU119 pick-ups are held in high regard amongst the MIJ crowd - they respond well to subtle control changes on the guitar and the amplifier and exhibit a good clarity and slight nasal characteristic when driven. Everything on this guitar remains original - the bridge and tuners are all in great aged condition - most importantly perfectly functioning. The black scratchplate has had a mystery substance on it at some point and appears to be melting between the bridge and middle pick-ups. All part of the character, and unless this bothers you, we'll leave it be.
 
At a fraction over 3.56kg (7lbs 14oz) this has "that perfect Strat" weight and feel to it - there are a few parking knocks and scars on the body that give it that authentic vintage touch too - we have attempted to catch them all in the photos. The frets demonstrate the chords this guitar has spent most of its working hours with, but not low, no choking or buzzing anywhere and my regular question to the guys that see to our fretwork here gets their eyes rolling. So, years of service available before any remedial work required.
 
Early Sixties really ought to say "What the 70's should have been" but that wouldn't fit on the headstock. This will hold its own next to any 1970's Strat costing 3 times the price of this one, and has the spec that will appeal to fans of JV guitars.
 
The serial Number on this one is L783219, a late December 1978 Fujigen build from the time they were really showing off to impress the boys from Corona. A Fender guitar from this CBS era is hit and miss - there were some real howlers, and even the good ones are likely to have been upgraded by now. During this era, Fujigen and their contemporaries were just the opposite - getting better and better. This guitar feels like one of their very best. This SE-700 will put guitars twice its price to shame.