Greco SE-600 (Electrics Upgrade)

1974 was the year that Matsumoku really started to emulate the Strat. This one comes with its original 'star' tuners and Maxons - the latter having an unmistakeable set of tones. We are always so smitten with the Maxon sounds - bright and airy, always cutting through even amongst the humbuckers. We also adore the Maxon humbuckers on the early EG range - they have a remarkable growl. Therefore, with a minor modification, we can have both, and we are delighted with the results.

This is the 3rd 1974 SE-600 we have had since we started and they have all been super heavy-weights - you'll have lighter Les Pauls in the rack. If a heavy, and I mean really heavy, Strat doesn't put you off, read on, as this is a guitar that will cover a lot of bases that previously required 2 guitars, or a mega-bucks one with huge headstock tax.

When I say heavy, I mean 4.6kg - that's over 10lbs in old money. It's sen ash, so nothing exotic - there is no gold stashed in it. It is just a dense bit of ash. All the better for it.

I have converted this one to a 5-way selector (we have cut a new plate for it but retained the little truss rod adjutment hatch as this is a solid good idea), and replaced the pots with new premium CTS items - the lower tone control being a push pull that engages a different pick-up configuration with the 5-way. Pushed down, we have a traditional Strat configuration - the 3 magic Maxons and the parallel tones too. Pull this up and position 3 will engage the neck and middle Maxons into series - very similar to that lovely neck Maxon humbucker on an EG Les Paul model. In the bridge position, the bridge and neck Maxons are joined in series and we get a really nice ES335 middle position tone with a bit more bite - a very decent lead tone indeed - much more mid-range than the bridge Maxon on its own. In between these 2 positions is the neck and bridge in series; that in parallel with the middle. If you like the "in-between" parallel tones on a Strat but always lose yourself a little in the mix, then this is the position that brings you back in no uncertain terms. In the remaining selector positions, you get the neck on its own - always a glorious option with a Maxon. Versatility without too much complexity, and this is very quick to familiarize yourself with.

1974 SE-600s had a slightly slimmer neck than the lower order models, and they do have a premium feel to them - the tuners and tremolo also being higher spec. Star tuners on the back of the headstock meant you had the top of the range. We have never seen a broken or worn Star tuner - they will outlive us all!

Of course it has a couple of knocks and scrapes to remind you it is 50 years old, but it still feel like it has another 50 plus ahead of it, and now you have a hugley more powerful set of tones to accompany your vintage Strat. Either get down to the gym and prepare yourself for this guitar, or wear it instead of going to the gym. Either way, you'll end up up better off!