Greco TL-500N

Telecasters from Matsumoku and Fujigen from this era are always hidden gems. They were slightly in the shadow of the exciting new designs emanating from Hayashi and Toshio at this time - but there is always demand for a traditional Tele and so these models continued in production.

It could be said that the less you write about a Tele, the better it is - these Fujigen built guitars from 80 and 81 are the last they built without the oversight of Fender management and bean-counters. The build quality of these TL guitars is as good as it got. They will oulast us all.

The pick-ups in this are Maxon PU-T5 - the vintage output, and to our ears slightly sweeter than the high powered DiMarzios that were often fitted to these 1980 Teles. I have the original bridge plate here, but have decided to fit a new Gotoh semi-cutaway unit as they always improve the playability. The original plate will be included in the sale, but unless the next owner objects, the new Gotoh unit will stay on the guitar. The semi-cutaway design is so much kinder on the palm muting. I have also changed the knobs to Charles Guitar items which feel great and are a better pairing with the new bridge unit.

The finish is still sound, but has had a bit of rough handling - we see evidence of a previous respray in the wrong type of black, but the right type for removing again. This is no mint factory fresh model - it has seen some life, but most importantly, plays perfectly, and is set to do so for another 45 years at least. We have other mintier Grecos here if that is important - this one just wants to be played.