Description

Sounds SUPER! 70s MIJ Greco Super Sounds Strat, $649!

The 1970s Greco Super Sounds Stratocaster is a high-quality Japanese-made electric guitar that pays homage to the iconic Fender Stratocaster design. Produced during the so-called “lawsuit era,” these guitars are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and vintage tone, making them highly sought after by collectors and players alike.

Historical Background

  • Lawsuit Era: In the 1970s, Japanese manufacturers like Greco began producing precise replicas of popular American guitars. These instruments were known for their remarkable build quality and affordability, challenging the dominance of established brands.
  • Greco’s Reputation: Greco emerged as one of the leading Japanese brands during this time, offering a range of guitars that closely replicated the look, feel, and sound of their American counterparts. The Super Sounds series is a testament to Greco’s commitment to excellence.

Body and Construction

  • Contour: Adheres closely to the classic Stratocaster body shape with comfortable contours and ergonomic design for ease of playability.

Neck and Fingerboard

  • Neck Material: Constructed from maple, offering stability and a crisp tonal response.
  • Fingerboard Options: Available with either a maple or rosewood fingerboard:
    • Maple Fingerboard: Provides a snappier, brighter tone with smooth playability.
  • Neck Profile: Generally features a comfortable “C” shape profile, suitable for various playing styles and hand sizes.
  • Scale Length: Standard 25.5-inch scale length, contributing to the characteristic Stratocaster tone and feel.
  • Frets: Equipped with 21 medium jumbo frets, allowing for easy bending and smooth navigation across the fretboard.
  • Headstock: Mirrors the traditional Stratocaster design, sometimes with subtle variations to avoid legal issues.

Hardware

  • Tuners: Comes with vintage-style sealed tuners that provide reliable tuning stability and smooth operation.
  • Bridge: Features a traditional six-saddle synchronized tremolo bridge, allowing for expressive vibrato effects while maintaining tuning integrity.
  • Hardware Finish: Typically utilizes chrome-plated hardware for durability and a classic aesthetic appeal.
  • Nut: Usually made from bone or high-quality synthetic materials, enhancing sustain and tuning stability.

Electronics

  • Pickups: Equipped with three single-coil pickups designed to replicate the vintage Stratocaster sound:
    • Neck Pickup: Warm and smooth tones suitable for blues and jazz.
    • Middle Pickup: Balanced and clear, ideal for funk and rhythm playing.
    • Bridge Pickup: Bright and punchy, perfect for rock and lead solos.
  • Controls:
    • Volume Knob: Master volume control for overall output.
    • Tone Knobs: Two tone controls allowing players to shape the high-frequency response of the neck and middle pickups.
    • 5-Way Selector Switch: Offers a wide range of tonal options by selecting and combining different pickups, enabling versatility across various genres.

Sound Characteristics

  • Versatility: Delivers a broad spectrum of tones, from sparkling cleans to gritty overdriven sounds, accommodating styles like blues, rock, funk, and jazz.
  • Vintage Tone: The pickups produce a classic, bell-like Stratocaster tone with clear highs, defined mids, and rounded lows.
  • Dynamic Response: Responds well to playing dynamics and picking intensity, offering expressive and nuanced performance.
  • Sustain: Solid construction and quality materials contribute to excellent sustain and resonance.

Playability

  • Comfortable Feel: The well-crafted neck and smooth fretwork provide effortless playability and reduce hand fatigue during extended playing sessions.
  • Action and Setup: Generally features a low to medium action, facilitating easy fretting and fast playing styles.
  • Weight Balance: Well-balanced body ensures comfort whether playing seated or standing.

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