2 Outstanding MIJ Strats - Greco, Sonix/Momose

[currypowder]

I have a real love/hate relationship with strats. I have found it difficult over the years to bond with them. It wasn't until I stumbled upon one with a fat, soft V shaped neck that I started to really love them. That I was able to end up with 3 very similar strats that I love to play is nothing short of miraculous, for me anyway. But, I really want to have just one good 50s style strat, so I'm letting go of 2.

$1,500 - 1980 Greco SE-800 - Here we have a fantastic, vintage 50s style strat from the golden age of MIJ craftsmanship. The body appears to be alder to me, though I'm not 100% sure. The one-piece maple neck is nice and fat with a soft V shape that fits perfectly in my hand.

This is a 40 year old guitar and it has some superficial dings and marks here and there, but nothing out of the ordinary for a guitar of its age. But I would still describe it as in very good shape.

The neck and bridge pickups may not be original, they do look a little different than the middle pickup, which is more consistent with other Super Real SEs that I've seen. That being said, I find the tone in all three positions to be clean and clear, as expected for a 50s style strat.

Included is a period correct hard case. I do not know if it is the original case, but it certainly is consistent with other late 70s/early 80s MIJ hardcases I have seen.

More Pics Here - Greco SE-800

$1,300 - Sonix Strat - Sonix is a store brand for the Sonix Music store in Japan. Sonix guitars are built by Deviser to the standards of their high end Momose brand. This Sonix is built to a 50s style strat with some nice features. The body is 1-piece of gorgeous ash and the neck is 1-piece maple. The guitar has a lacquer finish. The neck shape is my absolute favorite feature. It is nice and thick with a soft V carve that just sits perfectly in my hand. The action is low and it plays almost effortlessly.

It is in very good condition with only light playwear. There are a few cosmetic issues (all pictured), a small straight line indentation near the upper bout, 2 finish cracks on both sides of the neck pocket and a small finish chip at the rear strap button.

Includes a vintage Fernandes branded hard case.

More pics here - Sonix Strat

[polara]

Deviser makes awesome guitars. My Deviser-built Crews SG is fantastic. I'm covered for Strats (oddly enough by a Japanese guitar) but these look sweet!

[chromium]

Echoing the Deviser love. When prices on korina Vectors shot up, I ended up taking a chance on a beautiful Momose korina V ('58-alike) - and it's a keeper!

GLWTS

[bubs_42]

I'm totally missing that Hardtail that I sold you. MIJ's are just fantastic guitars. 

[currypowder]

Obviously I'm biased. But the Sonix is one of the best strats to pass through my hands. It's light, the neck is perfect and plays like a dream. The strat that I'm keeping is a Crews Key to the Rock that feels and plays almost exactly the same. It was a tossup as to which one to keep, ultimately had a very slight preference to the sunburst finish on the Crews.

When I picked up the Sonix, I owned a DeTemple which had been my #1 for awhile, very similar neck. I felt the Sonix checked all of the boxes for me that the DeTemple had. I did like the Sweet Spot PUs in the DT and the body had some very nice figuring. But ultimately, I felt the Sonix was every bit the guitar that the DT was at 1/4 the price. YMMV.

Oh, and the Greco is pretty sweet, too. Just on a differnt level.

[JGale]

OOOo, OOOOh tell us about the Martin Parlor! 😍😍😍

[currypowder]

7 minutes ago, JGale said:

OOOo, OOOOh tell us about the Martin Parlor! 😍😍😍

Unfortunately, that one has been sold, I'm a little behind in updating my site.

[currypowder]

Bump