GUYATONE FRESHMAN 1960 Vintage Japanese Guitar

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Source eBay UK

Genuine 1960 Vintage Japanese FRESHMAN branded guitar (made by Guyatone). Complete and all original but not really playable – a project for restoration or parts, or an interesting retro display item (OK, a wall hanger). This guitar is a close relation of the Antoria (also made by Guyatone) played by Hank B. Marvin of The Shadows in his pre-Strat days. It has a Freshman logo in spaghetti-style script clearly intended to evoke the Fender logo. Visually and sonically the guitar has plenty going for it. All parts are present and functioning. Cosmetically very tidy apart from one gouge on the body edge (clearly visible in photos) and a loose jack-socket plate. The machine heads are complete and work well though a couple of the shafts are slightly bent. The pickups are loud and clear with a sweet clean vintage tone, and are (in my opinion) the best thing about the guitar. Unfortunately the guitar is effectively unplayable, with an action of 9 mm (or a quarter of an inch) at the twelfth fret. As far as I can tell this is caused by 3 things. There is a slight bow in the neck itself, which doesn’t have a truss rod. The neck joint is beginning to separate (see pic). But by far the worst is that the neck seems to have been set out of line in the first place. As it’s a set neck with no truss rod, the only course would appear to be to separate the neck from the body and start again, and I don’t have the time or the skill to even contemplate that. So you could either keep at as a relic to be enjoyed for its undoubted retro appeal (if you like that sort of thing), try your hand at re-setting the neck, or use it as a parts donor for a restoration project. If it doesn’t sell, I will probably dismantle it and either use the pickups elsewhere or sell the parts separately. In other words – bid now or the Freshman gets it! Please examine the photos carefully to assess this item’s condition and contact me to ask any questions. POSTAGE / SHIPPING The guitar will be bubble-wrapped and securely boxed for shipping. Rates quoted include insurance – if the final value exceeds the cover quoted for, I will pay the difference at this end to ensure adequate cover. Winning bidder should provide me with DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER please as many couriers now require this to assist delivery. Postage within UK - £15 (Parcelforce Express 48). Overseas bidders please contact me for a price BEFORE you bid. Postage charges can be avoided by picking up the item from me in Northumberland (postcode NE65). I am also prepared to meet the winning bidder to deliver (free of charge) within approximately a 30-mile radius (for instance to Newcastle/Tyneside area), or further afield for petrol costs (by arrangement). RETURNS In the event of a serious unforeseen defect in the item or significant error in the listing above, UK buyers can return the item for a full refund. Overseas sales are regarded as final, no returns. Should any problem arise, please contact me BEFORE leaving feedback and I will do my best to work with you for an amicable solution. TERMS Please pay within 5 days of auction end. I prefer PayPal, but UK bidders may also pay by personal cheque (I will despatch when funds have cleared) or cash on collection/delivery. Overseas buyers MUST use PayPal – sorry, no exceptions – please see below. I will normally despatch within 3 days of receipt of cleared funds and will keep you fully informed of the item’s progress at every stage. OVERSEAS BIDDERS PLEASE NOTE: 1. Sale is in UK Pounds Sterling (GBP) (£££) not US dollars 2. PayPal only – no exceptions! 3. No Returns – all items sold AS IS 4. You may be liable to import charges. I will not understate value and thereby jeopardise any compensation claim. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding! read more

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