A close to 20-year old example with some incredibly sweet natural relic that makes this guitar look like a real Burst from the magical year 1959. Beautifully yellowed binding all around the body and the neck, nicely worn nickel hardware, and the finish has already faded some on the front and the back too just like the originals. Most importantly, Historics from this time period (pre-2007) got the best and most historically-accurate wood material in the history of the Custom Shop division from 1994 till the most recent years. This one features an old-growth Honduras mahogany back and neck from South-America (look at the insane growth ring / inch ratio in the heel area - only wildlife slow-growth mahogany has rings in the 50-80 / inch range). The neck is perfectly quarter-sawn. The fretboard is dark, long pore, glassy smooth Madagascar RW that is visually and sonically indistinguishable from Brazilian and now unobtainable. The top is Eastern hard maple just like on the originals. Compare that with post-2008 Historics that are made from Fijian plantation mahogany (generally 30-year old when cut and processed), dry and greyish Indian RW fingerboards. I always prioritize wood over cosmetics when it comes to historical accuracy. Has some all-around playwear as well but no damages of any kind whatsoever.
Specifications:
- Eastern hard rock flame maple top -
1-piece old-growth Honduras mahogany body from South America -
Quarter-sawn old-growth Honduras mahogany neck from South America -
Madagascar rosewood fretboard that is dark and uniform in color with long pores - Burstbucker 1 & Burstbucker 2 pickups - Authentic faded nitro finish (the original Cherry finish can be seen in the control cavity and removing the hardware) - ABR-1 bridge - Bumblebee caps - 'Cali Girl' Lifton case - Original frets in good condition
This fine example not only looks but also sounds like an old one. Acoustically loud and clear with strong fundamental notes.
