We always try an electric guitar unplugged first — at least, that’s what I do. It already tells you a great deal about the instrument. You can quickly tell when a guitar really works or stands out from the crowd, and that is definitely the case here. Its acoustic projection is extremely impressive, which is usually a good indication of what to expect once plugged in. The maple neck has a remarkably solid, rigid feel. It is perfectly straight and contributes greatly to the guitar’s resonance. It is equipped with its original P-90, which is both warm and highly responsive to the player’s attack. It is a very dynamic pickup, producing a soft, mellow tone when played gently, while becoming much more biting and articulate with a firmer attack. The tuners have been replaced with models dating from the second half of the 1960s. The instrument is in good overall condition and plays beautifully. The rosewood fingerboard shows relatively little wear, and the guitar is very comfortable and easy to play. There are two cracks in the back. The guitar was repaired in the USA several decades ago by the Guitar Hospital in Glendora, New Jersey, which was active during the 1970s. The repair was very well executed and consisted of stabilizing the back joint after it had reopened. Three small cleats of the appropriate shape and size were glued in place — exactly the right way to address the issue.

The instrument comes with a properly sized Superior hardshell case.