Norma Barney Kessel Split Pickup Walnut Vintage Guitar

Very interesting Norma Barney Kessel ETG 673-2HR guitar.

The pickups are split and the selector lets you mix bass and treble strings separately, for example, bass neck pickup with treble bridge pickup. Gives you a slightly different range of tone than typical guitars. 

We like this configuration which seems to be lost in modern times with a few exceptions like the Italia Imola. 

Unlike the surfy Imola, though, this has that vintage garage hollow body sound, a bit more bluesy/jazzy than a a Harmony Rocket.

The walnut is also unusual for the times, though picking up in use as a modern tonewood. And we love the N fret marker inlays - definitely a standout at a jam or at a local intimate gig.

There are a few dings and scratches here and there, check the pictures. There's a ding on the neck and an extra strap hanger hole on the neck towards the body. Neither neck mark impairs playing, and we didn't notice them until we looked it over and took pictures. The top bass pickup has a crack in the white plastic covering.

All told, If you're looking for a vintage beater that has a bit of a unique look and sound, she's could be a lot of fun for one of you. If you're looking for a cheap ES 335, there are better choices. Also, do not look at this one as a collector piece. In fact the seller has another one in great condition, and that may come in. He would play this one and display that one. (And no, he's not the guy that drilled the extra strap hole. Not his style to alter guitars.) 

(In fact, if you're looking for a more collectable instance of this model, let us know and we'll pass it on to the fella who brought it in. He's downsizing and may go for a good offer.)