Thank you so much for viewing our listing among so many products available! ☆


━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━


【PRODUCT DESCRIPTION】


■ Levinson Blade R3 circa 1989–1990


■ Features


This is a highly rare Levinson Blade R3 from the earliest Fender headstock era.

Bearing the "Advanced Concept by Gary Levinson, Switzerland" logo, it embodies the distinctive presence characteristic of the Blade brand's early period.


A classic and refined Strat-style instrument, featuring a white body, maple neck, and white pickguard combination.


Equipped with three original Levinson single-coil pickups bearing the Levinson mark, delivering clear, responsive tone with easily manageable voicing. The specification includes a locking nut and adjustable tension guide—demonstrating the forward-thinking design typical of Blade during this era.


The bridge has been upgraded to a Fernandes FRT, providing the practical locking tremolo system found on this model.

Original rotomantic tuners bearing Levinson Switzerland markings adorn the headstock, making this an instrument rich in character down to the finest details.


The preamp circuit board had corroded, rendering the active circuit non-functional. The board has been removed and the guitar converted to passive operation.


We are offering this as-is due to this circuit modification. However, for those seeking a playable passive-configuration Strat-style guitar, this instrument holds considerable appeal.


While showing scattered scratches and dings consistent with age, the overall condition is excellent, and the vintage aesthetic adds to its charm. The arm, soft case, spare strings, and removed circuit board are all included—a feature that will particularly delight collectors.


This early-era Fender headstock Blade, now refined as an easy-to-play passive configuration, is a rare find that doesn't come on the market often.


Highly recommended for those seeking a Blade from this vintage period or anyone drawn to Gary Levinson-related instruments.


■ Specifications


・Brand: Blade Guitars

・Model: R-3 (earliest Fender headstock era / Pre-Lawsuit Era)

・Year of Manufacture: circa 1989–1990 (1989–1990 Made in Japan)

・Country of Origin: Japan (Made in Japan / manufactured by premier workshops including Fujigen)

・Serial Number: 70121 (engraved on neckplate)

・Body Wood: Alder

・Neck Wood: Maple

・Fretboard: Maple (22 frets)

・Tuners: Original Levinson rotomantic pegs (Levinson Switzerland engraved)

・Nut: Original roller nut (metal construction)

・String Tension Guide: ATG (Adjustable Tension Guide / movable guide)

・Pickups: Original Levinson Single Coil ×3 (Levinson-marked originals)


【Measurements】


・Nut Width: approximately 42mm

・Scale Length: approximately 648mm

・Switch: 5-way

・Controls: 1 Volume, 1 Tone

・Weight: approximately 3.48kg

・String Gauge: 09–42


■ Condition


While showing scattered scratches and dings, the overall condition is excellent.


・Neck: Straight

・Truss Rod: Good clearance

・Frets: approximately 70% wear

・String Action at 12th Fret: 6th string approximately 2.0mm, 1st string approximately 1.5mm

・Electronics: Functioning properly (converted to passive configuration)


■ Service Performed


・Fret polishing

・Fretboard conditioning

・Neck adjustment

・Hardware cleaning

・String replacement

・Action adjustment


The instrument plays excellently.


■ As-Is Condition Note


The preamp circuit board had corroded, preventing active circuit operation. The board has been removed and the guitar converted to passive specification. We are offering this instrument as-is out of an abundance of caution.


For those unconcerned with this modification, this represents excellent value.


■ Included Accessories


Guitar body, soft case, tremolo arm, 2 sets of strings, removed circuit board


■ Storage


We maintain indoor humidity between 45–55% and store cased guitars with humidity regulators. While time between listing and sale may result in minor condition changes due to the instrument's nature, we take every precaution to preserve the condition as of the last service.


━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ TRANSACTION TERMS ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━


【IMPORTANT NOTES】


※ Please read carefully.


■ Should you have any questions, please use the inquiry function.


■ This is a used item. Please carefully review all photos and the description before purchasing.


■ Regarding returns, please review the notes and policies below.


■ We strive for prompt communication and shipping, but delays may occasionally occur. We appreciate your understanding in advance.


【SHIPPING】


※ Shipments are sent via EMS, UGX, or FedEx. (Domestic Japan shipments use Yamato Transport or Sagawa Express)


※ Depending on your location, the item may exceed shipping size limits. We recommend contacting us via message before purchase to confirm.


※ We are closed Wednesdays and do not ship on that day. Please note in advance.


・Depending on your country, items typically arrive 7–10 days after shipment.


【PACKING】


Regardless of whether an original box or hard case is included, we pack carefully to prevent damage. (Unpacking may take some time, and we appreciate your understanding.)


Shipping insurance is available for your peace of mind.


【PLEASE CONFIRM】


As a used item, this product may have scratches and signs of wear. We cannot accept returns based on dents, impact marks, scratches, or cosmetic wear that are already noted in the photos or product description. Returns are only accepted within one week of delivery if there are defects not mentioned in the description. If shipping damage is suspected, you must confirm with the shipping carrier and file an insurance claim—please be sure to keep the packaging materials and product in their arrival condition (see policy details). Please retain all packing materials and documentation for potential insurance claims.


【VOLTAGE NOTICE】


Japan's voltage is 100V, which differs from most other countries. Please verify the voltage in your country. If it differs, you may need a voltage converter before importing. We ask for your understanding in advance.


※ Important Notes


Depending on your location and item price, customs duties may apply in addition to the product price and shipping cost.


We appreciate it if you research import duties and taxes for your country before purchase.


※ Italy in particular is subject to additional duties and taxes. Please verify before purchasing.


If you send us a message, we will research to the extent possible. Please contact us if you have concerns.


We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation.


For full details, please review our policy.

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

Promoted similar listings













Listed2 months ago
ConditionVery Good (Used)
Very Good items may show a few slight marks or scratches but are fully functional and in overall great shape.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • R3
Categories
Year
  • 1989〜1990
Made In
  • Japan
Pickup Configuration
  • SSS
String Type
  • Steel
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Fretboard Material
  • Maple
Nut Width
  • 1.65"
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Neck Material
  • Maple
Offset Body
  • Non-Offset Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type
  • Locking Tremolo Bridge
Body Type
  • Solid Body
Body Material
  • Alder
Scale Length
  • 25.5"
Neck Construction
  • Bolt-On

Product safety information may be available here.

Guitar Buyer

Osaka City, Japan
Joined Reverb:2024

Reverb Protection

Simple Returns, Secure Transactions, Human Support

Learn more

Secure Checkout

Reverb Gives

Your purchases help youth music programs get the gear they need to make music.

Oops, looks like you forgot something. Please check the fields highlighted in red.