Greco TD-500 Telecaster Deluxe 1974 – First Year – Matsumoku – Made in Japa

For sale is a 1974 Greco TD-500 Telecaster Deluxe, made in Japan by Matsumoku.

1974 was the first year of production for the TD-500, making this a particularly early example of the model. The dating is consistent with the early Greco headstock logo and the absence of a serial number, both characteristic of the earliest instruments from this period.

The TD-500 is Greco’s take on the Telecaster Deluxe concept, built during the era when Matsumoku was producing some of the most interesting Japanese interpretations of classic American designs.

This example retains the characteristic 1970s specification: two humbuckers, black pickguard, maple neck, maple fingerboard and a traditional 2 Volume / 2 Tone control layout.

Construction

The guitar features a classic Telecaster Deluxe-style body with a transparent natural finish that leaves the wood grain clearly visible.

It is paired with a maple neck in bolt-on construction and a maple fingerboard with black dot markers.

The headstock carries the characteristic early Greco logo used during the first half of the 1970s.

The overall appearance is unmistakably period-correct: natural finish, black pickguard, chrome hardware and two large humbuckers.

Pickups and Electronics

The guitar is equipped with two Greco / Maxon humbuckers in chrome covers.

Controls consist of:

• 2 x Volume
• 2 x Tone
• 3-way pickup selector

Each pickup therefore has its own dedicated Volume and Tone control.

The layout offers everything from the fuller and warmer neck pickup sound to the more direct and articulate bridge position.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Greco
• Model: TD-500 Telecaster Deluxe
• Year: 1974
• 1974 - first year of production for the TD-500
• Factory: Matsumoku
• Made in Japan
• Bolt-on construction
• Maple neck
• Maple fingerboard
• Black dot markers
• 2 x Greco / Maxon humbuckers
• 2 x Volume
• 2 x Tone
• 3-way pickup selector
• Black pickguard
• Chrome hardware
• Hardtail bridge
• Natural finish
• Early Greco headstock logo
• No serial number
• Hard case included

Condition

The guitar is in very good vintage condition, especially considering that it comes from the first production year of the model.

The body shows normal signs of use, including a few small marks and minor wear around some of the edges.

The black pickguard shows surface scratches from normal use.

The chrome hardware remains in good condition overall, with natural age-related wear visible on the bridge, pickup covers, screws and neck plate.

The maple neck and fingerboard present well, and the frets retain good visible height.

The natural finish has aged very attractively and gives the guitar an authentic early-1970s appearance.

A hard case is included, as shown in the photos.

This is a particularly interesting early example of the Greco TD-500, not only because of its Matsumoku production, but also because it dates from 1974 - the very first year of production for this model.

• 14-day return policy.
• Safe, professionally packed worldwide courier shipping.
• Local pickup available in Łódź, Poland.
• VAT invoice.
• No trades.

More photos, better deals and vintage Japanese guitars:

Instagram: @mozartguitars.pl

Facebook: Mozart Guitars