Vanborn Vintage Guitars Presents …


A beautiful and characterful Greco SE-style Stratocaster in classic Black, most likely dating from the early-to-mid 1970s (definitely pre-1975 because no serial number), built during the golden era of Japanese craftsmanship. This example blends vintage Japanese build quality with tasteful modifications that expand its tonal palette beyond a traditional Strat-style instrument.


Finished in black with a rosewood fretboard, this Greco immediately stands apart from the more common Sunburst examples. The neck features subtle flame maple figuring, adding a touch of visual elegance and vintage charm. These small aesthetic details make this instrument feel special even before plugging it in.


One particularly interesting feature is the tremolo cavity construction. The tremolo block is firmly mounted into the body, and the cavity is routed through toward the pickup and control cavity, contributing to enhanced resonance and lively acoustic response — something early Greco guitars are well known for.


This Greco also features white nylon like bridge saddles — a rare and desirable upgrade known for smoothing out high frequencies and producing a softer, more controlled attack. This setup is reminiscent of the tone philosophy used by Mark Speer of Khruangbin. His approach was recently formalized in the Fender Mark Speer Stratocaster released by Fender.


The electronics have been tastefully upgraded with full-size pots and custom wiring and pickups inspired by the Mark Speer tonal approach.


The bridge and middle pickup combination is wired parallel and out-of-phase, producing a thin, airy, lo-fi tone that sits beautifully in a mix — perfect for funk, indie, soul, and ambient styles.


Despite these modifications, the guitar retains its true vintage character and feel. The combination of Japanese craftsmanship, resonant body construction, and thoughtful upgrades makes this instrument both collectible and highly playable.


Cosmetically, the guitar shows honest signs of age, with minor dings and scratches consistent with a vintage instrument (as pictured). The black finish has aged gracefully, giving the guitar authentic vintage appeal.


A proper vintage workhorse with unique tonal versatility and real personality.


Included with the guitar is a gigbag — ready to protect your new vintage treasure.


Available for WORLDWIDE shipping, the shipping cost is calculated automatically in the shopping cart, based on your location. If you're purchasing from inside the EU, your purchase will include VAT.

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Cheers!

Vanborn Vintage Guitars

Belgium’s finest vintage & rare guitar store!

Family owned & operated in Sint-Truiden (Est. 2024)

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.

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Listed3 months ago
ConditionGood (Used)
Good condition items function properly but may exhibit some wear and tear.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • SE-500S Stratocaster MIJ SE500 SE-500 SE550 SE450 SE800 Matsumoku Fuijgen Fender Japan Lawsuit Era Strat ST Spacey Sound Spacy Sound Early Sixties
Finish
  • Black
Categories
Year
  • 1970's
Made In
  • Japan
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Body Type
  • Solid Body

Product safety information may be available here.

Vanborn Vintage Guitars

Sint-Truiden, Belgium
Joined Reverb:2024

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