Intriguing Strat brought back to life as a rescue project with ash body, cloth-wired pickups and wiring and brass saddles.

As you may know, many Japanese-made Strats in the 70s/80s were appalling clones. But a few manufacturers suddenly hit the mark with their quality. I picked up this Strat, knowing it was something special.

Annoyingly, the brand name had been sanded off the headstock*. But several things stood out which give great clues:
– The body and headstock followed the Fender design not the bulbous rip-off shapes (big tick)
– The neckplate/screws fit the Fender design and not the tighter 70s cheap models (big tick)
– Tuner screw holes would only fit vintage pegs not the cheaper tuners found on the clones (big tick)
– The body seems to be ash (big tick).

At first, I thought it was Tokai. *A vague outline of the brand decal was left on the headstock which was similar either Tokai or Greco. I went back to the owner who confirmed they’d been some wording he’d sanded off (doh!) said something and then the words ‘something Sound’, which could include a whole range of Tokai and Greco models. However, some Greco models did have the slab rosewood board like this neck, so maybe that’s her heritage? I can’t be 100% sure but she is quality.

Anyway, for now she’s got a Relic/reloaded logo. Take it off if you want.

Let’s look through the guitar …

BODY: She was black. I took her back to the wood – and Wow – an amazing grain (I should have taken pictures).

But she must be ash, given the grain – and the weight! She is much heavier that a regular alder or basswood body. So while a typical Strat weighs around 8lb fully loaded, she’s more like 9lb.

I’ve finished her as a sea foam green relic. Having primed her, I sprayed her sea foam green, then some clear coats. The colour is the closest I can get to sea foam green (it’s possibly slighter darker/richer) but extremely close.

She has lots of deliberate scuffs, nicks and scrapes to replicate real, natural wear over years of heavy

The result is a old-looking, finish that’s comfortable to hold and looks great. Hard to capture in pics, but I’ve tried my best.

IMPORTANT: The finish to the body is thin and waterproof. Keep any corrosives like switch cleaner away from the paint (or cover the body before using anything like this).

PICKUPS: Previously, she had Fender Mex ones in place. I’ve installed cloth-wired Alnico pups – in fact it’s cloth wiring throughout for a vintage vibe. The pups churn out 5.4-5.7k and are at the warmer end of the scale.

NECK: Extremely thin C profile and 9.5 radius and gorgeous to play. I’ve dressed the frets and the strings glide perfectly. Set up with 10-46 strings.

She’s set up for low action on the lower frets and then medium action further up (shim in the neck for optimum tilt). Please be aware that I cannot get low action everywhere without some fret buzz on this very old neck. This is reflected in the price – but if a medium action is your thing, then you’re quids-in.  

OTHER FEATURES: Brass saddles for a touch of class. Big block trem.

Aged-style dials/pup covers.

The neckplate is stamped with a random number.

All nice little touches. (Hard case not included with this guitar.)

If you wish, you can peel off my Axe Relics sticker from the back of the headstock.

This guitar has now been sold. Thanks for your interest.