Up for sale, a 1970's Guyatone LG-350T Custom electric guitar in exceptional, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case. The top of the line model in the Sharp 5 series of instruments with a Blonde-finished ash body and gold hardware, this very rare Japanese guitar was only available for a few short years and is a supreme example of fine craftsmanship mixed with unique surf-inspired design. The German Carved elongated Mosrite-influenced body and hardware, and Fender Jaguar-style single coil pickups and vibrato system reflect just how deeply the Ventures surf craze reverberated within the Japanese market at the time.
Tonally, this LG-350T Custom has plenty of chiming treble snap and punchy wound string growl. The ingenious three-way mini toggle on the lower body horn allows for all possible pickup selections between the three single coils. The bridge pickup offers a rubbery snap and upper midrange honk, with a cutting sparkle that sounds great when paired with either of the other coils. The neck pickup has a thick woof, and the middle pickup acts as a useful thickening agent. This Guyatone weighs 8lbs 3oz, professionally setup here at Mike and Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action and accurate intonation.
The bound one-piece maple neck has a slender C shaped profile that feels fast and effortless, measuring .830” at the 1st fret and .900” at the 12th. The bound slab rosewood fretboard is an extremely dark, tight-grained cut of this particular tonewood, with small star inlay and original slender frets that have their full factory height and well-rounded crowns, showing virtually no wear. The guitar plays cleanly up the 24 3/4” scale with an ideally adjusted and responsive truss rod. The headstock retains the original Guya logo and "LG-350T Custom" label, with a pair of string guides and a set of Grover Rotomatic-style tuning machines that turn smoothly and hold pitch well.
Electronically everything functions as it should, with a three-position pickup selector switch and Master Volume and Tone knobs. The ingenious three-way mini toggle functions as follows:
Right - Middle pickup disengaged
Center - Middle pickup engaged in all pickup settings
Left - Middle pickup only (traditional three-way pickup toggle bypassed)
The gold hardware is remarkably well-kept, including the vibrato which bridges the gap between Fender and Mosrite, with aesthetics closer to the latter and the functionality of the former. The vibrato actuates easily and is very smooth and responsive, working in concert with the roller bridge for warbles and expressive dives. The transparent blonde finish subtly highlights the natural wood grain of the ash body, and the prominent German Carve on the top accentuates the fairly extreme body contours, framed by cream binding. Cosmetic wear is limited to a few expected minor shallow marks and finish scuffs on the body. The neck profile sports a pristine smooth gloss finish.
The original hardshell case is included and equally as well-kept as the guitar with a dark burgundy exterior, red plush interior, functional latches, and the original handle.