Greco SA-550 is my favorite thing and I am sad to let her go. I am particularly fond of late 70’s SA-550 as the guitar represents the crest of so-called lawsuit period, where solid body and hollow body guitars notably from Greco and Tokai seriously challenged Gibson’s craftsmanship, hence the lawsuits have been filed against the Japanese rising stars. Interestingly, the crown emblem on the headstock disappeared from 1979 model, most probably to get around the dispute.

This 1978 model features the trapezoid tailpiece which helps the sound wave from the strings transmit all along the body with rich impression. Later models started adopting the next generation with STP (Stop Tail Piece), so it can be said this guitar comes from the last batch of first generation.

With regard to maintenance and cosmetics, a moderate level of oxidation and minor scratches are negligible but as far as playability is concerned nothing compromises. I hear zero fret buzz, which is quite rare from 50 year-old guitar. An original hardshell case comes along, and what else can you expect more from this lovely vintage!