Beautiful CSL LP Custom guitar, dating from circa 1970s (made in Japan).
CSL (Charles Summerfield Ltd) was a major UK importer of UK guitars circa 1970s, bringing to market many of 'lawsuit' models during the period.
These guitars while economically-friendly options at the time, have aged rather well and represent excellent build quality/value for money against a 'modern' equivalent guitar. These guitars were produced in the same factories Ibanez, Epiphone etc and while using some cost-cutting methods (e.g., bolt on necks) still used real, dark rosewood fingerboards, decent pickups and true-to-original hardware.
This is one such example, dating from the 70s (difficult to date precisely owing to lack of serial), though clearly modelled on a contemporary Gold Top / Custom model (note block inlays, including 1st fret inlay). It features a nice factory Gold finish, complete with a 'Dark Back' stained finish to the rear.
Pickups are factory original and unmarked, though sound sweet to me. I am yet to hear a 'humbucker' from this period that I didn't like - I always find they stand up surprisingly well.
It appears to be all original as far as I can see, bar having had the strap button moved slightly.
It's in pretty clean condition for a 70s lawsuit model, clearly taken care of fairly well. There are some inconsequential dings, notably to the top of the head and the occasional mark, though nothing unsightly or resulting from abuse.
Plays well with a comfortable low action, frets are in good condition with plenty of life left in them. Electronics all functioning as they should, with great tones to be found from the dual pickups in their various combinations.
No case, though it will be very well packed for transit.
A classic Japanese-built lawsuit period guitar with striking looks to match.
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£225.00Price
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