Franpton Thinline T style, made in Japan mid 1970s, butterscotch blonde. Peter Frampton is an English singer and guitarist who rose to prominence in the 60s and 70s. FraNpton, however, is... not realted, I guess. It's super hard to pronounce, framkly. These guitars were reportedly produced for the parent company behind Pearl Drums, and made at the famed Matsumoku plant in the mid 70s. The same factory was making almost exactly the same guitar in the mid seventies branded an Aria Backaroo or Greco TE-500, but both of those more visible brands will cost you almost double the listed price on this. Aside from the curious branding, it's also been refinished to a solid butterscotch hue. The neck has been refinished also, it's wearing a gloriously smooth coat of satin and feels superb in the hands. The flame maple board, bound in cream, looks and feels a treat too. Plugged in, this delivers a dark and rich take on the classic Thinline-T tone. I normally gravitate to a dirty amp sound on guitars in this genre, but this delivers a lovely full, warm, vocal clean tone that rewards a nuanced touch. All up: it's certainly 'nore than a feeling'
Model: Franpton Thinline Tele style
Made: Japan, mid 1970s, Matsumoku plant (no serial on these)
Finish: butterscotch blonde, appears to be a refinish
Body: sen ash, chambered
Neck: maple w/ skunk stripe and maple cap board, 10" radius, 25.5" scale, refinished in satin
Weight: 3.745kg
Mods: refinished, switch tip replaced, knobs replaced, frets replaced
Pickups: Wide Range style humbucker x2
Case: basic non original gig bag
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor dimples on the end and bottom edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, it's been refinished in satin and has minor dimples on the back only. The back has widespread light scuffs and checking lines, as well as a certain patterned clouding on the topcoat visible up close. The sides have minor scuffs and checking and some clouding all around the body. The front has a scratch below the bridge, as well as widespread light checking lines and scuffs and the same mild patterned clouding in the top coat. Overall: good condition (7/10).
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets look like they've been replaced at some point and are in pretty good shape, 8/10 for life left. Wearing fresh 10/46s.
