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Edwards is a brand name used by ESP -
the well-known Japanese manufacturer of high-end instruments - for a
range of guitars and basses only sold in Japan and featuring Gibson
and Fender copies. They do occasionally escape from Japan, but you
may not know much about them. Here are three links; the first
consists largely of rave reviews from people who have managed to get
hold of an Edwards guitars; the second gives a little background
information; and the third is Edwards' own Japanese language
website
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Edwards
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESP_Edwards_Series
http://www.espguitars.co.jp/edwards/index.html
You can also Google 'Edwards
guitars' and get all manner of sites raving about them.
Basically, if you want a quality Japanese-made guitar, but would
prefer one that is fairly new... Edwards offers by far the best
combination of quality and price.
OK, that's something of the
background, how about this specific guitar? These are the general
specs:
| Body |
Mahogany
back with Hard Maple top |
| Neck |
Mahogany - Set Neck |
| Fretboard |
Rosewood,
628mm Scale |
| Frets |
22, wide |
| Pickups |
Front:
Seymour Duncan '59 SH-1n, (rear) Seymour Duncan 'JB' SH-4 |
| Control&Switch |
2 Vol, 2 Tone, 3-way |
| Bridge |
Tune-Matic /
Stop Tailpiece |
| Pick-guard |
Not fitted to this model |
| Hardware |
Chrome |
I do not know the model number of
date of manufacture of this instrument. It appears to be exactly the
same as the current E-LP-92SD, but without a pickguard. There are no
holes for the guard, so obviously it came from the factory without
one fitted. Condition is absolutely superb - there is not a
photographable blemish on it! There is no discernable fret wear and
all controls work smoothly and without noise. Used guitars do not
come better than this.
You will have noticed that the pups
are Seymour Duncans. ESP/Edwards have some sort of tie up with the
much-respected pickup manufacturer. At the neck is their '59 SH-1
for all round classic Les Paul tone, and at the bridge is the hot-rodded
JB (for Jeff Beck) - their most popular pup. They sound amazing,
individually or together, clean or driven... and have bags of sustain.
I'm not really up on Gibson-style
neck profiles, and this may be a very little chunkier than the
Fenders I'm used to, but it is supremely comfortable. Baseball bat
it isn't! These were made for Japanese players. The action is low..
no buzz.. clear ringing notes only.
Any serious potential buyer with the
wherewithal, who lives close enough to come and try this out, is
more than welcome. If you think it looks good, wait till you play
it!
Unfortunately there is no case with
this, but it will be packed like the crown jewels. Trust me... I've
packed before.
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