1970s Electra X410 "Jazz Strad" Semihollow Electric Guitar




This guy is basically a fancy-looking ES-335 clone. This Japanese-made model (and ones like it) under the Electra brand seem to have a bit of a cult following out there on the net, and it's easy to see why -- this guitar is quality throughout, even if it is a bit worn around the edges. It handles like a late-'60s version of "the real deal" with a fast, skinny neck and easy feel.

It was marketed with the "Jazz Strad" moniker and I can see why -- it's been given a healthy dose of class by way of upscale appointments over its Gibson brethren. There are big pearl diamond markers on the board, bound f-holes with multi-ply binding, a fancy tailpiece, and great-looking tortoise binding at every edge. Apparently, the Gibson-style open-book headstock shape points to this one being made in the first year of production -- 1976 -- before the headstock was changed so as not to attract lawyers.

Sound-wise it's what you'd expect -- somewhat aggressive uncovered humbuckers that can be jazzily-clean with a darker, woody sound (but still clear), or with a bit of drive... rock-n-roll mashers. I'm not sure if someone has mucked with the wiring or not from original, but the middle position is currently out-of-phase (that could be easily changed as desired) and so it has a decent mix of tones right on the 3-way.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, cleaning, and setup. The bridge had been moved a little bit in the past by someone to improve intonation but it's not evident at a glance.

Setup notes: it plays perfectly with 1/16" action overall at the 12th fret. The neck is straight and the truss rod works. Strings are 46w-10 gauges with a plain G.

Scale length: 24 13/16"
Nut width: 1 5/8"
String spacing at nut: 1 3/8"
String spacing at bridge: 2 1/8"
Body length: 19"
Lower bout width: 16 1/4"
Waist width: 9 1/4"
Upper bout width: 11 1/4"
Side depth at endpin: 1 9/16"
Body wood: ply flamed maple
Neck wood: mahogany
Fretboard: rosewood, bone nut
Bridge: adjustable TOM-style
Neck feel: slim C-shape, ~12" board radius

Condition notes: the hardware has corroded quite a bit and shows rust and pitting here and there and damage to the gold plating. There are small scratches and nicks and dings here and there but overall the finish looks good The back of the neck has one spot where the finish has rubbed bare after what looks like a nick started it. It's not obvious to the left hand when playing. The neck itself has two hidden bolts (you can see the patches) at the heel that run into the neckblock. These were made with doweled neck joints to begin-with (a bad idea) and so these are for reinforcement and strength. The joint is glued as well. Also, the original pickguard is long-gone.

It comes with: its original hard case in OK condition. It functions just fine but has some wear and tear.


















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