1960s Saturn (Kawai/Teisco) 2-Pickup Electric Guitar

Tone: It's got a very retro sound. The pickups aren't individually much to write home about -- sort of an even, un-edgy, single coil vibe. The middle position (both pickups on) is pretty wonderful, though, as they're wired in series in that setting. This pushes the amp a little more (like a Danelectro in "middle" position does) and makes it a lot more fun to play -- it's more aggressive and snappy in a Jaguar-like way.


Feel: The neck is, honestly, a little clumsy. It has a medium-heft C/D neck profile combined with very low frets and an extra-short scale length. It's fun-enough to play in standard tuning but I imagine this would shine best in some variety of open tuning. That would give it a fun sound when put into a bit of a pushed amp.


Interesting features: The redburst finish over the mahogany-alike body is a great look and the Mosrite-ish body shape is pretty fun, too. The tiger-stripe pickguard coloration sits well with the rest of the design. It's also a lighter-weight guitar and, post-work, the whammy actually works decently. It's no Bigsby but if you treat it a little more gently than a Fender-style unit, it stays in tune fairly well.


Repairs included: It's had a fret level/dress, fret seating/adjustments, side dots added, added compensation ground into the bridge (for 3-plain, 3-wound stringing), cleaning, and setup work. The old wiring was on the dirty side but a little contact cleaner helped it a lot. It's playing well and is ready to go.

  • Maker: probably Kawai/Teisco
  • Model: unknown
  • Body style: double-cutaway
  • Weight: 5 lbs 9 oz
  • Scale length: 23 5/8"
  • Nut width: 1 11/16"
  • Neck shape: medium C/D
  • Board radius: 12"
  • Body width: 12"
  • Body depth: 1 1/8" (pretty thin)
  • Body wood: mahogany family of some sort
  • Bridge: Bigsby-like, archtop-like brass
  • Fretboard: rosewood
  • Neck wood: mahogany-like
  • Pickups: 2x original single coils
  • Action height at 12th fret: 1/16” overall (fast, spot-on)
  • String gauges: 46w-10
  • Truss rod: adjustable
  • Neck relief: straight
  • Fret style: medium-low

Condition notes: It's all-original save a few tuner screws. There's mild wear and tear throughout but overall it looks nice. There may be small scuffs, scratches, and dings here and there in the finish.


It comes with: Sorry, no case.


Consignor tag: CJ














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