Description
What makes this guitar special: This unique guitar is a perfect example of the types of instruments imported from Japan in the mid ‘60s. With 4 individually selectable single coil pickups, selectable rhythm/solo circuit, and individual volume controls for each pickup, this Kawai SD4W showcases the experimental essence of the era. Its chrome and brushed aluminum appointments certainly capture the eye, and combined with the tonal versatility, you have a guitar that absolutely screams vintage vibe and character. Plus, it comes with an awesome gold hard shell case and a professional setup from our in-house technician, so all you will need to do is tune it.
Condition: This guitar is in very good, if not better condition. It does possess some light surface scratches, as well as a few scuffs, dents, dings, chips and other love marks, but is in remarkable shape for an instrument of its age. The original frets show only light wear and still have a ton of life left in them. The neck is comfortable and the truss rod functions. The neck angles on these types of guitars are notorious for higher action in the upper registers, and this one follows suit, but it is not unplayable by any measure. The plastic bushing on the Low E tuner is cracked, but still functions.
Body: Double cutaway contoured mahogany body in sunburst finish. Chrome adjustable bar bridge. Chrome vibrato system with cover. Brushed metal pickguard with chrome finger rest.
Neck: Thick U shape set mahogany neck with chrome reinforcement plate (.96” at the 1st fret, 1.22” at the 12th fret). 20 fret bound rosewood fingerboard with pearloid “long oval” inlays. 6-in-line open geared strip tuners with white plastic buttons. Decorative chrome tuner plate. Aged white truss rod cover. 1 5/8” nut width. 25.5” scale length.
Electronics: 4 chrome covered single coil pickups. Individual volume controls for each pickup and a master tone knob. Each pickup can also be turned on/off with the rocker switches on the bass side of the instrument. There are also 2 selectable rhythm/solo circuit rocker switches. The electronics are all in excellent working condition.
Weight: 9 lbs. 1.3 oz.
Playability/Sound: The larger neck profile, while certainly on the chunky side, is not overly cumbersome to maneuver around. Thanks to the professional setup, the action at the higher registers is much easier to play, even if it is still slightly on the high side. The pickups have a wonderful lower-output vintage character that has a unique twang to it, especially in the bridge positions. The neck pickups have a slightly more rounded tone. Flip the corresponding rhythm/solo switches to rhythm, and another capacitor is inserted into circuit, rounding the tone even further.
Case: Includes a hard shell case and tremolo arm. The internal hinge of the case is broken, so the lid will open all of the way, and the lid to the storage compartment is coming loose.
