Italia 15th Anniversary Mondial Classic, purple sparkle, made in Korea 2013. Italia guitars kicked off in 1998, offering a beautiful lineup that paid tribute to the stylish guitars made in Italy in the 1960s by makers like Wandre, Eko and Goya. This supremely saucy specimen was made in 2013 as a little 15th anniversary celebration model, so the already spiffy Mondial got a flash coat of purple and gold. It really does look unreal: I love a German carve, and those classic curves and snappy details like the cute inlays, brass frets and swanky tailpiece elevate the radiant purple to giddy heights. It's a comfy player, with a fairly slim neck with tidy fretwork and a certain ergonomic balance to it. There's two output jacks: one for the regular humbuckers, and one for the sneaky piezo pickup built into the wooden bridge. The piezo is articulate and snappy with plenty of pluck, while the humbuckers are smooth and dark and perfect for jazz or solo songwriter type stuff. It's hard to think of a more striking guitar we've had through the shop in recent times, this really does have some presence about it. It certainly put a smile on my (mon)dial.

Model: Italia Guitars 15th Anniversary Mondial Classic
Made: South Korea, 2013
Serial: 130339
Finish: purple sparkle, gloss poly
Body: res-o-glass top, mahogany/agathis back, rubber bound edges
Neck: hard maple, rosewood fretboard, 25.5" scale, 12" radius, slim C shape
Weight: 3.820kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Wilkinson WVC humbucker x2, Italia piezo active pickup in wooden bridge
Accessories: none

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor scuffs on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has minor dimples in the elbow area, near the battery box and in the middle of the body. The sides have very light scuffs in the elbow area and some dimples near the jacks. The front has scuffs around the tailpiece and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: excellent condition (9/10)

Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 strings.
Fret Life: 9/10, minor wear only