Edwards E-SA-125-LTS Cherry 2013
Edwards E-SA-125-LTS, cherry, made in Japan 2013. This is such a terrific guitar. Edwards is a division under the ESP umbrella, mostly offering vintage Fender and Gibson style models to the local Japan market. This model is based on the ES-335, but it's packing a plot-twist: the top and back are solid carved rock maple, rather than the usual 3-ply laminate build. That lends the guitar a whole lot of extra natural resonance, just like an all-solid acoustic sounds louder and better than a laminate. The neck is a moderate 60s style profile, which feels great, and that natural resonance and volume means every note and chord vibrates through your chest while you play. The semi-gloss finish pairs perfectly with the mini-block inlays, cupcake knobs and four ply guard, it looks classy. The Duncan pickups deliver the goods too: equal parts complex and clear, with exemplary width through the mids and a satisfying, tuneful bass. This is a better guitar in the hands than quite a few of the USA-made examples I've played, it's really quite something.
Model: Edwards E-SA-125-LTS
Made: Japan, 2013, ESP factory
Serial: 1324654
Finish: cherry, semi-gloss nitro lacquer topcoat
Body: solid carved maple top and back, laminate maple sides, centre block, thinline 45mm depth, full 397mm width
Neck: one piece mahogany, rosewood board, 12" radius, 24.75" scale, 43mm nut, slim 60s profile
Weight: 4.130kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Seymour Duncan SG-11 Custom Custom (bridge), SH-2N Jazz (neck)
Accessories: basic hard case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor surface scratches on the front around the posts, stand burn from a hanger on the sides near the nut and a small crack in the clearcoat only near the nut on the treble side. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some rub wear on the back only. The back has minor dimples along the back edge and widespread minor scuffs and rub wear around the whole body. The sides have minor scuffs around the whole body as well as a few dimples near the knobs. The front has dimples around the knobs and elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only