Vintage 1960s Greco Model 950 “Shrike” Hollowbody – All Original w/ Case – Excellent Condition

Up for sale is a killer, all-original 1960s Greco Model 950 hollowbody, complete with its original case and in exceptional vintage condition.

This is not your average MIJ hollowbody—this is one of Greco’s most unique and collectible early designs, often referred to as the “Shrike” model.

A Bit of History

The Greco brand was launched in the early 1960s by Kanda Shokai and quickly became a major player in the explosion of Japanese-made guitars.

The Model 950 was part of their late-60s push into more innovative designs, exported to the U.S. through companies like Goya and Kustom during the height of the electric guitar boom.  

What makes the 950 special is its “Shrike” pickup system—a wild, ahead-of-its-time design featuring split-coil configurations and switching options that gave players a huge tonal palette long before it was common.  

This was Greco swinging for the fences—and it shows.

Specs & Features

• Body: Thin hollow / semi-hollow double cutaway
• Finish: Vintage sunburst (aged beautifully)
• Neck: Bolt-on maple neck
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with block inlays
• Pickups: Original “Shrike” split-coil pickup system (boomerang-style housings)
• Electronics: Multi-switch configuration for unique tonal combinations
• Bridge: Adjustable with vintage tremolo system
• Hardware: All original chrome hardware
• Country of Origin: Japan (late 1960s)
• Case: Original vintage chipboard case included

Condition

This guitar is in excellent vintage condition, especially for a nearly 60-year-old instrument:

• Clean finish with only light, honest wear
• All original components intact
• Electronics functioning
• Neck is straight, plays comfortably
• Frets have solid life remaining

A true collector-grade piece that hasn’t been messed with.

Tone & Playability

This is where the Model 950 separates itself from the pack.

• Wide tonal range thanks to the unique pickup switching
• Bright, articulate top end with hollowbody warmth underneath
• Can go from jangly and chimey → to thick and garagey → to surprisingly funky and experimental

Plugged in, it has that unmistakable 60s Japanese character—raw, expressive, and full of personality.

Unplugged, it’s lively and resonant.

Why This One

Vintage Grecos are gaining serious traction, but the 950 “Shrike” models sit in a category of their own:

• Distinctive design you don’t see every day
• Early Japanese craftsmanship from a pivotal era
• Increasingly hard to find complete and unmodified

And finding one that is:

• All original
• Clean
• Includes the original case

…is getting tough.

Final Word

If you’re after something beyond the usual Gibson-style clones—something with real character, history, and tonal versatility—this Greco 950 delivers in a big way.

Vintage vibe. Unique electronics. Serious cool factor.

No excuses, no stories—just a great, rare guitar.

If you want, I can also  dial this toward a higher asking price strategy (collector-focused) or a  faster flip version depending on how you want to position it.