Stromberg Monterey Semi Hollowbody! SOLD!
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Here's a classy looking thinline! This recent (circa early to mid 2000's) Stromberg Monterey combines classic semi hollowbody tones and construction with unique uptown appointments. This guitar aped the ES-335 vibe so well that Gibson actually slapped Stromberg with a cease and desist order. Henceforth, they no longer offer this model as a double cutaway. Nice specs just like the guitar it was inspired by. The body is made of laminated flame maple and features a solid centerblock for good sustain and resistance to feedback. The 24.75 inch scale maple neck features a multi bound rosewood fingerboard with gorgeous pearl and abalone block inlays. Dual Kent Armstrong pickups deliver smooth vintage tones. A trapeze tailpiece, Tuneomatic bridge and Kluson tuners keep it rock solid. The finish is a gorgeous sunburst that really accentuates the wood. The guitar is further dressed with fancy multiple binding and a cool headstock inlay. A gorgeous guitar that offers a lot of tone and looks for the buck!
This Stromberg plays and sounds good for the bucks. The neck is comfortable and the action is good. The pickups sound nice for this price range offering smooth and buttery tones. The controls seem to be arranged opposite to what I expect, i.e. the neck volume is where the bridge volume is, up on the pickup selector is bridge. Kinda wacky but it's fine once you get used to it. Condition wise, this is a nice used guitar. It shows light to moderate pick and clearcoat scratches and playwear. Comes in a nice hardshell case.
This guitar is an excellent value. Stromberg makes jazz guitars in limited quantities and has nice attention to detail for the bucks. As nice or nicer than most boxes in this price range. If you're looking at an Epiphone, Ibanez or Gretsch, this Stromberg deserves your consideration.
