I will venture to say that in the world of reissue Fenders, the Cunetto relics rank at the top of the list. The realistic treatments applied by Vince Cunetto set them heads and above the rank-and-file Custom Shop guitars made during that period. A perfect example of the above would be this incredibly early, 1995 '57 Mary Kaye reissue. The early birds do get the best worms, you know.

This guitar has all of the earmarks of the earlier, Vince-involved examples and a few special details as well. The serial number, of course, is R0155 and the neck was shaped by that great Fender craftsman, Herb Gastelum. The guitar body is matched to the neck as well as the tremolo cover and pickguard assembly being matched to the same batch. I have never seen these designations on any of the later Cunettos and it's my understanding that they were markings of only the earliest guitars.

Another special item of interest/value is the designation of the guitar for the Yamano market. Of all the Cunettos we've ever had, this is the first time we've seen a direct marking of a Cunetto for that market. If the same thing applies to Fenders as Yamano's choices for Historic Les Pauls, then they only accepted the best examples and I understand why this guitar was chosen. Its craftsmanship is incredible from tip to tail.

The neck is a solid "V" profile and is substantial, not like a later, skinny '60s shape. The relicing marks make this guitar look like an actual vintage example from 3 feet away and the hardware is impeccably aged. As to the package, what you see is what you get. There is no COA or case candy, but we hope that these items not being present can be overridden by the earliness of the instrument and Japanese appointment, lending to the rarity of the guitar. It's in exceptional, excellent condition and will arrive ready to go, straight out of the box.

Please feel free to call, email, or PM with any questions and as always, thanks for stopping by!