103 :: 1977 Anthony Zemaitis Custom electric guitar, made for Richard Scrace and inscribed 'R A S, Custom 1977' to the engraved truss rod plate, below a 'Z' maker's plaque to the top of the head, 24 fret ebony fingerboard, 'SG' type mahogany neck through design body with natural maple top, classic Zemaitis bridge and engraved stopbar, Gibson 496R and 490R zebra humbucker pickups with alnico 2 magnets, upper switch to reverse the pickup phase and the lower coil tap for both, within a bespoke fitted hard case Provenance: This guitar is being sold on behalf of Richard Scrace who ordered this guitar from Tony Zemaitis in January 1977. The guitar is sold with a complete set of hand-written letters and receipts from Tony, documenting the entire build of the guitar, from first specification right through to collection. Personal letters to this effect were typical of Tony when making guitars for his clients, as he always had a close relationship with those he made guitars for. It is common knowledge that he would not build a guitar for anyone he did not like! Richard supplied his own pickups and Grover tuners to be fitted, which is talked about in the letters. The pickups that are currently on the guitar, are later replacements, which were fitted twelve years ago. Danny O'Brien, famous for engraving all of Tony's guitars (the truss-rod cover and stopbar on this example), is mentioned in the letters. The 'SG' shape body is probably unique, however the vendor did state that another client had seen this one being made in Tony's workshop and had been in discussions with Tony about making him one as well, albeit with an engraved top. This is an exceptional example, in very good condition, aside from the odd light blemish and mild surface buckle rash. Quotes from the letters: "Your box will be made with two acoustics, one for a certain "Harrison" and one for a band called 'Average Whites'" "Please stop sending me money!! he shouted as the white coats carted him off!!!" "Best wishes, Tony. P.S - Garden lock has just locked me out. It's one of those days so far. Not to worry!" "Will let you know final cost when I receive the machines and check with Danny on the engraving to ensure that all is settled before 29/3/77" "It looks absolutely super - virgin white I think the car industry would term it"
1977 Anthony Zemaitis Custom electric guitar, made for Richard Scrace and inscribed 'R A S, Custom 1977' to the engraved truss rod plate, below a 'Z' maker's plaque to the top of the head, 24 fret ebony fingerboard, 'SG' type mahogany neck through design body with natural maple top, classic Zemaitis bridge and engraved stopbar, Gibson 496R and 490R zebra humbucker pickups with alnico 2 magnets, upper switch to reverse the pickup phase and the lower coil tap for both, within a bespoke fitted hard case Provenance: This guitar is being sold on behalf of Richard Scrace who ordered this guitar from Tony Zemaitis in January 1977. The guitar is sold with a complete set of hand-written letters and receipts from Tony, documenting the entire build of the guitar, from first specification right through to collection. Personal letters to this effect were typical of Tony when making guitars for his clients, as he always had a close relationship with those he made guitars for. It is common knowledge that he would not build a guitar for anyone he did not like! Richard supplied his own pickups and Grover tuners to be fitted, which is talked about in the letters. The pickups that are currently on the guitar, are later replacements, which were fitted twelve years ago. Danny O'Brien, famous for engraving all of Tony's guitars (the truss-rod cover and stopbar on this example), is mentioned in the letters. The 'SG' shape body is probably unique, however the vendor did state that another client had seen this one being made in Tony's workshop and had been in discussions with Tony about making him one as well, albeit with an engraved top. This is an exceptional example, in very good condition, aside from the odd light blemish and mild surface buckle rash. Quotes from the letters: "Your box will be made with two acoustics, one for a certain "Harrison" and one for a band called 'Average Whites'" "Please stop sending me money!! he shouted as the white coats carted him off!!!" "Best wishes, Tony. P.S - Garden lock has just locked me out. It's one of those days so far. Not to worry!" "Will let you know final cost when I receive the machines and check with Danny on the engraving to ensure that all is settled before 29/3/77" "It looks absolutely super - virgin white I think the car industry would term it"
Estimate: £5000-8000
Sold For: £7200.00
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Auction Details
Sale Date: 16th March 2017
Sale Name: The Guitar Auction - Including The Geoff Banks Collection